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.
The Junior Racing Programme is operated by club members and parents on a voluntary basis. This is 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.
Participants are expected to have their own Optimist or Starling.
To join this Programme you must make an application (forms available). There is no charge for the coaching. Participants must be members of the yacht club and 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.
The meeting time for coaching is one hour before the advertised START time on the sailing calendar. At the beginning and end of the day participants and their parent/s are also expected to rig/derig the boats, clean them and assist with stowing them.
Safety
The basic safety equipment they will need is suitable footwear, a hat and sunscreen. Suitable warm and wind proof clothing will also be required.
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 Jim Martin
or a committee member
