10 Anderson Way
Gloucester, MA 01930

Sailing

Registration | Junior Sailing | Adult Sailing | Schedule | Racing | Club Policies

WYC SAILING PROGRAM

Committed to developing and maintaining age-appropriate sailing skills in a fun, safe and respectful atmosphere.

Ages 5 -7                       10:00 – 12:00      T & TH                    Harbor Mice         (4 hours)

Ages 8 – 10                   9:00 – 12:00         M & W                   Swabbies               (6 hours)

Ages 10 – 13                 1:00 – 4:00           M & W                   Crew                       (6 hours)

Ages 13 – 17                 1:00 – 4:00           T & TH                    Sailors                    (6 hours)

Race Team                     9:00 – 2:00           F                              Sailors                    Hours and participants will vary.

Adult/College               Evenings                                Determined by participants               (12 hours/session)

·         Only WYC sailing members are permitted on the boats.  Signed liability waivers are REQUIRED for all persons boarding any WYC boat.

·         All sailors must supply their own USCG approved life jacket, and must wear on board any WYC boat.

·         Students must be able to swim and will be given a swim test.  All students must wear safety whistles .  These are available at cost and can be attached to the life jacket.

·         Teens 16 years and older may sail with the adults, with instructor permission, when space is available.

All WYC Classes are weather dependent.  In the event of lesson cancellation, you will receive an email or phone call at your primary contact # listed on your registration form. 

Harbor Mice (Ages 6-7; T & Th, 10 - 12) The beginner class is designed to introduce sailing to young children. Harbor Mice will gain knowledge of sailor knots, parts of the boat, rigging, basic sailing and water safety. Some classes will be taught on-shore utilizing hands-on methods and other teaching aids such as children’s books, manipulatives and games. The children will progress to the Optimist Dinghy which has become the world standard for introductory sailing lessons. It has a simple rig and a light, durable hull.

Swabbies (Ages 8-10; M & W, 9 - 12) The emphasis of this class is on developing confidence and independence in rigging, skippering and boat maintenance. Second year students are taught more about boat handling, rights of way on the water, sail trim, additional knots and rope work, and basic navigation. Classes will be taught in Optimists and modified 420’s. Instructors will be on board or monitoring by safety launch, depending upon skill level and experience.

Crew (Ages 10 – 13; M & W, 1 - 4) Sailors will continue to improve sailing skills while they learn basic racing skills through drills, games and races. Weather awareness and an understanding of the fragile ecosystem that makes up the Essex Bay estuary will be introduced. The class is intended to teach sailors to be comfortable, safe and confident on the water. Boating safety and fun are emphasized.

Sailors (Ages 13 – 17; T & TH, 1 - 4) Emphasis is placed on sailing terminology, teamwork, boat-handling, the basic race course and rules of the road. The class is intended to teach sailors to be comfortable, safe and confident on the water. The sailing skill at this level should show an ability to take care of their boat from launch, through rigging, maintenance, and race preparation. Sailors will also practice docking techniques. First time sailors can be integrated.

Introduction to Expedition Sailing (13 – 17) This class is for confident, advanced Sailors. It is taught in the modified 420’s, but sailors may progress to using Spinnaker sails. Friday’s are spent racing against other clubs or sailing to destinations such as Crane’s Beach, Farnham’s and the Ipswich Bay Islands. The instructor will determine if the Sailor is ready.  Hours may vary.  Introduction to Expedition Sailing or Friday Regattas.