SAILING SCHOOL FAQs
What boats will be used in the program?
Optimists - The Optimist is a single-handed, fiberglass boat that is easy to rig and easy to sail, so it is ideal for the young sailor. Yet it is not limited to the beginner sailor as it allows ample room for development, and is an exciting boat for racing, especially since it is so popular around the country and around the world.
Sunfish - The Sunfish is an ideal boat for beginners and advanced seamanship students, and is a perfect boat for adult sailing. This classic boat has been a mainstay of our program for many years. One instructor can comfortably sail with one or two students.
420s - The club/collegiate 420 is a high performance, double handed boat. It can be sailed with or without a trapeze and a spinnaker. The 420 fleet is a part of many junior regattas, as well as open regattas.
Do you need to be a member of the club to have your child in the sailing school?
Yes, family membership will be required to take lessons.
What do the students have to bring with them?
US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket
Change of clothes, including a bathing suit
Foot wear (closed toed rubber soled, non-skid boat shoes)
Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, jacket, whistle, sunglasses, towel
Are students required to take a swim test?
Yes. Within the first week of class, on a specified day, all the students will be required to take a swim test. They will be asked to swim approximately 50 yards, and to tread water for one minute. The students must pass the swim test in order to sail in the program. Please make sure that your child has a towel and a change of clothes.
Do you have lockers available?
There are not any lockers available, but there are a limited number of open cubbyholes in the porch for the use of the students. We recommend that the students stow all their personal belongings in a duffel bag or backpack. Please be sure to write your child's name on all items. The Southold Yacht Club will not be responsible for any lost articles.
Can students ride their bikes to Sailing School?
Yes. There is a bike rack located directly next to the clubhouse. Bicycles should be locked at all times and please remember that the Southold Yacht Club will not be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles, or for any injuries incurred on the way to or from the club's premises.
What if I have a question, concern or suggestion?
Any question or problems that arise during the summer should be addressed directly to the Program Chairperson. Contact information will be available is the club directory.
Will students be able to buy lunch at SYC?
Southold Yacht Club offers a Snack Bar. Members, guests and students will be able to purchase lunch and sit either on the porch or in the picnic area. Please note - This will be an unsupervised lunch hour.
How do I find out information about upcoming events?
There will be a bulletin board located in the clubhouse that will post upcoming events and/or on the club calendar. In addition, newsletters will be distributed to the students and reminder notices will also be sent home for special events.
What about inclement weather?
On rainy days, if the wind is not too strong, sailing classes will be held. It is essential that students bring rain gear and be prepared to sail. In the case of foul weather, whether it be fog, wind, or heavy rain, the final decision on whether or not the students sail will be made by the Program Director/Sailing Director. Land classes will be held if the Head Instructors decide it is unsafe to go out on the water. A text message will be sent if any changes.
Where can we store our privately owned boats?
Privately owned boats can be stored in the boatyard behind the clubhouse for no charge for members in the program (Note: maximum one boat per student).
May I bring a friend to class?
No. Sorry, due to liability, SYC has a no guest policy for any child that is not enrolled in the program.
How is a sailor's progress in class monitored?
All students are assigned to an instructor who keeps a weekly log and progress report on each child. The student's weekly, as well as overall progress is also monitored by the Head Instructors. Any and all questions regarding a student's progress can be forwarded to the Sailing Director or Head Instructors.
How long can my child stay at the SYC facilities?
Please keep in mind that the Sailing School is not equipped to supervise or handle sailors once their class has ended. New classes will be arriving, so please be prompt in picking your child up as soon as their class is over. The lunch hour will be unsupervised.
Will there be other non sailing activities in the evenings such as dances?
A committee organizes activities for juniors such as sports, dinners and dances to promote a sense of community our sailors. Please be sure to check the bulletin board in the clubhouse and/or the calendar on the website for updated information and a schedule of events.
