The Student Sailing Handbook Includes program overview, goals and safety sections
This handbook is designed as a resource to be used for our Sailing Program. This Handbook is a continual work in progress. While updates may not always keep pace with changes to programs, schedules, and the policies described herein, we will do our best to keep the material as current and relevant as possible. Comments, suggestions, and questions are welcome - input from club members is important. We hope that these programs will continue to benefit from a solid and growing volunteer spirit among MYC members and will provide a fun and memorable sailing experience for students. 2
Mission Statement The mission of the MYC Sailing Program is to instill a lifelong love and respect of sailing for the community, while providing the fundamental skills necessary for participants to safely advance in the sport as far as their desire, skill and hard work may take them. The program will provide a current and effective curriculum, developing skilled and self-reliant sailors who will respect others, care for their equipment and the marine environment, and will help fellow sailors on and off the water. The program will focus on seamanship, sportsmanship, and environmental awareness, as well as an understanding of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) dynamics of sailing. Through the sport of sailing the Sailing Program strives to build confidence through achievement in a noncompetitive environment; instill respect for safety and rules; develop self-discipline and responsibility; encourage teamwork and camaraderie; promote coastal and marine environmental awareness; and awaken interest in other maritime activities. Why Sailing? Sailing offers us a unique medium to teach more than just the practical skills of how to sail. Sailing offers peace and tranquility, along with excitement and adventure. Along the way there are many opportunities for personal growth and teamwork. There are few things more liberating or empowering than being in control of a small boat skimming across the water using only the power of the wind and a few simple controls. Our hope is that junior sailors embark on a lifelong romance with sailing after we expose them to its joy. Whether you just want to have fun times on the water or become a serious racer, there are many ways to enjoy sailing, and it begins right here. 3
Program Overview Students are required to wear their life jackets when on the docks and in the boats. In general, our Instructors are US Sailing Level One certified. All instructors, if not fully certified, are trained in-house in the same curriculum with the primary focus on providing a fun and safe learning environment for your child. Parents are expected to inform their children that proper self-discipline is required while in the program. Violations of safety or other program rules may result in disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal from the program without a refund. MYC is committed to maintaining a safe and positive environment for all participants. Parental Involvement Parent volunteers and adult volunteers are critical to the success of the MYC Sailing Program. Parents with sailors at all levels are highly encouraged to help out and get involved. Be aware that the level of involvement needed increases as sailors transition from basic sailing classes to racing. Areas to participate as a volunteer include: MYC sailing regatta support, fundraising, boat transportation, work parties to repair and service boats and equipment, event coordinators, etc. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet other sailing parents, and participate in your child s activities outside the home. 4
to teach seamanship and sailing skills, in a safe, and fun environment to enable students to acquire lifelong values such as sportsmanship, integrity, teamwork, cooperation, and self-reliance to teach youth how to sail to the best of their ability and interest, and to encourage growth in skill and competence through both individual and team participation develop a healthy respect for the marine environment, the ocean, and the elements to encourage the acquisition of competitive sailing skills in regattas and in races as this interest is driven by students to promote sailing as a lifelong activity to instill responsibility for themselves, boats, and equipment to teach seamanship and sailing skills, in a Program Goals 5
What to bring to class? Sailors are REQUIRED to bring and use the following: properly-fitting, US Coast Guard approved life jacket (PFD) with whistle tied on it (water skiing jackets are not permitted) lunch and/or snacks closed-toed shoes or sneakers (preferably sailing booties or the less expensive water-sock type footwear) sunscreen clothing appropriate for weather conditions (rash guards, fleece, thermal layers, spray gear, windbreaker, wet suits, sailing boots, beanies, gloves, are strongly recommended. Stay away from cotton!) sailing shorts water bottle Sailors are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to bring and use the following: sunglasses towel change of clothes hat or visor watch with countdown timer (Necessary for racing) sailing gloves (race team and advanced sailors) 6
Attire and Gear Life Jackets: Personal flotation devices (PFD s or life jackets) must be worn and properly fastened at all times when students and instructors are on the docks, piers, in a boat, or near the water. PFD s must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and must be properly fitted to an individual s size and weight. PFD s must be worn by students and staff when participating in any activity that takes a person into a boat or onto a dock, ramp, sea wall or launch area adjacent to or leading to water. The PFD needs to be properly identified with the owner s name and should be inspected regularly to ensure that it is in good functioning condition (no missing straps, torn zippers, exposed or waterlogged flotation). It is recommended that a whistle on a lanyard be attached to the PFD. If a PFD is in unsafe condition, it must be discarded and replaced immediately. Footwear: Shoes are required at all times and must cover the toes and encircle the feet. Shoes may be boat shoes, dinghy boots, water shoes, or regular sneakers that can get wet. This requirement applies to land activities as well as on-the-water time, and applies to students, instructors, and program administrations. Shoes should not have black soles. Open-toe shoes are not recommended for junior sailing programs. 7 Eye and Skin Protection: Students should have and wear adequate sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses. Students are responsible for having and applying their own sunblock. Sailors should also bring a water bottle and drink adequate water to prevent dehydration. Coaches and instructors will monitor for signs of dehydration. Other Clothing: A towel, and a change of clothing are strongly recommended. Shorts over swimsuits are required for girls. Rash guards, thermal layers, spray gear, wet suits, sailing boots, beanies and gloves, are strongly recommended for winter and race team. Stay away from cotton! Students Missing Class: When possible, parents or sailors should notify the club about missing classes, late arrivals, early dismissals, and vacations. Instructors should follow up if a child/student does not show up for class. VHF Radios and Cell Phones: A VHF radio system for communication is an integral part of the sailing program. Radios provide a means of communication between the safety boats and a link to the land base. The procedures for proper use will be reviewed with the staff each season. Every instructor will have access to a VHF built into the safety boat. Instructors will maintain contact with the land/club and the Lead Instructor. Each class on the water should have one working cell phone.
General Safety The following are general safety rules that are to be followed by everyone in the Sailing Program. These rules should be posted prominently in the Junior Sailing area. Junior Sailors will be asked to sign a copy of the rules and discipline policy, prior to the start of the program. 1. No students on docks without supervision and a life jacket 2. Life jackets must be worn and secured at all times on docks, piers, boats, or in the water 3. Closed-toed footwear must be worn at all times 4. No running or swimming (except with the permission of the instructors) 5. Students are not allowed on coach boats except as authorized by an instructor 6. No jumping on to or off of boats 7. Respect one another no physically or verbally abusive behavior is allowed 8. Use respectful language no swearing, foul, or rude language 9. No littering on land or water 10. Students must stay with the rest of the class at all times 11. All sailors must make an effort to sail out and return to docks together 12. Prior to drills, all boats must stay within hailing distance of the safety/coach boat 13. All coach boats and junior sailboats must return to the dock prior to sunset 14. No destruction of club, and/or private property 15. No smoking, drugs or alcohol allowed 16. Students must notify an instructor if there are any changes to their health that may impair their ability to sail including illness or use of medications 17. No playing on or near ramps and hoists 18. No playing with boom, hoist or crane 19. Watch fingers and feet between boats, docks, and moving parts 20. Club-owned boats must be properly returned and put away after use 21. Sailors must make every effort to avoid collisions 22. No cell phone use allowed during class 8
Swim Check Swim Check All students, regardless of age or number of years in a program, are required to take a swim check on the first day of class. The purpose of the swim check is for students to become accustomed to being in the water with their life jackets on and for instructors to get an idea of the individual s swimming ability. The below guidelines are used by US Sailing for the Swim Check of Small Boat Level I instructors. A similar check is suitable for most sailors 8 years or older. Students that are not strong swimmers may be allowed to keep their life jackets on for the whole test. Students should be in sailing clothes, including shoes (but not dry/wet suits). All life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. At most, only three students at a time should do the swim check. A Certified Instructor should be in the water with the students. The test should be conducted in the body of water where students will be sailing (not a pool), if possible. Swim Check Steps: 1. Sailors put on life jackets. 2. Instructor inspects life jacket and ensures proper fit. 3. Sailors jump into water with life jackets on and float (the purpose is to learn to trust their life jackets). 4. Sailors swim 20 yards in life jackets. 5. When comfortable, sailors get out of water, take life jackets off and jump back into water. 6. Sailors tread water for 2 minutes. NOTE: No one shall swim under docks or near docked boats. What if a student won t do swim check or can t pass swim check? Student cannot participate in any activities on the water. This may seem tough, but rest assured we make every effort not to turn anyone away. There s no time limit or limit on the number of attempts to pass, and sailors can use any stroke they like, as long as they are comfortable, can put their life jackets on in the water, and can swim the required distance. 9
Behavior Code of Conduct for Youth Sailors 1. Youth sailors shall be respectful to their instructors and each other. 2. Unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the water will not be tolerated. 3. Youth sailors must stay with their class, instructor, or designated MYC member. 4. Life jackets are to be worn on the water and on the docks. Shoes must be worn at all times. 5. Always clean up after yourself. 6. Do not borrow anything unless you ask the owner first. Personal equipment must be stored at the end of the day. 7. Stay clear of boat hoists. 8. Club boats may be used with prior permission of an instructor, club manager or club dock master. 9. While on club premises, youth sailors are not permitted to play with knives or guns of any kind, or objects of any nature that could endanger or harm another person. 10
Attendance Sailors are expected to show up on time for all classes, rain or shine. Discipline Generally we have had very few problems with children running afoul of the code of conduct, and we hope your children will abide by these common-sense rules. But when infractions occur, it is unfair to all the students if those infractions are not dealt with. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. The rules and discipline policy apply to all children and staff involved in the junior programs. Violations include, but are not limited to, breaking program rules, breaking club rules, inappropriate language, destruction of property, physical/ verbal abuse of another student or instructor, and bullying. 11
Parent Guidelines Parents / guardians are an important part of a successful Sailing Program. Parents should be involved and supportive of their children as they pursue the sport of sailing. In addition to signing your child up for lessons we ask you to also: encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example. make their participation fun. Support their desire to sail or play the sport of their choosing. show a positive attitude toward the MYC program and all of its participants. emphasize personal skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat and enforce the positive points of the sport. familiarize yourself with the materials required for your child s participation in the MYC program. (Parent Handbook, Course Descriptions, Calendars, Schedules, Policies, Duties, etc) On a special note, parents can assist with the movement of boats but are asked not to rig boats for sailors. Knowledge, confidence, and ability all come from your child being responsible for the routine tasks of sailing. It is also important that the sailors learn to help each other tasks. Please do not interrupt classes while they are in session. Parental coaching during scheduled classes is disruptive to the curriculum and lesson plan. Please do not coach the students. 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. Get involved with volunteer opportunities. It is the responsibility of parents and juniors to read, sign, and abide by the rules of the Code of Conduct. 12
Inclement Weather The staff will monitor the weather throughout the day and be aware of visual storm signs. On some days classes will not go out on the water, but sailing classes will still be held. The final decision on whether or not the students sail should be made by the Lead Instructor, in consultation with the Program Director, when possible. Wind speed (or gusts), wave height, and air temperature are critical factors in determining if sailing can take place. The Lead Instructor, in conjunction with the instructors, will assess the suitability of sailing. The Lead Instructor is the final authority regarding conditions and sailing suitability. Pick-Up/ Drop-Off Instructions All sessions include a published drop-off and pick-up time. Parents are encouraged to arrive on time or make prior arrangements for late drop-off or pick-up. Instructors must and will stay with children until parents arrive. Please be on time for drop-off to allow the class to start on time and get to all the fun the staff has planned! The sailing staff should not be responsible for babysitting so please pick up your child on time. Near the end of sessions, students are engaged in the routine tasks of derigging. This is a necessary discipline of sailing but not particularly exciting. Our experience is that a parents immediate presence diverts a student s attention and generally delays their opportunity to share the experience of the day. 13
Helpful Information Questionable Weather Although we re blessed with great Long Island weather and fresh breezes most of the time, fog or light breezes can occur at any time. The Jr. Sailing Program will begin at the scheduled time for each class regardless of weather conditions. All classes will be held rain or shine. If weather prevents sailing, alternative sailing-related activities will be conducted. What happens on rainy/stormy days? MYC classes are held rain or shine. Classes sail in the rain if the wind is not too strong, so students must bring appropriate rain gear and be prepared to sail. In the case of bad sailing conditions, appropriate on-shore instruction and activities will be conducted. Junior Sailing classes will not be cancelled because of weather. Fee Payments/Refund Policy The fees associated with MYC Sailing represent a remarkable value for the dollar, especially compared to the costs of most sports alternatives. The following terms apply to the class fees: Class fees are due upon registration. No refunds unless cancellation is made 10 days prior to first class. Required Forms Three (3) release forms must accompany the registration: Medical Form- No child will be allowed to sail without a current medical form on file. Liability Waiver Rules and Discipline Policy Form 14
Special Requests from Instructors We ask that you do not help rig or put away your child s boat. Knowledge, confidence, and ability all come from your child being responsible for the routine tasks of sailing. It is also important that the sailors learn to help each other with what they cannot do themselves. Parental coaching during scheduled classes is generally distracting or disruptive to the attention given to the instructor(s), curriculum, and lesson plan. We ask that while you are on club property or at a regatta site, you do not discuss topics near sailing students that may be a distraction or that do not help make the sailors experience more fun or more enjoyable. Politics and/or other issues not directly related to the ongoing class or regatta should be taken off the property or to another distant location. Communications between the parents and the Instructors and Program Chair is expected and encouraged, but in order to enable maximum instruction time for student sailors, the Instructors and Sailing Chair are available for parent questions only outside of class hours your cooperation in this regard is critical and will be much appreciated. 15
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