The Optimist is the club's official instructional boat, and the only boat used for "learn-to-sail" instruction. Once a junior sailor masters a specified set of sailing skills on the Optimist, he or she may choose to participate in the"racing program" or the "cruising program." Junior sailors choosing to follow the racing track advance through a series of Optimist classes designed to prepare the "Racers" for higher-level racing when they advance to larger boats. When Racers "age-out" of Optimists and have met all of the requirements to participate in our advanced boat program, they may choose to sail either the Radial Laser or the Radial 4.7 as their advanced single-handed boat, and they may also choose to sail the Club 420, the club's official double-handed boat. The cruising program is a recreational sailing program designed to encourage our non-racing junior sailors to continue sailing and to improve their sailing skills. To participate in the cruising program, "Cruisers" must demonstrate mastery of boat handling skills and sailing knowledge necessary to fulfill the introductory sailing requirements.

For more information contact Christine Dawson, Jr. Sailing Director at 609-399-6600 or by email: jrsailing@ocyc.org

CLASS OFFERINGS and ENROLLMENT CRITERIA

Opti Camp Opti Camp is designed to introduce future junior sailors to the sailing environment. Basic sailing information is taught informally. Classes feature water games and play designed to prepare the future junior sailor for formal sailing instruction the following year. Children must be 8 years old on or before July First or entering the third grade in September following the season, and must pass the Water Safety Test. Camp meets for three hours, two times per week for four weeks; one session is in July, the other in August. An eight week program is available for the Sailor who already has sailing experience and who wants to race Green Fleet. Participants in the eight week program must provide their own boat.

Intro to Optimist Sailing This class is the program's introductory or "learn-to-sail" class. Sailors must be 9 years old on or before July 1 or entering the fourth grade in September following the season, and must pass the Water Safety Test. Classes meet for three hours, two times per week for eight weeks. At the end of the season, students are evaluated by the sailing instructor staff and may be recommended for advancement to either Intermediate Optimist Sailing, Intro to Optimist Racing or Cruisers' Club.

Intermediate Optimist Sailing This class is for sailors who have completed Introduction to Optimist Sailing and would benefit from another season of learning and practicing boat handling skills, and gaining confidence on the water. At the end of the season, students are evaluated by the instructor staff and may be recommended for advancement to either Intro to Optimist Racing or Cruisers' Club, or, for the safety of the sailor and others in the program, students may be recommended to repeat this course for more than one season to insure mastery of the skills required to advance in the program.

Intro to Optimist Racing In this class, beginning racers gain basic racing experience learning to apply their sailing skills in a racing situation. Sailors must have completed Intro to Optimist Sailing or Intermediate Optimist Sailing and be recommended for advancement by the instructor staff, or must demonstrate boat handling skills as follows: (1) ability to sail around a course (tack/gybe/run/reach); (2) ability to name the parts of the boat and explain their function; (3) ability to get out of irons; and (4) ability to capsize and right the boat without assistance. Classes meet for three hours, two times per week for eight weeks.

Advanced Optimist Racing The focus of this class is on strategies and tactics, racing rules, right of way rules and protests. Sailors must have successfully completed Intro to Optimist Racing as determined by the instructor staff, and must have competed for one full season in the OCYC Racing Series. Classes meet for three hours, two times per week for eight weeks.

Laser 4.7 Racing To participate in this class, Sailors must be at least 13 years of age by July 1 or entering the 8 th grade in September following the season and must demonstrate the ability to control the boat single-handedly under various weather conditions. Sailors should have successfully completed Advanced Optimist Racing as determined by the instructor staff, and /or have competed in the OCYC Racing Series for one season. Classes meet for three hours, twice a week for eight weeks. Rental Boats may be used for Club racing.

Laser Radial Racing To participate in this class, Sailors must be at least 14 years of age by July 1 or entering the 9 th grade in September following the season and must demonstrate the ability to control the boat single-handedly under various weather conditions. Sailors should have successfully completed Advanced Optimist Racing as determined by the instructor staff and/or must demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge, including but not limited to the following : (1) ability to sail around a course under various weather conditions (tack/gybe/run/reach); (2) ability to name the parts of the boat and explain their function; (3) ability to capsize and right the boat without assistance; (4) ability to get out of irons; (5) ability to identify the anatomy of a race course (windward mark, reach or gybe mark, downwind mark, and start/finish line); and (6) working knowledge of racing rules and right of way rules. Classes meet for three hours, twice a week for eight weeks. Rental Boats may be used for Club Racing.

Club 420 Racing To participate in this class Sailors must (1) demonstrate the ability to work on a team; (2) have successfully completed Advanced Optimist Racing as determined by the instructor staff or be able to demonstrate the equivalent skills and knowledge; (3) have competed for two seasons in the OCYC Racing Series; and (4) demonstrate the ability to capsize and right the boat with a partner without outside assistance. Classes meet two times a week for eight weeks, followed by races on Monday afternoons.

Please note: C420 Racing is offered to sailors aging-out of the Optimist program who want to learn to sail and race a two-handed boat. C420 classes are scheduled to allow sailors to sail the C420 as well as a Laser Radial or 4.7. Class size is limited. If there are more applicants for this class than spaces available, the Program Director will select the class participants based on age and sailing ability.

Cruisers' Club This class is designed to offer continuing sailing experience to junior sailors who do not wish to participate in our racing program. This class will provide informal sailing instruction through the use of a recreational sailing/cruising format. This is not a learn-to-sail class. Students must demonstrate boat handling skills equivalent to those required for Intro to Opti Racing. This class meets for three hours, two times per week for eight weeks. Class size is limited. And students must provide their own boat.

The Junior Sailing Program runs in cooperation with the Junior Activities at the Club, which includes Wednesday Evening activities and dances, Junior Night in Venice , and the Junior Sailing Banquet and Dance. The theme is fun and friendship for all!!!!