Lessons

The WBC offers an 8 week sailing program with lessons for beginners, intermediates, advanced and adult sailors.  There will be an orientation for new Beginner students before lessons begin (consult the calendar).  Lessons for all classes begin Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and run through Friday, August 14. 

Important Notes:

• Please consult the WBC Calendar for exact dates and events.
• For fees, please consult the dues and fees page under MyWBC.
• In order to register for sailing lessons, children must be nine years old on or before September 1. 
• Boats at the WBC are privately owned (with the exception of 420s which are used in the Tactics class).  It is each family's responsibility to arrange for a boat for their child's use in sailing lessons.   We ask that you have your boat arrangements made and registered in the office by the Wednesday before lessons begin.  Please see our Sailing FAQ page for helpful information.
• In order to participate in sailing lessons, children must complete the sailing swim test before July 5. 
• The sailing swim test entails swimming two lengths of the pool fully clothed in long pants, a button down shirt, and a bathing suit.  Upon completing the two laps, the sailor must disrobe while treading water, and then tread water for five minutes more.  The clothes should be light weight and easily removable because they must be taken off before treading water.  The test is administered by the lifeguards during adult swim.  This test is important, but the kids are allowed to take it as many times as they want until they pass.

Beginner

Teaches the fundamentals of sailing for novice and younger sailors. Sailors will sail in an N10 with one partner or solo in an Opti. Sailors will be instructed in rowing, rigging of boats, basic maneuvering, and safety.

To advance from Beginner to Intermediate the sailor demonstrates the following skills while sailing alone / independently:

1. How to rig/derig boat
2. Tie square knot, eight knot, bowline and cleat
3. Identify major parts of the boat including the main-sheet, boom vang, cunningham/downhaul, outhaul, halyard, blades
4. Sail upwind (stay close-hauled for the entire upwind leg, should not have trouble getting stuck in irons)
5. Let his/her sail out appropriately on the downwind or reach leg
6. Know the standard 3 minute dinghy start
7. Know which tack is starboard/port and port-starboard right of way rules

The overall importance of this test is to make sure that the child understands the wind. He/she should understand that it is the interaction between the wind and the sail that makes them move, and therefore they must pay attention to their sail, keep the right sail trim, and know where the wind is coming from.

 

Intermediate

Sailors will have passed the Beginner level and should sail solo in an N10 or Opti. Sailors will work on refining basic sailing techniques and building up to racing.

To advance from Intermediates to Tactics the sailor demonstrates the following skills while sailing alone / independently:

1. Sail an EFFICIENT upwind course. 
2. Show a general understanding of the shape of his/her sail, and how to adjust it.
3. Have a general understanding of the racing rules of sailing including windward/leeward and buoy room.
4. Show efficient tacking method (roll tack, switching hands behind back).
5. Have correct posture in boat
6. Sail in at least two off lake regattas. 

 

Tactics

Sailors will have passed Intermediate level. Sailors are taught the advanced tactics of racing using the club's 420 racing boats. This class races most days during lessons and is encouraged to compete both on and off the lake. 

After two summers of tactics, sailors can elect to try out for the Junior Race Team. To be considered for the team, the sailor should demonstrate the following skills while sailing a club 420:

1. Properly rig, launch, land and de-rig a club 420.
2. Set, jibe and dowse the spinnaker.
3. Sail a port-triangle race course, including start and finish.
4. Show an understanding of how to adjust his/her sails according to wind conditions.
5. Have an understanding of the racing rules of sailing as well as race instructions.
6. Show effective roll-tacking, roll-jibing and penalty circles.
7. Have correct skipper/crew positioning and weight placement in boat.
8. Sail in at least one off lake regatta in a club 420.
9. Have knowledge of 420 transport.
10. Have a willingness to practice, travel and compete as part of a team.

Note: sailors may use a crew of their choice while demonstrating these abilities.

 

Junior Race Team

Team members will have passed the Tactics level. The Junior Race Team is a competitive group of 420 and Laser sailors who wish to pursue competition on and off the lake, building team work skills and bringing racing tactics learned in previous years, to a higher level. They will learn how to make the Club 420 and the Laser go fast in different wind conditions, using strategy, tactics and tuning. While mostly focusing on fleet racing, the group will also learn team racing. Sailors will become well-versed in the racing rules, protests, regatta registration and boat care and transport. Team work and good sportsmanship are key elements in the daily operation of this team, on and off the water. The race team will practice three days a week in the summer.

 

Adult

Casual lessons to teach adults the basics of sailing.

 

Private Lessons

Private sailing lessons can be scheduled to supplement our sailing program. Private sailing lessons may be arranged for both adults and children.^* The rate is $40 per hour per boat. Members should contact the instructor of their choice directly to schedule a private lesson. Payment is made directly to that instructor. Instructors may only schedule private lessons during their off hours.

For the most part, private lessons will be conducted with the instructor joining the sailor in his/her boat. If a club motorboat is required, permission must be granted by the manager on duty.

^*Private lessons are made available for children to supplement our summer sailing program. They should not be arranged in lieu of participating in the sailing program.

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Regattas

There are numerous WBC regattas held on the lake for all levels of junior sailors for both the N-10 and Opti fleets. Check the WBC Calendar for dates.

For competition off the lake, there are several other clubs in the area where WBC sailors travel for regattas. Check the WBC Calendar for all the regatta dates.

If you have any other questions about the Junior Sailing Program please refer to the Sailing FAQ or contact the Sailing Director.

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Race Committee

The WBC has a very dedicated Race Committee that officiates at all the weekend races on the lake.  It is very interesting and fun work for anyone who wants to get out on the lake without sailing, and the committee is always looking for volunteers.  To learn more, contact our Race Committee Director.  There is also a Race Committee Handbook if you are interested in reading about the process. To sign up for Race Committee, visit our race committee schedule page.

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N-10 Fleet

Check the Calendar for all the N-10 Regatta dates.  The N-10 Association requires that all boats be weighed prior to competing in any official N-10 Association regattas. The N-10's must meet a minimum weight requirement in order to pass the test. Contact the N-10 Fleet Captain if you need to have you N-10 weighed for competition.  Please remember that ALL boats must be registered with the N-10 Association to participate in regattas. A completed registration form and the annual dues should be collected when attaining a mooring or signing up for the sailing programs, 

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Optimist Fleet

Check the WBC Calendar for all the OPTI Regatta dates.

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420 Fleet

GUIDELINES FOR SAILING THE WBC's 420 BOATS

Sailing of club 420s is encouraged for all qualified members provided that the conditions are safe and that the on duty staff is informed and available to assist in the event of an on the water emergency.

To facilitate the safe usage of the club 420s, the WBC requires that sailors pass a basic sailing test before using the boats.  This test can be administered by any of the club's full time instructors as well as other qualified members.  Office staff will help in arranging for one of these individuals to meet with you at a convenient time.  The sailing test will consist of simple rigging and sailing.  The rigging test ensures that the boats are setup safely and rigged correctly.  The sailing test would determine if the sailor is approved for sailing in light air or heavy air.

Once you have passed the test, your name will be placed on a list of sailors who are qualified to use the 420s.  (Office check in is still required before each use of a boat but the test does not need to be repeated.)    Junior members who wish to sail a club boat during non-supervised periods must be approved by the summer sailing instructors for boat use and must have a parent's approval on file with the office.

In all cases the club manager should have the final say as to who is allowed to sail the club owned boats.

Please inquire in the office for further info.

Check the WBC Calendar for all the 420 Regatta dates.

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Snipe Fleet

Check the Mystic Lake Snipe Fleet Website for more information on the snipes; including their fleet racing calendar.

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