CORE CURRICULUM SAILING
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Our Core Sailing Curriculum is the best way to learn to sail on the Long Island Sound.
15 & 30 hour programs, one/two weeks each. Our half-day programs run from 9:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm.
Sailing One- $485
Sailing 1 is a streamlined one week course designed to get students excited about sailing, and provide a foundation for Longshore Sailing School’s award winning Core Curriculum. Students will spend time sailing the beginner-friendly Bug sailboat in pairs and receiving informative shore-side instruction in the classroom. During the course, the students will build confidence as they learn the basics of steering, sail control, vocabulary, and all of the skills they will need to continue on to Sailing 2.
On the last day of class, the students will take a 10 question quiz to reinforce the skills they have learned. An award is given to the “shipshape” sailor. If your child is interested in fun on the water and learning a lifelong hobby, set your sails for Sailing 1.
Prerequisites: Ability to swim. Minimum weight: 50lbs.
Must be 9 years old or entering 4th grade in fall.
Sailing Two- $835
For those who have completed Sailing 1 and are excited to challenge themselves and develop their passion for the water, Sailing 2 is the class for you! In this two-week course, each lesson builds on the day before and provides the students with everything they need to go from curious novice to capable young sailor, while following our time-tested Core Curriculum.
Unlike the Bug from Sailing 1, the RS Quest has two sails allowing for the students to work together in groups of three to share the responsibilities of steering and sail control as they learn to navigate a variety of on-the-water courses. In the classroom, students learn the core principles of sailing theory necessary to becoming a confident sailor. Each student is provided with our very own Sailing 2 manual that reinforces the material covered in class.
On the final Thursday of the session, the students will complete a test to demonstrate everything they have learned. An award will be given to the session’s “Ship Shape Sailor”! It is recommended students 11y/o and under repeat Sailing 2 before making the jump to Sailing 3.
2 Weeks/ 30 Hours
Topics covered: Helmsmanship - Jibing - Tacking - Docking - Sail handling - Points of Sail - Upwind Sailing - Crew Work - Capsizing
Prerequisites: Sailing One completion or equivalent. Ability to swim. Minimum weight: 50lbs.
Students 11 and under are recommended to repeat this course before Sailing 3.
Sailing Three- $835
You have learned to sail, now it is time to learn to sail….fast!
After Sailing 2 taught the basics of how to sail with confidence, Sailing 3 focuses on honing the student’s skills/techniques on the RS Quest. The instructors will focus on helping the students sail faster and more efficiently. Each sailor will share a larger portion of the responsibility as they sail through our drills in pairs. On land, Sailing 3 explains the physics behind sailing, and how you can use these principles to gain boat speed on the water! Our own Sailing Theory Vol. 1 manual is included to reinforce the sailing theory.
There will be a written evaluation on the last Thursday of the session for the students to demonstrate what they have learned and help determine if they are ready for Sailing 4. The concepts in Sailing 3 are a large step up from Sailing 2. It is recommended that juniors under 13 repeat this course in order to master all of the material before moving on to Sailing 4.
2 Weeks/ 30 Hours
Topics covered: Sail Trim-Basic Aerodynamics - Heel Control - Sail-shape controls - Beach Landings - Capsize and self-rescue techniques.
Prerequisites: Sailing Two completion or equivalent. Students must be 11 years old. Students under 13 are encouraged to repeat this course before taking Sailing 4. 75lb. minimum.
Sailing Four- $850
Sailing 4 is a challenging course for juniors seriously interested in polishing their sailing skills. They will sail in pairs with other dedicated students on the RS Quest, learning many of the techniques that they will need to be successful on highschool or yacht club racing teams. They will be taught how to take advantage of advanced sail controls and changing conditions to get the maximum performance out of their boat. This class will involve intensive drills and informal racing. Students will work their way up to adding a third sail: a spinnaker! Sailing with spinnakers requires extra teamwork while adding extra power to your vessel.
Our Sailing Theory Volume 2 manual is provided to reinforce the material covered in the course. This class may be repeated for sailors looking for further skill development.
2 Weeks/ 30 Hours
Topics covered: Advanced Aerodynamics - Basic Navigation - Hydrodynamics - Dry capsize techniques - Drive and resistance forces - Racing starts
Prerequisites: Sailing Three completion. Students must be 12 years old. This course may be repeated multiple times for continued skill development.
Class FAQs
Is there a swim test?
Yes, there is a swim test on the first day of class. Adults need only take the swim test once per summer.
What happens if it rains? Can I get a refund?
We will be on the water in the rain. If we are unable to go on the water due to lightning/thunder/heavy winds, we will remain open to provide childcare for our students. Refunds are only provided if the weather prevents us from opening our doors.
Can I make up a class if I miss a day?
No, we do not schedule make-up days.
How do I know if I am ready to move on to the next level?
Students learn and pick up skills at different rates, and the best way to determine if you are ready to move on to the next level is to ask your instructor. In addition, students are welcome to call our office so we can help to assess which class is right for you.
REFUND POLICY
Full refund less 4% refund fee if cancelled 21 days before the course start date. Courses cancelled within 21 days of the course start date are not eligible for refunds.