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FAQ

Is there an Orientation Night? Yes. Thursday June 17th 2010 at 6:30PM at SSA. For beginning sailors, this will give you a chance to meet the coaches, receive new sailor information, and ask any questions you may have. For those in racing classes, tentative schedules of events will be available and there will be the opportunity to begin thinking about logistics for some travel events. This is also a good time to meet other parents in the program and organize carpools.

What is family night? Family night is open to any sailors and their siblings and parents who have participated in one or more sessions before July 16th. We will provide burgers, hot dogs, and refreshments, and ask that each family bring a dish to share. Instructors will run "fun races" and sailors are encouraged to participate and/or free-sail with their parents and/or siblings. This is followed by an informal ceremony where awards are presented pertaining to the first four weeks of the summer. This has been a huge hit in the past, don't miss out!

Do I need to be a member to sail at SSA? No. We offer non-member and member prices.

When should I sign up? Sign up early to avoid conflicts. For the past three years the majority of our summer classes have sold out by early spring. SSA members have priority until Jan. 31st, after which we operate on a first come, first serve basis.

What course should my child take? As a general rule: 6-8 year-olds should be in the Harbor Rookies class; 9-11 year-olds should be in an Optimist; and sailors 12 and older, or those weighing over 100 pounds should learn in 420s, or continue racing in Optis.

Do I need to own my own boat? No. Most classes use SSA boats, particularly at the beginner and intermediate level. This information is outlined in the class descriptions. However, if a class is full, bringing your own boat may allow us to fit you in the class.

Are there member discounts? SSA Voting and Associate members receive a 35% discount.

How do I become a member? Please contact Nan Walker at the SSA Senior Club office. 410-268-8744 or office@severnsailing.org for information.

Is there a lunch program? No.

It's raining, storming, cold, etc., is there class? We will always put safety first at SSA, but will not cancel for inclement weather. We have at least one staff member in the office at all times to monitor radar for thunderstorms, in addition to all coaches being trained to run safe, fun classes. We will hold class inside in the case of thunderstorms, but will sail in all other weather. Come prepared!

Where do I get sailing clothes? Annapolis is full of sailing shops. Some offer discounts up to 20% if you mention you will be participating in the SSA program. We recommend APS on Severn Ave, Helly Hansen on Main St., Fawcett's on Compromise St., or West Marine.

Are classes prorated if I have to miss part of a session? No. Every year we have to turn many sailors away and put others on waiting lists because we operate on a first come, first serve basis. Under these circumstances we cannot justify prorating.

Do you have a carpool set up? No. We cannot organize carpools, nor can we give out personal information of other families in the program. If you would like to carpool, our orientation night and/or the first day of class are good opportunities to meet other parents.

How do I pay? A $100 non-refundable deposit is due per class when you sign up. You can pay in full with a credit card online with our new website, or you can choose to pay by a check made out "SSA Juniors."

Who are your coaches? All of SSA's coaches are at minimum US Sailing Level 1 as well as First Aid and CPR certified. For more details about US Sailing certification please refer to the Training section at ussailing.org. Several coaches are also hold higher US Sailing certification and/or are former lifeguards. For more detailed bios please see: severnsailing.org/juniors/staff.htm

What about supervision before and after class? Please be on time dropping off in the morning and be prompt picking up at the end of the session. We cannot offer supervision outside of our normal class times.

Can I stay and watch my child sail? Parents are welcome to watch from a distance. Our experience has shown that most young sailors learn best without the distraction of a parent. All of our coaches are trained to run safe and fun classes, and appreciate being able to do so without parental input during class. Please ask the Jr. Program Director directly if you have any questions.

I lost my…? Did you find it? We have a lost and found on the porch of the Jr. Building. Please make sure to label everything very clearly with your name and phone number. With almost 400 Jr. sailors participating in our summer program we have a very full lost and found by the end of the summer. Unclaimed items are donated to goodwill at the end of each season.

What do I bring? Every day sailors need to bring closed-toe shoes (e.g. tennis shoes, Crocs, neoprene sailing boots) not flip-flops, a US Coast Guard (USCG) approved life-jacket, i.e. Personal Flotation Device (PFD), sunscreen, and a water bottle. It is also recommended that sailors bring a towel, snack, and change of clothes. There's a good chance that sailors will get wet every day. So that everyone can stay hydrated this summer, we are again asking that each family consider donating one case of water to the program to be shared.

What do the colored fleets for Optis mean? The United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) has organized sailors in different fleets, designated by colors, to make racing as fair as possible. White fleet is for skippers who are 10 and under. Blue fleet is for skippers who are 11 or 12. Red fleet is for skippers who are 13, 14, or 15. Green fleet is for any age Opti sailor who is a racing beginner, and is designed to give sailors racing experience before sailing in their designated fleet. See usoda.org for more info.

Is there swimming? Sailors will need to pass a short swim test on their first day. This is done in our protected basins while wearing a PFD and shoes. It is to make sure sailors are comfortable in the water. Also in the first two days of class, capsize recovery will be learned.