Sailing Lessons
Instruction in Sailing and Basic Seamanship in Bayside, Maine
Late June – August 2010
Learn to sail or improve your sailing skills on the waters of Penobscot Bay, off the charming Summer community of Bayside, in Northport, Maine.
The Mission of the Northport Yacht Club Sailing Program, is to provide quality sailing instruction and teach good seamanship so that our students can be responsible and safe on the water for life.
The Northport Yacht Club, with a fleet of seven 17′ O’Day Daysailers, two 23′ Sonar keelboats and a Vanguard 420, sponsors sailing lessons with fully qualified adult US Sailing certified Instructors heading the program. Our programs provide basic sailing and boating skills. New this year is an adult program and, as always, we offer private individual lessons and small group instruction for young and old.
Sailing School
Students who have never sailed before and those who have some sailing experience are welcome to enroll.
- Beginners are taught basic seamanship, boating safety, how to row, and are introduced to the basics of sailing. Once certain basic skills have been achieved, beginners may advance to intermediate “mate” status.
- Mates are then able to further improve and advance their skills and progress to a level of “skipper”.
- Skippers are often designated as the in-charge student for a sailing boat during lessons
- Junior Instructors in Training (JITs) and Junior Instructors: Students who progress to the skill level of “skipper”, and have demonstrated leadership abilities are eligible to train to become a “Junior Instructor”. Junior Instructor training starts for eligible, interested students at age 14. At age 16, if a JIT has progressed and met certain program requirements, they can then apply for a paid Junior Instructor position, teaching in Sailing School.
- Private Lessons are available for children too young for the program and for individuals of any age (youth and adult). These are scheduled by arrangement through the Head Instructor.
Basic racing skills are also taught and can be practiced at the informal “fun races” held each Thursday at 4:30. These races give students an opportunity to improve their sailing skills. In addition the club hosts two slightly higher level events for young sailors – the Walter Downs Regattas. Check out the club bulletin board for details.
Safety is emphasized throughout the program. We achieve this by teaching young people to be flexible; to be aware of changing weather conditions; to follow directions; and to learn how to interact and cooperate with others of differing ages and abilities.
NYC Sailing School 2010 Registration Form:
Lessons are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 AM till Noon. Fees are $30 per lesson or $75 per week.
The school also offers adult and private lessons – please check the yacht club bulletin board or contact the head instructor for details.
Registration for all classes is from 9:00AM to 9:30 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
A limited number of sailing lesson scholarships are available for local students. Contact Gordon Fuller.
Parents/Adults are invited and encouraged to assist the sailing program by helping with student registration, shore watch, races & post sailing activities, including our popular Thursday evening potluck supper/cookout held on the deck of the clubhouse after each event. Bring something to share! This event is intended to provide fun for people of all ages throughout the Bayside community – all are invited!
Maine has constantly changing summer weather conditions from cold and wet to hot and dry. To be a responsible sailor, you need to come prepared for any weather!
Students should bring:
- Every day:
Non-slip shoes that cover toes,
Life jacket or vest,
SUNSCREEN (rain or shine!) - For cold weather:
Rain/wind jacket,
layers for warmth,
a dry change of clothes - For hot weather:
Light clothing that protects from sunburn
water bottle, hat, sunglasses
For more information:
Danny Webster, Head Instructor:
610-761-8995
Gordon Fuller, Sailing School Liaison:
Phone: 207-624-2769 (cell)
207-338-5387 (summer)
Steve Kazilionis, Sailing School Liaison:
Phone: 207-653-1683 (cell)
Registration Questions:
Jackie Facey, Registrar
Phone: 207-338-3118 (summer)