The MBBC Junior Sailing Program covers sailing fundamentals for new and
seasoned sailors, building toward mastery of a broad range of sailing
skills. Our US Sailing certified instructors, and multi-age program
allows flexibility in meeting the instructional and schedule needs of
our junior participants.
Sailing classes teach boat handling skills and seamanship following the
US SAILING Small Boat Sailing curriculum. Class offerings are designed
to teach sailors with entry level skills up to experienced sailors
participating in our racing program.
Participants must be able to swim. A swim test will be given on the
first day of each session. Participants must come to class with an
approved life preserver (Type II or Type III). MBBC has some life
jackets available to borrow if needed. Financial assistance is
available for any child with an interest in sailing and limited
financial resources.
Our Instructors are US SAILING certified instructors. Class sizes are
limited to a maximum of fifteen participants. Morning instruction is led
by two full-time certified Sailing Instructors and two assistant Junior
Instructors.
Sailing classes are taught in two-week sessions over an eight-week
period. Our small group instruction with multiple instructors is
customized to each sailor's ability, experience, and interest. Beginner
sailors are mentored by those with more experience with instruction
focused on basic skills. Advanced sailors will be given instruction on
advanced skills and boat handling. Weather permitting, most instruction
is on the water in our club provided Optimists and Flying Junior
sailboats. The integrated approach to sailing levels is reflective of
what we typically see in club sailing: Those with experience like to
share that experience with those who are just discovering this great
sport!
The morning sessions focus on non-race instruction for all sailing
levels. Sailors will learn to identify wind direction, how to rig and
unrig boats, basic knot tying, rules of the road, how to launch and land
their boat, how to steer, points of sail, tacking and jibing, capsize
recovery, man overboard recovery, sailing upwind and downwind.
Afternoon classes build on the basic instruction with a focus on racing
specific skills. Sailors continue practicing seamanship, boat handling
skills, and also work on racing skills including racing rules, how to
navigate a race course, racing strategies and tactics, improving boat
speed and sail trim, and starting. Sailors have the opportunity
participate in several out of town regattas as part of the program.
Many sailors participate in both morning and afternoon instruction. To
participate in the afternoon racing program sailors will need to have
their U.S. SAILING Small Boat Sailing Certification for Light Air (or
equivalent proficiency) and an interest in learning racing skills.
Instruction on Seamanship and Sportsmanship is emphasized for ALL levels
of sailors!
The MBBC Junior Sailing Race Team enjoys a long tradition at MBBC that
dates back to 1954. It continues to thrive and produce exceptionally
talented sailors, such as Nick Aswad, Connor Aswad, and Pete Hazelett,
who finished third at the 2006 Lightning Junior World Championships in
Finland. They join the ranks of Bill Fastiggi, Tim McKegney, Chris
Morgan, Andy Horton, Karl and Erik Johnson, Kate Brush, and Bretton
Gardner, all past participants at the Jr. Sailing program who achieved
great results in sailboat racing, including Sears Cup, collegiate
sailing, Olympic campaigns, and America's Cup racing.
Sailing instruction and participation on the MBBC Junior Sailing Race
Team is available to all members of the community that meet the age and
swim requirements. Class availability is provided on a priority basis to
members of MBBC. Remaining class openings are available to community
members. Non-members should register as soon as possible and will be
accepted for the requested sessions in the order received. Normally
about half the sailors are non-members.
Want more information or have questions? Please Contact:
Rich Miller
Chair, Jr. Sailing Committee
juniorsailing@mbbc-vt.org