What should I bring to the sailing class?

• A US Coast Guard-approved Type III Lifejacket/PFD (pictured)

  • Loaner PFDs are available in limited quantities and sizes. We ask that you bring your PFD if you have it.

• Quick-dry clothes such as merino wool, nylon, and polyester. Please, no jeans or cotton clothing as it will stay wet and can be very cold

• Sack lunch and refillable water bottle

• Change of clothes, extra shoes, and a towel

• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat 

• Whistle that can be attached to the life jacket

• Close-toed shoes

• Readiness to learn!
  

What should I expect for the swim and capsize test?

Each youth class will include a capsize and swim test on the first day's afternoon. Sailors wear their PFDs at all times during the test. These tests are done with clothes and shoes to simulate what a sailor would wear if they capsize or fall in unexpectedly. Instructors will talk through how to right a capsized (flipped over) boat, and sailors will take turns practicing swimming 10-20 feet to a capsized boat, righting it, getting in it, then capsizing it and swimming back to the dock. The water is cold, so be prepared with a towel and a change of clothes afterward, especially if it is overcast or cloudy. We will go back to OHYC for a chance to dry off and change out of wet clothes right after the test.

Which class should I take?

Classes are registration is by age group. At camp sailors will be grouped by skill level within their age group. Please read the class descriptions for more information on who each class is designed for. If you have more questions on which class you or your sailor should take, don't hesitate to contact us!

I have two sailors of different ages who want to sail together; what should they sign up for?

For two youths of different ages, we recommend aging down and going with the younger sailor’s size or age. Please reach out to the program coordinator at oakharboryouthsailing@gmail.com if you wish to register an older sailor in the younger age group. The boats we use are designed for kids of certain sizes and we have a limited number of each boat. We want everyone to end up in an appropriate boat to have a good time and learn as much as possible. Another thing to note is that our youth beginning classes focus on each learning to sail their boat, so sailors will not be in a boat together.

For an adult and youth pair, our adult sailing classes are for all ages- we have had many people sign up with parents or family members and take the adult classes together!