Class DescriptionHarbor RookiesHarbor Rookies is a one week course designed to give the youngest sailors in our program an introduction to the Chesapeake Bay and sailing. Optimists are provided and instruction will be done with two sailors per boat. The class is designed for sailors ages 6-8. Emphasis will be placed on fun, teamwork, and enjoying the Bay. Optimist BeginnerOptimist Beginner classes are offered in both full-day and half-day formats. The curriculum is the same for both sessions. Boats are provided, but sailors have the option of bringing their own. This class is ideally suited for sailors age 8-11 and will focus on safety, fun, and learning the basic skills needed to sail, including:
Optimist IntermediateOptimist Intermediate classes are suitable for sailors age 8-11 who have completed at least two sessions of the Optimist Beginner course, or an equivalent. Courses are offered in either a two-week-long, full-day session, or a two-week-long, half-day session. Boats are provided, but sailors have the option of bringing their own. Older sailors interested in racing should consider owning a boat. In addition to becoming proficient in the skills from the Opti Beginner course, sailors will also be introduced to:
Optimist Chesapeake RacersOptimist Chesapeake Racers compete in either Green fleet or White, Blue, and Red fleet (see FAQs) regattas hosted by local clubs throughout the summer. Parents are expected to volunteer time to drive to various events. Please contact the SSA Director for a provisional list of events. Students must provide their own boats. Classes will focus on refining boat handling and practicing other skills needed to become proficient racers, including:
Optimist Green Fleet ClinicThe Optimist Green Fleet Clinic is a new full day class for summer 2011. This will focus on new racers looking to improve the skills they have built up throughout the season. It will focus on starting and racing basics. This is a one-week class held just prior to the SSA Annual Opti End of Summer Regatta August 20-21. Beginner 420Beginner 420 classes are offered in two-week-long morning sessions for sailors ages 12-17, and returning this year is the option of a full day, one-week-long session. Beginner 420 class is ideal for older students with no experience, or younger sailors transitioning from the Opti. Boats are provided. There will be two sailors per boat, and both students will get experience both skippering and crewing. Teamwork will be emphasized, along with safety, fun and learning the basic skills need to sail, including:
420 Afternoon Classes:For sailors past the beginner level in 420s, afternoon classes are offered. Boats are provided, but older sailors, especially those interested in travelling to more races, are encouraged to bring their own boat. During the first two days of each four-week session, all sailors will train together before being divided into two classes: 420 Intermediate420 Intermediate classes are designed for sailors age 12-17 who have completed at least one session of the 420 Beginner course. In addition to becoming proficient in the skills already practiced, sailors will be introduced to:
420 Chesapeake Racers420 Chesapeake Racers compete in regattas hosted by local clubs throughout the summer. Parents are expected to volunteer time to drive to various events. Please contact the SSA Director for a provisional list of events. SSA club boats can be used, but sailors are encouraged to bring their own 420. Classes will focus on refining boat handling and practicing other skills needed to become proficient racers, including:
Travel TeamsFor those sailors who have already mastered the basics and are ready to test their racing abilities against the other top junior sailors in the country, SSA offers an eight week travel team option. Sailors must provide their own boat or charter a boat from SSA. Parental involvement is expected to facilitate travel, trailering, and chaperoning. The teams will compete in all local Chesapeake events as well as be expected to travel to competitions that may include:
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