What Does the SBCSA Offer?

Sailing Lessons

   

Introduction:

The SBCSA provides summer sailing lessons to introduce newcomers to the sport of sailing and to provide training in basic sailing skills and safety on the water. Sailors with some previous experience who are looking to improve their skills are also welcome. Lessons consist of a combination of dockside instruction followed immediately by on-the-water practice. Only students sail the boats but the instructors are always nearby in outboard powered safety boats.

Levels:

Three levels of lessons are offered: Youth and Adult Introduction to Sailing and Intermediate Youth Sailing. Additional levels may be offered if there is sufficient demand.

Instructor's Qualifications:

All classes are taught by an instructor with a U.S. Sailing certification. This means the instructors have a proven knowledge of sailing skills, effective instructional techniques, and boating safety. In addition, they have First Aid and CPR training. Most of the instructors are also active sailors and racers on Saginaw Bay.

Student Requirements:

• Must be a minimum of 8 years old
• Must be able to swim 75 yards without a life jacket (present a swimming certificate if available)
• Must be physically able to right a capsized boat

Location:

Classes are held on the Saginaw River in downtown Bay City. SBCSA's on-the-water facilities are located at the foot of Fifth Street at the north end of Wenonah Park, near the schooners Appledore IV and Appledore V. (See map.)

Fees:

Level	SBCSA Member	Non-Member
Youth Introduction to Sailing	$50	$75
Intermediate Youth	$100	$125
Adult Introduction to Sailing	$125	$150
Racing Class	$75	$100

A limited number of scholarships are available for those students who cannot afford the lesson fee.

Schedule 2008:

Youth Introduction to Sailing
Intermediate Youth
Adult Introduction to Sailing
Racing Class

Lesson Text Book:

Most of the material taught in the SBCSA sailing lessons can be found in the book, “Start Sailing Right,” published by the United States Sailing Association. This book is available from any of our instructors or by calling (989) 922-7245 for $15.00 per copy. “Start Sailing Right” can also be purchased from U.S. Sailing .

Students are not required to have a copy.

Lesson Cancellation:

Lessons may be canceled in the event of high winds or threatening weather. If it sprinkles, we sail; in downpours, lightning, and wind over 20 mph, we don’t. After all, sailing is supposed to be fun and safe. Every effort will be made to notify the students as early as possible but many times the instructor can’t make the decision until they arrive at the dock. Any canceled lessons will be rescheduled