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Programs Summary 2005
For more information call: (609) 494-4485

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Junior Sailing

Brant Beach Yacht Club offers a comprehensive junior instructional sailing program for children aged 7 to 18 (sailors must be seven years old by June 1 st of the current season). Yachting skills are taught at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels in four Optimist classes, two levels of Sunfish and Lasers and C420’s. The BBYC Optimist Series races will continue as part of the Friday afternoon Opti 3 and 4 class, as well as the Junior Laser Series during this time. However, all Optimist sailors are encouraged and welcome to race.

Each year our highly qualified head sailing instructor and skilled assistants direct our programs on and off the water. Each child is evaluated in terms of their current skill level and receives both individual and group instruction allowing them to progress as rapidly as their capabilities and interest permit. All of our sailors must be swimmers and each will be tested prior to being permitted to sail. In addition to the formal instructional programs, BBYC supports a full program of regatta sailing with the instructional staff providing on-the-water coaching. Included are our BBYC racing series, inter-club competitions and selected regattas.

Parents whose children are racing in BBYC regattas are expected to volunteer for safety patrol. Those who are going to regattas outside of BBYC must provide transportation of their children and boats (or trailer the club trailer) to these events .

For All Sailing Classes:

All students are required to provide their own boats for all sailing classes. There is an active used boat market on local yacht club bulletin boards and web sites. Local merchants are Moorehouse Sails and Colie Sails.

There will be days when our instructors will keep the kids off the water due to adverse weather conditions, so know this will happen, be tolerant of this, and know safety comes first. On those days when inclement weather prevents our young mariners from launching their craft, dry land instruction will be conducted. Boat maintenance, knot tying, seamanship and sailing rules are some of the subject matter for these sessions. Students are expected to have their boats rigged and ready at class time. Therefore you must arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the class begins. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS!

The Optimist Dinghy

Optimist "7's" (Age 7's)
(Age 7 By June 1st)

Although it is strongly recommended that age 8 is the “optimal” age for sailors to begin in an Opti program, some children at age 7 have already been introduced to sailing or have a keen interest and the maturity to begin sailing earlier. Opti 7 is 2 days per week. The objective is to introduce our youngest sailors to sailing while having fun. It will slowly introduce boat safety, tying knots, boat rigging and the basics of sailing. Parents may want to remain “close-by” ( not on the beach) during class time.

Optimist I
For 8 Years Old (by June 1st) and Above

Our beginning Optimist program is geared to teach fundamentals in boat safety, rigging and boat handling. Our philosophy is that students learn more rapidly by doing. Therefore, we will try to maximize their time on the water. At the completion of this course, students will be able to rig and launch their own boats as well as sail a course under varied wind conditions. They will have been introduced to racing by watching one of our club series regattas. The goal of the class is to promote a life-long love for the sport of sailing! Fun is emphasized at this level.

Optimist 2

Our intermediate sailors are taught the finer points of sail trim and boat handling skills. They are introduced to skills associated with optimizing the performance of their craft under variable wind and sea conditions. Our intermediate sailors are introduced to racing. Dry land and on-the-water instruction will include an introduction to racing rules and tactics.

At the completion of this course, our students will have learned the importance of proper sail trim and boat handling techniques. They will have a basic understanding of the racing rules and will be well on their way to becoming skilled sailors.

Optimist 3

The Optimist 3 program is geared toward giving our sailors the tools to become accomplished sailors both for fun and competition. The Optimist 3 class is for the more advanced sailor and meets 4 days per week. This class is the natural progression after Optimist 2. However, a sailor may wish to remain in Optimist 2 for an additional year if they are not ready for this next step.

In Optimist 3, students will participate in the “BBYC Friday Series” races as a part of the normal Friday class. Participation in the LBI interclubs on Wednesdays is encouraged. There are also many regattas on and off the island that we encourage your child to experience.

Optimist 4

This class is for the child who is serious about sailing and racing. Students should have completed at least one year of Optimist 3. The participant is expected to race in all the inter-clubs, the SCYC Jr. Commodore, Island Heights Jr. Olympics and other regattas selected by the instructors. The head sailing instructor will let you know if your child does not qualify for Opti 4. Classes will not be held if most of the class is at these regattas

Double-Handed Boats

Sailors interested in sailing a double-handed boat and who have successfully completed an advanced level of instruction in single handed boat are given first-hand experience in the management of a collegiate level boat. Participants are required to provide their own boat.

420-1 Fundamentals
For Beginning 420 Sailors

Our beginning 420 program is geared to teach fundamentals in rigging and boat handling of the 420. At the end of the class, it is expected that the student will understand both “positions” in the boat and be comfortable sailing. This is a two person boat and it is your responsibility to find a partner for your child to team up with in the 420.

420-2 Advanced/Racing
For All Other 420 Sailors

This class is for those 420 sailors who either taken the 420-1 class or have approval from the head instructor. Focus will be on advanced sailing and racing techniques. However, cruising the bay is also a part of the class. It is expected that these sailors participate in the LBI interclubs and other local regattas. This is a two person boat and it is your responsibility to find a partner for your child to team up with in the 420.

NOTE: IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH 420 BOATS, WE WILL COMBINE THE CLASS INTO ONE AFTERNOON CLASS .

Single-handed Boats
Lasers and Sunfish

Sunfish 1 - Cruisers

The emphasis will be on fun. Up and down bay sailing will only be done on days that the winds are gentle. It is expected that the student will have taken Opti classes. If the student is a beginner, private lessons are recommended to supplement this class.

Sunfish/Laser - Advanced

This course is for those sailors who want to advance themselves to accomplished Sunfish and Laser sailors. This class will focus on advanced sailing and racing techniques. Students are expected to sail in the LBI interclubs. The class will be sailing all over the bay in all types of conditions. We have combined the two boats to offer Laser sailors a class with less time commitment .

Laser Racing

A single course of instruction in competitive sailing is offered to our Laser sailors. The range of instruction is geared to the ever-increasing level of competence of our young sailors. Each child registered in this program should be an accomplished Optimist or Sunfish sailor. Students are expected to sail in the LBI Interclubs and other local regattas.

Laser class is a “most of the day” commitment. The morning class will begin at 11:00. The class will break for lunch and then sail in the afternoon. The class is a combination of physical fitness, off-the-water talks, as well as training on the water for speed, tactics and boat handling.

Tennis

Brant Beach Yacht Club offers a comprehensive tennis program for all ages. Our full-time instructor provides scheduled group and private instruction for all levels of players. Below are class descriptions for the junior program. Racqueteers: (Level 1) This class is designed to introduce children to tennis, help them with tracking, hand eye coordination and balance. Emphasis is on fun and success. Beginners: (Level 2) Limited tennis experience is needed. Class will provide basic tennis instruction while emphasizing proper stroke mechanics and basic footwork. Intermediate: (Level 3) A student at this level has mastered Level 2. Emphasis is on rallying and serving from the baseline. The goal is to begin to play real tennis. Advanced: (Level 4) A student at this level has mastered level 3. The student should have excellent knowledge of the game. Emphasis is on footwork, strategy, consistency and full-court match play.

Beginner classes will be limited to 6 participants per class. Intermediate and advanced classes will be limited to eight 8 participants. Our junior traveling tennis team will play matches with other participating clubs. On Fridays there is Junior Match play which will also allow the juniors to experience real play.

Swimming

Brant Beach Yacht Club offers swimming instruction to our entire membership in accordance with the American Red Cross standards. Lessons are conducted in six levels:

Level 1: Water Exploration
Level 2: Primary Skills
Level 3: Stroke Readiness
Level 4: Stroke Development
Level 5: Stroke Refinement
Level 6: Skill Proficiency

Note: Due to the overlap of programs participation is not mandatory 5 days a week. We will make every effort to accommodate lessons at a convenient time. Our young people 4 and up are invited to join the BBYC Swim Team and compete with other Island clubs for local honors and a great time. We offer swim team practice in the morning or afternoon to accommodate your schedule. For safety reasons, the club reserves the right to qualify children for the swim team .

Small Frys

BBYC offers its youngest members a chance to join in on the fun by providing an innovative program for children ages 4, 5 and 6. We will adjust the classes to maintain an even student to teacher ratio. Our Small Fry program features games, crafts, story telling, singing, field trips and more.

Sandpipers

The Sandpiper program is offered to young members ages 7, 8 and 9. It is a continuation of the Small Fry program. All of our teachers are certified.

Windsurfing

The class objective is to introduce the sport of Windsurfing to the participants. By the end of the class the objective is to be sailing the board in light winds and begin planing in moderate winds.

The pre-requisite for this class is to have completed Opti 3 and be at least age 12. However, some exceptions may be made.

Adult Sunfish Sailing

This class is a basic introduction to sailing for those with little or no experience. However, if you want some fun and sun and a little tune up, then please sign up. You need to provide your own boat. Also, we may not be able to offer the class, if not enough people sign up.

Program Cancellation Policy

All class changes and/or cancellations must be made before the end of the second week of classes to receive a refund.