Sea Urchin Class (Beginner):  Age 8 as of Sept 1^st or entering third grade

The object of this class is to introduce younger children to sailing and to make them comfortable and confident in a boat and on the water.  Participants will learn the very basics of boat handling - boat parts, rowing, steering with a tiller, trimming a sail, boat safety, and the fun of simply "messing about in boats".   Students will sail in the 9-foot Dyer Dhow dinghies as well as the 19-foot Rhodes 19s under the direct supervision of an instructor.  Please note the Sea Urchin class format has changed to 8 one-week sessions.  Each session will run Monday through Thursday.

Mondays - Thursdays 1:00-4:00

Mate Class (Beginner):  Ages 9-11 (children entering 4th grade or 9 years old as of September 1st)

Sailors are taught in small groups in Dyer Dhow and Optimist dinghies.  They will sail with another child on board under the supervision of the instructors.   Students will learn boat parts, points of sail, basic sail trim, steering and general boat safety.  There is no prerequisite for Mates, however we recommend taking two sessions of Mates before moving on to the next level.

Mondays - Fridays 9:00-12:00

Bo'sun Class (Intermediate):  Ages 10-11

The Bo'sun Class is an intermediate class that builds self-reliance in and around the water for those who have successfully completed the Mate class or children who are comfortable with sailing basics.  Sailors usually sail alone in an Optimist and learn sail trim, sailing upwind and downwind, docking, rigging and de-rigging, and general boat maintenance.  Before moving on, students should be able to sail a basic course and return safely to the dock with limited supervision.

Mondays - Fridays 9:00-12:00

Bo'sun II Class (Advanced):  Ages 10-12

This class is designed for students who have successfully completed at least two sessions of Bo'suns and have instructor approval.  Students must be able to rig and de-rig an Optimist, sail alone in different weather conditions and dock safely.  The class will teach advanced Optimist handling, such as proper sail trim, sprit tension, roll tacking, and beginner racing skills depending on class interest.  This class will meet in the afternoon, when wind speed is usually greater than in the morning.

Mondays - Fridays 1:00-4:00

Ensign Class (Older Beginner):  Ages 11-14 (entering 6th through 9th grade)

The Ensign Class is a learn-to-sail class designed for older children with limited or no sailing experience, and covers introductory sailing skills in the two person 420 dinghy.  This class focuses on the basics, including steering, sail trim, sailing upwind and becoming comfortable on the water.  Students finish this class with a good understanding of the fundamentals and the ability to rig and sail a 420 with supervision.

Mondays - Fridays 9:00-12:00

Skipper Class (Intermediate):  Ages 11-18 (entering 6th grade or higher)

The Skipper Class is designed for sailors who have mastered the basics and are interested in learning more advanced sailing skills in 420s.  Successful completion of two sessions of the Bo'sun or Ensign class or one session of the Bo'sun II class or equivalent is a prerequisite.  Students will learn to adjust sail controls, get more speed out of their boats and learn to sail around a course.  Introductory spinnaker and racing skills will also be taught.

Mondays - Fridays 9:00-12:00

Mariner Class (Advanced):  Ages 11-18 (entering 6th grade or higher)

The Mariner class is designed for sailors who have completed more than one Skipper class and have instructor approval or Optimist race experience.  Sailors are expected to be able to rig and sail a boat with minimal supervision, and to be comfortable in both the skipper and crew positions.  Designed for sailors who are interested in learning advanced boat handling skills, but not necessarily in racing, the Mariner Class will teach many of the skills needed to enjoy sailing as a life-long activity.  This class will teach advanced 420 and Rhodes 19 sailing, including how to fly a spinnaker, as well as the fundamentals of navigation, anchoring, docking, sailing with a compass, mooring, basic navigation and basic boat care and maintenance.  The instructor may include basic to intermediate racing skills, including trapeze use, depending on class interest.

Monday - Friday 1:00-4:00

Adult Class:  This class is open to beginner through intermediate sailors.  Participants will learn the basics of sailing, including steering, sail trim, sailing upwind and becoming comfortable on the water.  The class will be taught in Rhodes 19 boats.  Come enjoy a fun afternoon on the water while learning and improving your sailing skills.  Please note that this class has moved to Fridays.

Fridays 1:00-4:00


Saturday Sailing:  During the program, all MSA participants may practice their sailing skills and enjoy a sail on Saturday mornings from 9:00-12:00.  Participants may sail the MSA boat they use in class; MSA instructors will be on the water once everyone is launched.  Please arrive by 10:00.