Willow Bank Yacht Club

The Learn to Sail program concentrates on the basic elements of sailing. The program emphasizes the pleasure of sailing while learning about sailing terminology, safety equipment & procedures, boat rigging, knots, sail trim, and boat control. Lessons generally start with classroom discussion, but the majority of the time will be spent on the water. The main goals of the program are to have fun, learn the basics of sailing, and be safe at all times. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to sail a small sailboat with developing confidence in a variety of weather conditions.

YOUTH SAILING PROGRAM

The Youth Sailing program concentrates on refinement of techniques and boat handling confidence. Participants must complete the Learn to Sail Program and/or have instructor approval.

This program is designed for juniors who want to continue to sail with their peers, but not in a competitive format. It is organized to ensure all sailors have fun and continue to advance their sailing skills. Water Safety, First Aid, and more advanced boat handling skills will be taught. Introduction to and a chance to sail different types of boats will be included. Youth Sailing also teaches many skills needed by those wishing to join our Racing Program.

Junior Fleet is open to WBYC members from 8 to 18 who are competent single-handed sailors. Morning training introduces racing rules, starting, mark roundings, and tactics. Proper care & maintenance of boats, racing sails, rigging, & hardware is incorporated into this program and emphasized as part of sailors' responsibilities. In the afternoons, junior racers have the opportunity to race in a supervised format. Instruction will continue on starting, mark rounding, & tactics during & after the races. Jr Fleet members will host & travel to Optimist & Laser/420 regattas on designated dates throughout the summer.

SCHOLASTIC SAILING TEAM

For the past two years, Willow Bank has sponsered a Scholastic Sailing Team both in the fall and in the spring. The high school team practices several times a week and travels to several scholastic regattas each season. Although the primary scholastic boat is a Club 420, our team also spends time in Lightnings and Lasers to hone their sailing skills. Spring practise begins after the ice goes out and the lake warms up a bit. It is very exciting to have such a dedicated and energetic group of young sailors .

SAFTEY REQUIREMENTS
All participants must wear a US Coast Guard approved life vest (see tips on buying a PFD) when on the water. Juniors must be at least 8 years of age and demonstrate swimming competence a swim test will be conducted on the first day of each session.)

Learn To Sail - Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am – 12 noon
Youth Sailing - Mon, Wed, Fri 1 pm – 4 pm

Session 1 - June 30 to July 11
(Session 1 times will be increased by 30 min and no classes will be held on Friday. July 4th)
Session 2 - July 14 to July 25
Session 3 - July 28 to Aug 8
Session 4 - Aug 11 to Aug 22

Class sizes will be limited. Each session will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Junior Fleet - Tues, Thurs 9 am – 4 pm
One Session - July 1 to August 21

Learn To Sail & Youth Sailing

$140 single 2 week session
$120 each additional session or sibling
$40 boat fee per session for non-members.

Junior Racing Fleet

$250 for the Summer Season
$225 each additional sibling
$50 discount for members sailing their own boats