Summer Sailing Programs

Ages 6-7

• Introduction to summer sailing classes for younger kids ages 6 – 7.  Trained instructors teach the basics of attending sailing camp and getting comfortable around the water.  We first experience sailing as a group aboard our Flying Scot sailboat, then play games with our SailCube trainer boats in the shallows near the sailing center. This class teaches water and boating safety, basic parts of the boat, tying knots, participating with a group, and rigging a SailCube.  Our goal is to encourage sailors completing this class to become excited about summer sailing and enroll in future sailing programs.

Ages 8-12

• A fun and safe introduction to the fundamentals of sailing.  No experience is necessary.  Trained instructors lead our new sailors through a series of carefully planned games and activities to build confidence and develop excitement about getting on the water.  This class is taught in our fleet of SailCubes, a pram designed specifically for new sailors. Typically, the first half of this class is sailed with two campers per boat then progressing to solo sailing with lots of support and encouragement from the instructors. By the end of the one-week session, it is our goal that your sailor be able to take you out in their SailCube to show off just how much they have learned.

•  Excellent fit for sailors with some previous experience and ready to sail a pram on their own. Trained instructors lead the class through a series of carefully planned fun games and activities. We aim for the experience to nurture sailors’ confidence through making new friends and developing seamanship skills. This class is primarily taught in our fleet of SailCubes, a pram designed specifically for new sailors. By the end of the class, our goal is to encourage sailors to try out and progress into an Optimist Dinghy or O’Pen Skiff.
  

• Ideal for sailors who have completed multiple sessions of summer sailing programs and are eager to explore more of the local rivers and bays while sailing fast.  Trained instructors lead the fleet through a series of carefully selected fun games, activities, and expeditions to nearby landmarks.  Sailors build confidence through team-building exercises while developing independent and safe decision-making processes.  This class is primarily taught in our fleet of Optimist Dinghies and O’Pen Skiffs. In addition to polishing their seamanship and sailing skills, sailors are introduced to the fundamentals of racing and navigation. 
  

Ages 13-16

• Introductory sailing experience geared specifically for ages 13 – 16 new to sailing. Trained instructors lead the group through a series of creative activities designed to promote socializing with friends, team building, and learning new sailing skills. This class is ideal for teens who would like to try sailing a variety of boats including our Sunfish, C/420’s, and Flying Scot. This class encourages sailors to share skippering and crewing responsibilities while exploring local landmarks around the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay. Our goal is to encourage sailors completing this class to enroll in a future sailing program.

• An excellent fit for teens ages 13 – 16 who have attended a previous sailing sailing program and would like to further develop their skills among friends. Trained instructors lead the group through a series of fun and creative activities designed to promote social interaction, team building, and improve dinghy sailing techniques. This class is ideal for teens who would like to try sailing a variety of boats including our Sunfish, Lasers, C/420’s, and Flying Scot.  Spinnakers and trapeze will be introduced should conditions permit. This class encourages sailors to share skippering and crewing responsibilities while exploring local landmarks around the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay.