Junior Racing Programme
The French Bay Yacht Club runs a Junior Racing Programme for children who have been assessed by the coaching team to be of ‘green fleet’ standard or above. Green Fleet means they can sail a triangle course and are confident sailors in moderate wind strengths, able to right their own boat in the event of capsize.
Coaching takes place on Saturdays during the season, with racing on Sundays (See Calendar for details)
The Junior Racing Programme is operated by club members and parents on a voluntary basis. We are not a commercial operation or a Sailing School. Children attending this programme remain the responsibility of their parents or caregivers.
We expect the active involvement of a parent or caregiver with every child. The objective of the programme is to educate children as to how to race and use sailing tactics so that they can compete at other open meetings at other clubs and progress from the Optimist to the Starling and other classes.
Once sufficient proficiency has been attained during the season senior members of the club may arrange to take some FBYC junior racers to other club’s Open Meetings to gain inter club race experience.
Participants are expected to have their own Optimist (participating in Learn to Race) or Starling.
To join this Programme you must be a member of the club. There is no charge for the coaching but participants must pay daily sailing fees (like everyone else).
Racing can be a challenging activity. The Programme is restricted to children 10 years or over. Though we endeavour to not put them in situations they will be unhappy about, if a child is frightened by the experience it can put them off sailing for many years.
For the coming season coaching will be conducted on Saturdays. See the calendar for full details.
At the beginning and end of the day participants and their parents are also expected to rig/derig the boats, clean them and assist with stowing them.
Safety
The basic safety equipment participants will need is suitable footwear, a hat and sunscreen. Suitable warm and wind proof clothing, such as thermals under a wetsuit, with a woollen jumper and spray jacket, may also be required on cold days. Lifejackets are provided – although you may prefer to bring your own.
Swimming
To join the Junior Racing Programme your child must be able to swim. As part of the course they will be expected to swim (by any means) at least 50 metres, dressed for sailing and with a buoyancy vest on. They will also learn to capsize and right a boat in deep water.
There are a limited number of places available. We are sorry, but we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all applicants. If your child is enrolled in the course we would like them to attend on a regular basis.
Contact Matt Hall-Smith 021 661 702
or a committee member