Class Descriptions
Class Types and Achievement Levels
These descriptions are general guidelines for informational purposes. If you or your child have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Chairman of the Junior Activities Committee, F. J. Ritt (at juniors@newportyachtclub.org) as he will be glad to talk with you and the instructors to find the best class to suit your child's needs.
Beginner Opti
The Beginning Opti class is for younger students who have little or no experience on the water. The emphasis is on getting them comfortable in the boat and learning the basics such as: rigging/un-rigging, capsizing, rules of the road, sail trim, and how to tack and jibe. The goal is to be able to steer their boat on their own by the end of the summer and to participate in a beginner fleet (Green Fleet) of a Junior NBYA regatta. The emphasis is on fun! Recommended ages are 8-12.
Intermediate Opti
In the Intermediate Opti class, the emphasis is getting the student comfortable in the boat by his/her self and to learn more about boat handling and sail trim. An introduction to racing and tactics is the goal by the mid-season. This class will be encouraged to bring their fleet to Junior Race Week at the end of the summer, to showcase what they’ve learned. Recommended ages are 9-14.
Advanced and Racing Opti
The Advanced and Racing Opti class has a focus on racing. For students who are already comfortable with the basics, and are looking for a challenge, the emphasis will be on learning racing tactics and boat handling techniques. Team racing tactics will also be introduced to the students; they will be encouraged to participate in various Jr. NBYA regattas. The goal is to improve in each race and then showcase what they have learned at Junior Race Week in August. Parents are strongly urged to encourage their students to take this class if they want to move to the next competitive level of sailing. Recommended ages are 10-15.
Advanced and Racing 420
The Advanced and Racing 420 class also has a focus on learning the finer points of fleet and team racing. Racing tactics will be explored in the classroom and on the water. Boat handling will include the use of traps and chutes and what that means on the race course in terms of speed. This class will be participating in all scheduled Jr. NBYA team race events including Jr. NBYA regattas and Junior Race Week, as well as possibly some other travel events. NYC has 420s, with traps and chutes, which may be used at these regattas. Students with their own boats are encouraged to use them, and accommodations can be made to keep a limited number of student owned boats on the Junior Activities float during the season. Students who want to advance their skills are strongly urged to take this class. Recommended ages are 12-18.
N10 (Turnabout)
This class is designed for those juniors who wish to gain experience single handing a dinghy, but are too big to be comfortable in an Opti. Since this class will not meet when the 420 classes are meeting, juniors may participate in both if they wish. Since the N10s are the boat of choice for Newport Yacht Club’s frostbite racing over the winter, this class will give the junior the confidence to join this fun activity for the 2010 winter season. Recommended ages are 12-18.
Achievement Levels
Achievement levels will recognize the juniors that have mastered the defined skills necessary for a particular level. The levels will be: Able Bodied Seaman, Second Mate, First Mate, Skipper, Racing Skipper and Junior Instructor. Upon achieving a lever, the junior sailor will be awarded at the end of the session or season with a designation. An achievement board will be display at the club for both parents and juniors to review and track progress.
Qualifications for each are:
Level | Required Skills |
Able Bodied Seaman | Swim Test Sailing Safety Rig and De-rig a Boat Name Parts of a Boat Sculling Safety Position |
Second Mate | Leave and Return to Dock Sail in a Straight Line Start and Stop a Boat Proper Tack Proper Jibe Basic Right of Way Rules |
First Mate | Know Parts of the Sail Proper Sail Trim Capsize Recovery Man Overboard Drill Tie Basic Knots Sail a Basic Course |
Skipper | Sail all Points of Sail Racing Starts Sail a Racing Course Create & Use Race Plan Advanced Right of Way Rules Basic Fleet Race Rules Adjust Boat Speed Roll Tack & Roll Gibe |
Racing Skipper | Use Telltales Read Navigation Chart Set & Fly Spinnaker Roll Gibe with Spinnaker Advanced Fleet Race Rules Basic Team Race Rules Minor Boat Maintenance Knowledge of Tide-Wind Pattern |
Junior Instructor (in training) | Sail Rudderless Sail Backwards Proper Anchoring Knowledge of Weather Patterns Advanced Boat Maintenance Basic First Aid Demonstration Techniques Create Visual Aids Plan & Run Races for Others |