GBSA CLASS OFFERINGS – 2010

Last year GBSA introduced a new curriculum.  In 2010 we’re continuing to fine tune the program.  We feel this new class structure will afford better training for the students, longer retention in sailing and racing for the children, a path for non-racing students that just want to sail, and a host of other benefits. Please take a close look – much has 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 and have a great time. Instructional level course can be taken in four week sessions; taking both four week sessions is of course encouraged.

BEGINNERS

At the instructional level, our Beginner students will be taught by US Sailing certified instructors who will introduce these young sailors to the fundamentals of sailing in Hunter 140’s, as well as to build their confidence as young sailors. They are ready to make this summer your child’s most memorable experience yet. With the leadership of Head Instructor Olga Goretoy, the 2010 instructor team has undergone rigorous training in sailboat instruction, as well as developing effective strategies for working with young children. Meets Monday – Friday from 9:00 until Noon. Open to children ages 7 and older.

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

SAILING ADVENTURES

Introduced last year with great success Sailing Adventures is the place to help children develop the skills to enjoy a lifetime of 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 a host of other just good clean on the water fun.  If your child loves the water and wants to sail but is not interested in the competition of racing this is the class. Meets Monday – Friday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Open to children ages 9 to above; Beginners recommended but not required for older students.

Curriculum: 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

Sailors who have mastered the seamanship and boat handling skills from the Beginner division that wish to follow a path towards racing, take that first step in the new Optimist Beginner class. Taught in the morning by the same instructors that teach Opti Basic Racing, students are introduce to the fundamentals of sailing an Optimist Dinghy and gaining a comfort level sailing by themselves. Students that excel will be encouraged to sail in Jr. Race Week at the end of the season. This class is now taught in GBSA boats, although students may bring their own. Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – Noon.

Curriculum: Parts of the Opti, Rigging, Capsize Recovery, Basic Sailing Rules, Detail and Master Close-hauled Sailing, while reinforcing Points of Sail and Basic Knot Tying

420 Intermediate

The 420 Intermediate class teaches sailors new to the 420 the fundamentals of sailing and handling the boats. The eventual goal is to bring these students to the 420 racing team and the NBYA race week at the end of the season. Prior sailing experience is required for this class. GBSA boats are used for class so boat ownership is not required, though of course students may bring their own. Class meets from 9:00 AM – Noon on Mondays through Fridays.

Curriculum: Rigging, Trapezing, Spinnaker Sailing, Boat Care, Capsize Recovery, and Basic Racing Skills

The tuition rate for the Instructional Division Programs is $625 per 4-week session. For both sessions, the tuition is $1100. There is a $25 discount per session for those who secure their spot in the instructional division prior to April 1st 2010.

RACING DIVISION

The GBSA Racing Team promises to be among the most competitive on Narragansett Bay. The GBSA Racing Teams are Optis, Lasers and 420s. The High School Sailing Program afforded a number of our racers an early start on the season and the outstanding racing coaches on our team this year will certainly provide premier racing instruction. All racing team classes are full eight week commitments; no single session registration is available.

OPTI BASIC RACING (aka Opti Green)

The first real exposure to racing is presented in Opti Basic Racing. This class is for students familiar with sailing Optimist Dinghies that are ready to make the move to Green Fleet racing and beyond. NBYA regattas around Narragansett Bay will be attended throughout the summer. Completion of Opti Beginners or the equivalent is a requirement for this division. Boat ownership is highly recommended, though a limited number of GBSA boats will be available just for classes. Monday – Friday from 12:30 – 4:30 PM; students are expected to arrive with boats rigged and ready to sail at the start of class.

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 and competing at the highest level both on and off of Narragansett Bay. Admission to the Opti Racing team is an eight week commitment, and requires recommendation from the coaching staff to ensure your sailor is ready. The team will race in NBYA events on the bay and selected regional regattas throughout the summer. Boat ownership is required. Class meets from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM four days per week with Wednesdays off.

Curriculum: Tuning, Tactics, Strategy, Racing Rules of Sailing, 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. The focus is on more advanced racing tactics, boat performance, sportsmanship and developing a more competitive edge. Monday – Friday from 12:30 – 4:30 PM; students are expected to arrive with boats rigged and ready to sail at the start of class.

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

LASER RACING TEAM

The Laser race team will be representing GBSA at regattas on and off of Narragansett Bay. Sailors must have completed the 420 Intermediate class, Sailing Adventures, or been on the Opti or 420 Racing teams. You must provide your own boat for this team.

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 at 401-484-7732