The morning Opti program provides a great opportunity for young children to learn to sail. There are three groups which flow in sequence: Snappers, Barracudas, and Dorados. Children begin in the Snappers group and are welcome to repeat any group if they are unsure about proceeding to the next level or simply not quite ready. At the end of the first week of the program, instructors may place sailors in a different group to ensure they are in a group that best matches their needs and ability. Comfort-level and confidence are integral parts of having fun on the water!
Schedule: All Morning Opti Classes meet Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Morning Opti sailors must turn at least 8 years old by December 31 of the calendar year.
Required Gear: Every child registered for an Opti program is required to provide an Opti to sail in, a USCG approved lifejacket, and all necessary gear. Click Here for a JSA gear list with recommended vendors such as Landfall Navigation and/or Boat Locker. You can buy, rent, or borrow your Opti - just be sure that your child has one!
Morning Opti Class Descriptions
Snapper
Age: 1st year Opti sailor, 8+ years within the calendar year
Meeting Place: West Lawn
The Snapper class is a gentle introduction to sailing for 1st year sailors. When possible for the first part of the season sailors will be partnered up to "crew" together. Over the course of the summer, Snappers will learn to sail and also participate in fun on-land activities. Land activities will include learning knots, participating in relay races, and swimming. Our goal is that by the end of the summer, children will be able to rig their boats, feel comfortable sailing with a partner, and begin sailing on their own. If they are feeling ready they can even sail in our Green Fleet Monkey Cup.
For older sailors looking to start Opti sailing we have added an afternoon beginner Opti class.
Barracuda
Age: 2nd year Opti Sailor, Typically 9+ years within the calendar year
Meeting Place: West Lawn
This class is designed for the sailor who has at least one year of sailing experience. This class is for sailors who enjoy cruising and exploring the harbor with friends, while refining their skills on simple race courses. Some sailors choose to repeat this class to solidify their skills. Green and White Fleet regattas are available for some sailors at this level. Land drills, chalk talks, and debriefs about the day’s sailing and activities will be held.
Prerequisite: Snappers or Sailing Director approval.
Dorado
Age: 3rd year Opti Sailor, Typically 10+ years within the calendar year
Meeting Place: Opti Dock, Rigged & Ready by 9:00am
This class is for sailors who have at least two years of sailing experience and are comfortable cruising and racing. Sailors in this class typically participate in White Fleet regattas. The class will also have all of the fun elements of cruising. By the end of the summer sailors will feel confident graduating to the afternoon Opti programs. Chalk talks and debriefs will occur daily. Sailors who take this class might also be interested in the our new Afternoon Adventure class.
Prerequisite: Barracuda or Sailing Director approval.
