2014
JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM
HANDBOOK
Jobson Sailing Center
96 Washington Street
Nantucket MA 02554
www.ghyc.com
sailing@ghyc.com
508-680-5006
Table of Contents
Page #

Letter to Parents
2

Programming Committee Members
4

Sailing Instructor Staff
4

Jr. Program Calendar Highlights
5

Jr. Program Mission Statement
6

Jr. Program Goals
6

Program Descriptions
7-8

Special Junior Events
8-9

Safety Guidelines
9-11
o Instructors
o Injury
o Incident Report
o Safety Rules

Code of Conduct
11

Discipline Policy
12

Sailors Responsibilities
12

Parents Responsibilities
13

2014 Junior Program Awards
14

2013 Award Recipients
14-15
Dear Parents,
The Junior Program Handbook is a comprehensive guide for parents with
children enrolled in sailing classes offered by GHYC. It is designed to be a onestop reference for schedules, procedures and events. It is important that both
parents and children review the handbook prior to participation in the program.
Our instructors provide curriculum derived from the U.S. Junior Sailing
Association’s Guidelines and are designed to develop self-reliance, selfconfidence, sportsmanship and respect in each student. Each session allows
sailors to become competent in boat handling in all weather/wind conditions.
GHYC provides the best student-to-instructor ratio on Nantucket, giving students
more one-on-one instruction.
The child’s placement in a class is based on sailing skill and comfort level of
each sailor. All returning sailors will be placed in accordance with the
recommendations of their instructors from the previous year. Requests for
placement changes during the sailing season should be addressed with the
Junior Program Director.
The GHYC fleet has grown to include six (6) 420’s, 13 Optis, 2 Sunfish, 3 Lasers,
6 Rhodes 19’s and 3 Beetle Cats. Our programs and private lessons give
students the opportunity to discover these different types of boats.
Our Opti and 420 Race Travel team will travel off island to regattas this summer
where they can experience competing in large fleets on the Cape.
New this Summer –
YOLO Sail – ages 13-17 Tuesdays 12:30 – 4:00. This program is for teens who
want to check out the world of big boat sailing on a J105 (35ft). Teens that are
new to sailing or those that are already in the Junior Sailing Program should sign
up for this course. The goal is to build confidence and teamwork. The basic
sailing skills that apply to dinghies will be taught in this class but tailored to a
bigger, faster boat. This includes: steering a wheel (instead of a tiller), learning
to operate a winch and tacking and jibing as a team.
Again this Summer, we will run Young Explorers Day Camp ages 5 to 7 years
2
old. The Camp has a full curriculum that may include tennis, squash, swimming,
arts & crafts, water activities, and science exploration with the Maria Mitchell
Foundation. The Program will be Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 12:00pm.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday activities will take place at the Tennis &
Swim Center. Tuesday and Thursday activities will originate from the Jobson
Sailing Center. The camp will run for 5 weeks. Parents are encouraged to sign up
for multiple weeks or just one week. Partial weeks will not be permitted.
We are looking forward to a great summer on the water in Nantucket!
Regards,
Carolyn Grant
Director of Sailing/Waterfront
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GHYC 2014 SAILING & WATERFRONT COMMITTEE
RON ZARRELLA – CHAIRMAN
GARY JOBSON – ADVISOR
PHILIP BOECKMAN – JUNIOR PROGRAM
LOU BORRELLI – DOCKS
GAIL CAMALIER – ADULT SAILING/RACING
PATTI DEUSTER – CRUISES, W OMEN’S SAILING
NINA DUCHAINE – JUNIOR PROGRAM
CECE FOWLER – ADULT SAILING/RACING
ELLIOTT GERWIRTZ – ADULT SAILING/RACING
JULIE HENSLER – W OMEN’S SAILING
JOHN KILMARTIN – DOCKS
MINOU PALANDJIAN – ADULT SAILING/RACING
TOM RICHARDS – DOCKS
RICHARD W ERDIGER – ADULT SAILING/RACING
JUNIOR PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR STAFF
CAROLYN GRANT
DIRECTOR OF SAILING/WATERFRONT
KIM CALNAN
JUNIOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR
KATHERINE COLPITTS
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
JACLYN HOLLANDER
420/OPTI RACE COACH
KYLE SWENSON
420 COACH
JULIA LAMBERT
420 COACH
KEVIN LEDDY
OPTI/OPTI RACE COACH
GRACE MASON
OPTI COACH
BAILEY LEE
LITTLE SQUIRTS/YOUNG EXPLORERS CAMP
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MATTHEW MELBOURNE
LITTLE SQUIRTS
JASON MCGRATH
YOUNG EXPLORERS
JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
June 23
Junior Program session #1A begins – No Morning Classes
June 30
Junior Program session #21B begins – Opti Green & Blue, 420
Green & Blue, Opti Race and 420 Race
July 21
Junior Program session #3AB begins – (2 weeks)
July 16
Junior Social – 7:00 – 9:00 pm, ages 8-12
July 23
Jobson Cup – Opti and 420 Regatta 12:15 – 4:00
August 4
Junior Program session #4AB begins
Aug 01
Junior Awards – June/July Sailors
August 6
Junior Social – 7:00 – 9:00 pm, ages 8-12
Aug 8
Pram Jam – Parents vs kids in Optis - 12:30 – 4:00
August 11-12 Nantucket Race Week Youth Regatta (420s and Optis)
August 11
Family Cookout and Daily Trophies for NRW Youth Regatta
August 13
NRW Youth Regatta Overall Awards – Nantucket Yacht Club, TBD
August 13
Big Boat Kids Fun Sail
August 18
Junior Program session #5A begins
August 27
Junior Awards – August Sailors
August 22
Overall Perpetual Awards – Junior and Adult
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MISSION STATEMENT
The GHYC Junior Sailing Program strives to provide sailing instruction in a safe
and fun environment by encouraging each youngster to develop his/her skills,
knowledge and confidence in a structured curriculum. The Program is meant to
develop lifelong sailors who will be a credit to Great Harbor Yacht Club and the
greater sailing community.
GOALS
The goals of the Great Harbor Yacht Club are to provide a junior sailing program
that will:

Develop an appreciation for sailing in each child which they can pursue
individually either recreationally or through racing.

Develop self-reliance, self-confidence, sportsmanship and respect for
other people and property.

Instill a respect for wind, sea and boats and develop knowledge of boating
safety and seamanship.

Allow sailors to become competent in boat handling in all conditions.

Provide structure and discipline and above all, make it fun for everyone.
To accomplish these goals we need the help and active cooperation of the
sailors, parents, staff, committee and friends.
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2014 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Session 1A: June 23 – June 27 -- No Morning Classes
Session 1B: June 30 –July 3 (no class July 4)
Session 2A: July 7-11
Session 2B: July 14-18
Session 3A: July 21-25
Session 3B: July 28 – Aug 1
Session 4A: August 4-8
Session 4B: August 11-15 (Youth Regatta, Opti Green, Little Squirts)
Session 5A: August18-22
Little Squirts
Novice sailors ages 7-9, 9:00-11:30 MWF. This class is for 1st time sailors or for
those with some prior sailing experience. Students will learn basic seamanship
in a fun and safe environment. The program instills confidence and self reliance
both on and off the water. Activities include trimming sails, steering a boat, waterbased and land-based games, learning boat parts and learning to rig the boats
and to tie knots.
On the first day of class, students will get a swim check while wearing a life
jacket. Beginner swimmers are welcome. The class will be taught mostly in
Beetle Cats and Rhodes 19’s with one instructor per boat. Other watercraft may
be used depending on weather conditions.
Young Explorers Day Camp
Ages 5-7. The Camp has a full curriculum that may include tennis, squash,
swimming, arts & crafts, water activities, and science exploration with the Maria
Mitchell Foundation. The Program will be Monday through Friday 9:00 am to
12:00pm.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday activities will take place at the Tennis &
Swim Center. Tuesday and Thursday activities will originate from the Jobson
Sailing Center. The camp will run for 5 weeks in July and August. Parents are
encouraged to sign up for multiple weeks or just one week. Partial weeks are not
permitted.
OPTI GREEN
Beginner Sailing ages 8-12, 9:00-11:30 M-F
This class is taught in Optimists, small 8’ dinghies designed specifically for
teaching young children to sail single-handed. Opti Green will teach fundamental
sailing skills such as rigging, steering, tacking, jibing and basic boat handling and
safety. Students will be given a basic swim check while wearing a life jacket.
Every Monday there will be a parent student meeting for the 1 st half hour. Note
Session 5A includes 12 Meter sail on Wed Aug 15.
OPTI BLUE
Intermediate Sailing ages 9-14, 12:30-3:00 M-F
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This class is for Opti sailors who have previously gone through the beginner
Opti program and the instructor determines that they are ready to advance to
the next level. The class will focus on upwind sailing, proper sail trim,
advanced boat handling skills and an introduction to racing.
OPTI RED/RACE
Advanced Sailing, ages 9-15, 12:30-3:00 MTWF, 1:00-4:00 Thursdays AllIsland Racing
This program is for those Opti sailors who are interested in competing on the
race team. The class covers more advanced aspects of racing such as
performance boat handling, racing rules, tactical starts and mark roundings and
upwind and downwind strategy. Sailors will race on Thursdays in the all-island
races and also compete in the Jobson Cup, the NRW Youth Regatta and some
off-island regattas
420 Green
Intermediate Sailing ages 13-17 (100 lbs. or more), 9:00 – 11:30 MWF
This class is for intermediate sailors who are interested in sailing 2-person
dinghies. The class builds on the skills learned in the Opti program. It focuses on
boat handling on a 2-person boat, proper sail trim and an introduction to racing
but the primary focus is 2 person boat handling.
420 Blue
This class is for the intermediate/advanced level sailors who’s goal it is to
eventually compete on 420 Race Team. 420 Blue focuses on 2-person boat
handling including roll tacking, acceleration, trapeze and spinnaker basics and
sail trim on all points of sail. Sailors in this class are groomed for all-island racing
on Wednesdays, the Jobson Cup Regatta, and the NRW Youth Regatta.
Students are encouraged to enroll for at least 4 weeks.
420 Red/Race
Advanced Sailing, ages 14-17, 12:30-3:00 MTTF, 1:00-4:00 Wednesdays AllIsland Racing
This program is for experienced 420 racers with advanced boat handling skills
and who have sailed in 420 Green and Blue. 420 Race is for the competitive
sailors committed to racing on a team. The class will cover racing rules, starting
drills, mark roundings and overall tactics and strategy. The members of the race
team will be chosen by the coaches to compete in regattas on-island as well as
travel to some off-island regattas upon the discretion of the coaches. Sailors are
encouraged to enroll for the entire summer.
YOLO Sail
Ages 13-17 Tuesdays 12:30 – 4:00. This program is for teens who want to check
out the world of big boat sailing on a J105 (35ft). Teens that are new to sailing or
those that are already in the Junior Sailing Program should sign up for this
course. The goal is to build confidence and teamwork. The basic sailing skills
8
that apply to dinghies will be taught in this class but tailored to a bigger, faster
boat. This includes: steering a wheel (instead of a tiller), learning to operate a
winch and tacking and jibing as a team.
Pram Jam
August 8
12:15-4:00 - The 7th Annual Pram Jam (kids vs. adults in Optis) is a great way
for parents to see what Opti sailing is all about and for kids to show off their
sailing skills. This fun afternoon of racing promises to amuse even the most
novice sailor. Be prepared to get wet!
Junior Social
July 16, 7:00-9:00
August 6, 7:00-9:00
Back by popular demand, the Junior social will have all the cool new songs
playing, plus popcorn, slide show and much much more! Ages 8-13
Pirate Cruise – Ages 4-6
July 21 & August 18 4:00pm
Kid’s Big Boat Fun Sail
August 13, 9:30-12:30, ages 8-12. GHYC kids. Priority placement goes to the
sailors in the Opti Green program that week. The kids will have the opportunity to
sail on large keel boats. Limited to 12 sailors. Professional and volunteer adult
skipper and crew will be onboard as well.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INSTRUCTORS
All instructors at GHYC are US Sailing Level I or Level II certified. All instructors
are also certified in First Aid and CPR.
The Junior Program Director will keep a daily log of happenings, i.e. attendance
(both children and instructors), pick up/drop off of children, daily equipment
check, damage/breakdown to boats, first aid kits, life jackets and daily rules.
All instructors must be knowledgeable in capsize rescue before they are allowed
to operate the safety boat for instructional purposes. Every instructor is checked
out on every safety boat. Instructors will exercise safe powerboat skills and have
a thorough knowledge of how to assist sailors and sailboats.
INJURY
9
A Medical Form for every student and staff member is kept on file with
appropriate emergency phone numbers. Instructors and launch staff are certified
in First Aid and CPR and are able to administer to minor cuts and bruises. There
are 1st Aid kits on board each coach boat.
If the injury is serious, the individual will be taken to the emergency room and
the parent will be contacted. The staff member will bring the student’s Medical
Form to the hospital with them. Student medical forms are on file in Sailing
Director’s office.
INCIDENT REPORT
Any accident or injury to a sailor or instructor and any damage or incident to the
Great Harbor Yacht Club safety boats/sailboats and other property or equipment
is reported in writing on the appropriate Incident Report Form. The form is
completed by the instructor involved in the incident and the Junior Program
Director. Copies are filed in the Sailing Director’s office on the day of the
occurrence. Depending upon the severity of the accident or incident, the Junior
Program Director will be contacted at the time of the occurrence. The Incident
Report will establish the facts as they occurred and the actions taken by the staff
while dealing with the incident. Procedures for reporting any incident, minor or
major, are strictly enforced.
SAFETY RULES
1. Life Jackets (PFD’s) - No sailor allowed on docks or boats without a
USCG approved PFD (lifejacket) on and zipped. The jacket must be sized
correctly according to the child’s weight. The jacket must be in good
condition and labeled with the sailor’s name
2. Swim Test - All junior sailors, regardless of age or years in the program,
are required to pass a swim test. Sailors must be able to swim 75 feet
with their life jacket on and tread water for one minute. The test will take
place on the first day of a junior program session.
3. Docks - No one is allowed on the docks without supervision.
4. Shoes – Shoes are required on the docks and in the boats. No open-toed
shoes or shoes with straps or slippery soles are allowed (such as, flip
flops sandals, or Teva’s). Original Croc’s, aqua socks, slip-on canvas
sneakers, or traditional boat shoes work well.
5. All personal property brought to the club is the responsibility of the student
and not the Great Harbor Yacht Club or the Sailing Instructors.
Additionally, no electronic devices are allowed i.e. CD, Gameboys,
Walkman’s, Ipods, etc.
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6. No pushing, shoving, running, or hitting anyone at anytime.
7. No jumping off boats without first obtaining your instructor’s permission. If
your instructor says you can swim, it is important to stay near your boat so
you can easily get back in and so that it doesn’t drift away or go up on the
rocks.
8. Stay in the area where the instructors and other students are, unless you
ask the instructor’s permission to leave.
9. Only instructors can operate the motorboats.
10. Use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs is strictly forbidden and is a cause
for dismissal from the Junior Program. This relates to all Junior activities
including dances.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The GHYC Code of Conduct is derived from the Junior Sailing Association
guidelines. Children as well as parents should understand the importance of
these rules before they enroll in the junior program. Abiding by the Code of
Conduct is considered equally as important as learning sailing skills.
1. Treat other students, instructors, club staff and members with respect,
regardless of race, religion, gender or abilities.
2. Sailors are to abide by the rules of safe sailing and good sportsmanship at
all times.
3. Respect the property of GHYC and its members, including all buildings
grounds and sailing equipment
4. No littering on land or water. Boats and sailing area must be kept “shipshape”.
5. No disruptive behavior, bullying, disrespectful gestures, actions or
language towards instructors or fellow sailors.
6. No use of violence or physical contact with other sailors or instructors.
7. No spreading rumors or withholding information about other sailors or
adults.
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DISCIPLINE POLICY
Our discipline policy maintains that each sailor will have three chances to correct
any non-rule-following behavior as follows:
1. First “strike”, your parent will be called by the Head Instructor and the
transgression will be reported. This will be recorded on file and the
Director of Sailing will be notified.
2. Second “strike”, you and your parents will be asked to meet with the
Junior Program Director and the Director of Sailing to discuss the first and
second transgression and to make a plan to avoid any future misbehavior.
The notes from this meeting will also be documented in your file.
3. Third “strike”, you’re out! You will no longer be welcome in the program
and there will be no refund of any fees paid.
Strikes include, but are not limited to, inappropriate language, destruction of
property, physical abuse to another student or instructor.
SAILORS RESPONSIBILITIES

Sailors are to abide by GHYC rules and code of conduct.

Sailors are obliged to check-in with their instructor at the beginning of
class and check out with their instructor at the end of class. No sailors are
allowed to leave the property without first checking out with their instructor.

Sailors will be responsible for the care and general cleanliness of the
Jobson Sailing Center as well as the floating docks and beach area. They
will assist the instructors when needed and will be supervised at all times.

Care of equipment will be stressed at all times. Each sailor is obliged to
handle all equipment as if he/she owns it.

At the end of each class, sailors are required to pull the boats out of the
water, de-rig the boats and properly store equipment.
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PARENTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Each parent is responsible for understanding and abiding by the rules and
code of conduct of the Junior Sailing Program and fostering these in their
children.

Attendance – Parents must inform the Head Instructor or the Junior
Program Director if their child is not attending a scheduled class. Please
call the Junior Clubhouse at 508-680-5006 before the class meets. This
will maximize the students’ time on the water, who would otherwise be
waiting for absent sailors to arrive.

Medical Form – No child will be allowed to sail without a current medical
form on file including an up-to-date immunization record, a physical
performed within the last 24 months and a signed medical release form.

Parents are responsible for providing each sailor with the proper personal
equipment necessary for sailing activities. Make sure gear is clearly
marked with your child’s name. The program cannot assume responsibility
for unmarked or improperly stored gear.
Gear includes:
 Coast Guard approved life jacket
 Close-toed shoes
 Swim Suit
 Sunscreen
 Towel
 Sailing gloves (recommended)
 Water Bottle (recommended)

Parents should be aware that sailors must pass a swim test on the first
day of the session and prepare their child.

Any physical problems or disabilities which may inhibit the sailor in certain
activities must be brought to the attention of the Director of Sailing before
the child’s enrollment in the junior program.

Suggestions or complaints should be made to the Junior Program
Director. Class time is not the appropriate time or place for this discussion.
Please, do not communicate with your child’s instructor while they are
teaching the class.
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2014 JUNIOR AWARDS
PERPETUAL AWARDS
Perpetual awards are given to junior sailors at the annual awards ceremony in
August. Awards are designated when deemed appropriate. Certain awards may
not be designated each year.

Commodores Award – Given by the Commodore to the junior sailor that
has best represented GHYC through their activation and participation in
Nantucket racing and success in such racing.

Distinguished Achievement – Given to the sailor that exhibits a
combination of integrity, enthusiasm, generosity, competence and
contribution to sailing at GHYC.

Crew Award – Given to the crew member who demonstrates the best boat
handling techniques and contributes to the overall performance of the
boat.
ANNUAL AWARDS
Given to junior sailors participating in June, July and August programs in all
classes.

Most Improved – Given to the sailor that demonstrated best year-to-year
improvement.

Coaches Award – Given by the coaches in recognition of participation and
contributions to the junior sailing program.
2013 JUNIOR PROGRAM AWARD RECIPIENTS (JULY/AUGUST)
COACHES AWARD
MOST IMPROVED
Peyton McDonald
Olivia Hammond
Olivia Hammond
Dylan Giovine
OPTI BLUE
JULY
AUGUST
Owen Chicos
Greyson Mercer
Owen Chicos
OPTI RACE
July
August
Jack Dacey
Henry Britton
Elliot Britton
Paige Harty
OPTI GREEN
July
August
420
July
14
August
Riley McDonald
Taylor McDonald
LITTLE SQUIRTS
July
August
Cara Richards
Indya Mason
Jay Hill
Emma Orenstein
2012 PERPETUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
Crew Award – Nick Orenstein
Commodore Award – Trent Turner
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