Optimist Beginner Youth Sailing
Weeks 1 to 9 | M, Tu, W, Th, F | John R. Turney Sailing Center | Ages 7 to 12
This course is for young sailors regardless of sailing experience. Instruction occurs on the water, in the classroom, and dockside. Each day starts with a brief lecture on sailing theory, followed by sailing related games and at least two hours on the water. Education focuses on giving students the skills they need to operate a sailboat by themselves, including sailing terminology, boat safety, sail trim, identify wind and weather conditions, knots, capsize recovery, safe boat handeling, and the rigging and derigging of Optimist or O'Pen BIC dingys. The course content is repeated weekly, however, intermediate students have the flexibility to deepen their skills with an instructor's help. This course is perfect for any student who is looking to have fun adventures on Chautauqua Lake and learn a new lifelong skill.
Class Times
Students should come to class prepared with the following materials:
- Swim suit;
- Towel;
- Water shoes;
- Sunscreen;
- Sunglasses or hat;
- Light jacket or windbreaker.
Sailing Staff
Sailing center staff is trained annually and led by US Sailing Level-1 certified instructors.
