GBSA Youth Programs

GBSA CLASS OFFERINGS – 2012

For 2012, we are continuing to fine tune the program.  We feel this new class structure will enhance one-on-one instruction on and off the water, improve endurance and retention for racing students, provide a structured path for recreational sailing students, and a host of other benefits. Please take a close look – a few things have changed!

INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION

The Instructional Division focuses on teaching children the fundamentals of sailing – boat handling, seamanship, sportsmanship and of course how to get out on the water with confidence while also having a great time.

BEGINNERS

At this instructional level, Beginners will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing in our Hunter 140′s.  The curriculum balances in-class discussions and activities with on-the-water drills to build each student’s confidence as a new sailor.  The instructor team has undergone rigorous training in sailboat instruction, as well as developed effective strategies for working with young children. They are ready to make this summer your child’s most memorable experience yet! Meets Monday – Friday mornings from 9:00 AM – Noon. Open to children ages 7-12.

Curriculum (2 Weeks): Basic Safety, Parts of a Hunter 140, Rigging, Points of Sail, Identifying Wind and Directions and Basic Knot Tying

SAILING ADVENTURES

Sailing Adventures is a perfect option for new sailors to explore sailing in a non-racing environment. Every day will bring something different, fun, and educational – from sailing the variety of boats owned by GBSA, to various trips on larger boats, sailing related games and activities, and just good clean fun out on the water.  If your child loves the water and wants to sail, but is not interested competitive racing, then this is your class.  Meets Monday – Friday afternoons from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  Open to children ages 9 and older; recommended in combination with Beginners or 420 Beginners, but not required.

Curriculum (2 weeks): Basic Safety, Parts of the Boat, Basic Rules of the Road, Basic Navigation, Basic Seamanship, Boat Care, Knot Tying, and Ability to Sail a Variety of Boats (shapes and sizes)

OPTI BEGINNERS

Students who have mastered the seamanship and boat handling skills from the Beginner class, can move up to the Optimist Beginner class to experience handling a sail boat by themselves.  Opti Beginners will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing the Optimist pram solo and gain a comfort level sailing alone. This class is taught in GBSA boats, although students may bring their own.  Meets Monday – Friday mornings from 9:00 AM – Noon.  Open to children age 8 and older.

Curriculum (4 weeks): Parts of the Opti, Rigging, Capsize Recovery, Basic Rules of the Road, Mastery of Close-hauled Sailing while reinforcing Points of Sail, and Basic Knot Tying

420 BEGINNER

420 Beginners will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing and how to handle a two-person, two-sailed boat.  The curriculum balances in-class discussions with on-the-water drills to build each student’s skill as both a skipper and a crew.  This class is taught in GBSA boats, so private ownership is not required.    Meets Monday – Friday mornings from 9:00 AM – Noon . Open to children ages 13 and older.

Curriculum (4 Weeks): Parts of the 420, Rigging, Capsize Recovery, Basic Rules of the Road, Mastery of Close-hauled Sailing while reinforcing Points of Sail, Basic Knot Tying, and Brief Intro to Trapeze and Spinnaker Techniques

420 INTERMEDIATE

The 420 Intermediate class builds upon the basics learned in the 420 Beginner class.  By the end of the session, a 420 Intermediate should be able to trapeze, fly a spinnaker and get around a race course confidently as both a skipper and crew.  The ultimate goal is to have these students ready to move up to the 420 Racing Team and compete in the NBYA Race Week at the end of the summer.  Prior sailing experience is required for this class. This class is taught in GBSA boats, although students may bring their own.    Meets Monday – Friday afternoons from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Open to children ages 13 and older.

Curriculum(4 Weeks): Detailed Parts of the 420, Basic Tuning, Mastery of Points of Sail, Intro to Trapeze and Spinnaker Techniques, Intro to Racing Rules, and Sportsmanship

 

FULL DAY OPTIONS (aka COMBO PAKS)

Sign up your student for a morning class and an afternoon class (on the same day) and save 50% on the second class.  This is a popular option for students looking for full day instruction.  Choose a morning class (Beginners, Opti-Beginners or 420 Beginners) and an afternoon class (Sailing Adventures, 420 Intermediate).

INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION TUITION

  • 2 week program – $350 one class / $525 combo pak
  • 4 week program – $625 one class / $937.50 combo pak
  • 8 week program – $1100 one class / $1650 combo pak

There is a $25 discount if you sign up for a minimum of 4 weeks and you pay by April 1st 2012.

Session Dates
2 Week Programs – June 25-July 6, July 9 – July 20, July 23 – Aug 3, Aug 6 – Aug 17
4 Week Programs – June 25 – July 20,  July 23 – Aug 17
8 Week Program – June 25 – Aug 17

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the start of the program will be assessed a $30 administrative fee, with the balance refunded.  Refunds will not be granted within 3 weeks of the starting date of the program.

Waiting List: Students will be placed in the class of their choice on a first come, first served basis.  Once a class has been filled, we will add students to the waiting list and fill those spots as they become available.  Please be sure to complete your registration and submit payment to secure your spot.  Your child is not confirmed as registered in a class until tuition is paid in full

Financial Aid – Financial aid is available.  Each year GBSA gives need based scholarships to students who would like to participate but can not afford the cost.  Application for financial aid is made in writing.  Download the financial aid application.

RACING DIVISION

The GBSA Racing Team promises to be among the most competitive on Narragansett Bay. The GBSA Racing Teams include Optis, Lasers and 420s. The High School Sailing Program afforded a number of our racers to an early start on the season and the outstanding racing coaches on our Staff this year will provide premier racing instruction.  All racing classes are eight weeks long and meet 9:00AM – 4:00PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (Wednesday off).

OPTI BASIC RACING (aka Opti Green)

The first real exposure to racing is presented in Opti Green.   This class is for students who have a firm grasp on the points of sail and solo boat handling skills from the Opti Beginner class, and are ready to move up to Green Fleet racing and beyond.  Students will travel to various NBYA regattas around Narragansett Bay throughout the summer.  Private boat ownership (or leasing for the season) is highly recommended, although a limited number of GBSA boats will be available for just classes.    Meets from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM four days per week with Wednesdays off.  Open to children ages 9-13.

Curriculum: Detailed Parts of the Boat, Basic Tuning, Basic Racing Skills, Racing Rules, Basic Regatta Prep, and Sportsmanship

OPTI RACING TEAM

The focus of the Opti Racing Team is to get GBSA students racing competitively at the highest level both on and outside of Narragansett Bay.  Admission into the Opti Racing team requires a recommendation from the coaching staff to ensure your sailor is ready. The team will compete in all NBYA sponsored regattas on the Bay and selected regional regattas throughout the summer. Students must provide their own boat (leased boats are available).  Meets from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM four days per week with Wednesdays off. Open to children ages 10-15.

Curriculum: Tuning, Tactics, Strategy, In Depth Racing Rules, Protest Prep, Regatta Prep, Team Racing and Sportsmanship

420 RACING TEAM

The 420 race team will be representing GBSA at regattas on and off of Narragansett Bay. Sailors must have completed 420 Intermediate instruction or been part of the Opti or Laser Racing teams. You must provide your own boat for this team.  (Leasing information available here) The focus is on more advanced racing tactics, boat performance, sportsmanship and developing a more competitive edge.  Class meets from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM four days per week with Wednesdays off.

Curriculum: Tuning, Boat-handling, Tactics, Strategy, Racing Rules of Sailing, Protest Prep, Regatta Prep, Team Racing and Sportsmanship

LASER RACING TEAM

The focus of the Laser Racing Team is to get GBSA students racing competitively at the highest level both on and outside of Narragansett Bay.  Admission into the Laser Racing team requires a recommendation from the coaching staff and students must have completed Opti Racing or 420 Racing to be considered. The team will compete in all NBYA sponsored regattas on the Bay and selected regional regattas throughout the summer.  Students must provide their own boat (leased boats are available).  Meets from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM four days per week with Wednesdays off. Open to children ages 13 and older

Curriculum: Tuning, Boat-handling, Tactics, Strategy, Racing Rules of Sailing, Protest Prep, Regatta Prep, Team Racing and Sportsmanship

The tuition rate for the Racing Program is $1100 for the 8-week session.

Cancellations up to 3 weeks before the start of the program will be assessed a $30 administrative fee, with the balance refunded.  Refunds will not be granted within 3 weeks of the starting date of the program.

Waiting List: Students will be placed in the class of their choice on a first come, first served basis.  Once a class has been filled, we will add students to the waiting list and fill those spots as they become available.  Please be sure to complete your registration and submit payment to secure your spot.  Your child is not confirmed as registered in a class until tuition is paid in full

Questions??  please contact Maggie Elson, GBSA registrar via e mail at registrar@gbsa.info or by phone at 401-484-7732