WHAT BOATS WILL BE USED IN THE PROGRAM?

VANGUARD PRAM. The Pram is a single-handed, fiberglass boat that is easy to rig and easy to sail. It was designed to perform like an Optimist and so is ideal for the young sailor.

SONAR. The 23' Sonar one-design keelboat has something for everybody. The Sonar is a comfortable day sailor just right for getting a group of five kids onto the water with space for the instructor on the boat. The kids can learn all aspects of sailing including sail trim, helming, and navigation.

WHAT DO THE CHILDREN HAVE TO BRING WITH THEM?

US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket.

Change of clothes, including a bathing suit.

Footwear (rubber soled, non-skid boat shoes or Aquasocks).

Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, jacket, sunglasses, towel.

ARE THE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO TAKE A SWIM TEST?

Within the first week of class, on a specified day, all the students will be required to take a swim test. They will be asked to swim approximately 20 yards, and to tread water for one minute. The students must pass the swim test in order to sail in the program. Please make sure that your child has a towel and a change of clothes, and is aware of the swim test requirement.

HOW LONG CAN MY CHILD STAY AT THE BYC FACILITIES?

Please keep in mind that the Junior Sailing Program is not equipped to supervise or handle sailors once their class has ended, so please be prompt in picking your child up as soon as their class is over.

DO YOU HAVE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?

There are not any lockers available, but there are is some space in the Yardarm building.  We recommend that the students stow all their personal belongings in a duffel bag or backpack, which can be taken with them or stored in the sailing office.

WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION, CONCERN OR SUGGESTION?

Any question or problems that arise during the summer should be addressed directly to the Program Director who will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The sailing office has a phone with voicemail that can be reached via the front desk at the BYC (781) 631-3100; alternatively you can email the program director instructors AT bostonyachtclub.net, or reach the sailing committee at sailingcomm AT bostonyachtclub.net

WILL MY CHILD BE ABLE TO BUY LUNCH AT THE BYC?

Please note that lunch time is not supervised at the BYC and there are no arrangements made to make lunch available for the kids.

HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF AND MY CHILD FOR THE COURSE?

One week before the course starts there will be an orientation evening at the BYC, where you will get to meet the instructors and talk through any questions or concerns you may have.

WHAT ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER?

On rainy days, if the wind is not too strong, sailing classes will be held. It is essential that students bring rain gear and be prepared to sail. In the case of foul weather, is it fog, wind, or heavy rain, the final decision on whether or not the students sail will be made by the Program Director. Land classes will be held if the Program Director decides it is unsafe to go out on the water.

WHERE CAN WE STORE OUR PRIVATELY OWNED BOATS?

We have limited space for privately owned Optis.   If you would like to sail your own Opti during the course rather than a club one please let the Program Director know so that they can make arrangements. This is only available for the period that you are taking classes.

MAY I BRING A FRIEND TO CLASS?

No. Sorry, due to liability, BYC Junior Program has a no guest policy for any child that is not enrolled in the program.

HOW IS A SAILOR’S PROGRESS IN CLASS MONITORED?

All students are assigned to an instructor who keeps a daily log and progress report on each child.

WILL THERE BE ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN SAILING?

Although the primary purpose of the program is to foster the love of sailing, at times it is appropriate to have some other activity – a celebratory ice-cream trip – this is at the discretion of the program director.

STUDENTS MISSING CLASS

Please remember to advise the Program Director if your child will be missing a class on certain days.  This will make sure that the other children are not waiting around unnecessarily.

SNOW DAYS/SCHOOL CALENDAR

In the event that the school year is extended due to snow days, any missed sailing days at the beginning of the program will be made up on Fridays.