When does class start?
For the 2005 summer season...
July 11-22 Beginner Pram Class
July 25-August 5 Advanced Pram Class
August 8-19 Sunfish Class
| Beginner Prams For ages 8-16. All participants must pass swim test to be admitted. | Classes start July 7th and will be held Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm for two consecutive weeks. | Skills to Master
identify wind direction - rigging/unrigging - departure/landing - steering - safety position-tacking - points of sail - jibing - capsize recovery - overboard recovery - getting out of irons - upwind sailing |
| Advanced Prams For ages 10-16. Must have completed all skills in the beginner class | Two-week class in August. Same time frame as above | Skills include Rules of the road - timing the starting line - the 360/720 rule - using the compass - navigation - positioning of tell tales on sails- field trips to other beaches and refinement of racing skills |
Each day is organized into 4 sections:
9am-10am Begin the day with, attendance, "chalk talk", reading and using sailing textbook ("Start Sailing Right") to present concepts of the day. New vocabulary is introduced. Land drills and "team building" exercises reinforce the new material covered.
10am-12pm Put theory into practice. This is "on the water" time. The children will take turns mastering maneuvers on the boats starting with the simplest exercises. Please refer to the checksheet for a listing of all skills each child is expected to master.
12pm-1pm Lunch- Children will stay out of the sun and water during this hottest part of the day.
1pm-2pm More "chalk talk" and videotapes produced by the US Sailing Association. The tapes correspond with chapters in the text. Analysis of the morning sailing session, fine tuning, reviewing maneuvers and homework assignments will be given.
2pm-3pm More sailing time practicing maneuvers. Put away equipment and final reinforcement.
Who is Eligible to enroll?
FCB actively recruits children who attend Virgin Islands Public Schools and seeks referrals from the VI Department of Human Services, as well as other government agencies. However, if space is available, any child between the ages of 8-16 may register.
What is the cost?
This summer the cost is $150 per student with a $50 deposit. Some scholarships will be available. For scholarship recipients, the registration fee is $25. In addition, a $50 deposit is required and may be returned at the end of an accident-free class. Parents are responsible for purchasing a life jacket, water shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
How do I know if my child is ready?
Many, but not all, eight year olds are mature enough to excel. After the fit and comfort of the life jackets are tested a swim test is given. They must swim any style approximately 50 yards to a raft in water that is over their heads. There is no time limit. The purpose of this test is to see how comfortable the child is in the water.
What about capsizing? (tipping over)
On the first day of class after being introduced to the parts of the boat and sails, the class views a videotape of capsize recovery methods. Next capsize is demonstrated while a boat is tethered to a floating raft. Each sailor gets in the capsized vessel, rights it, and bails until it can be sailed. After that, anxieties are relieved and capsizes are not something to fear and dread.
What is the maximum age?
Older sailors may be uncomfortable in these prams if they are more than 130 pounds, however, they may register up to age 16. Life jackets must be worn by all sailors at all times.
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