SAIL MOOSEHEAD 2018
Sail Moosehead will be offering youth sailing camps and adult lessons this summer. Stay tuned for details.
To sign up for classes, see the Town of Greenville's Recreation Department flyer and website.
To get involved, please reach out to one of us.
Sally Tornquist, Program Registration
Paul Ducey, Sailing Instructor
Why are we doing this?
We are making Greenville a sailing hub giving everyone access to sailboats and the lake.
•We have an incredibly beautiful lake, ideal for sailing
•It will be good for economic development that fits well with stated goals
•Sailing is good for the lake; the lake is good for sailing
•Environmentally sustainable
•Low cost
•Great PR ‘story’ about re-discovering this lake as a sailing destination
Who is behind this effort?
The energy comes from the Greenville community. SailMaine and Sailing Ships Maine are assisting pro bono.
Frequently Asked Questions about SAIL MOOSEHEAD Sailing Lessons
You may be wondering about what your child is doing in the Sail Moosehead sailing lessons, especially if you are not a sailor yourself. Sailing is a fun activity that anyone can do. The principles and skills your child is learning can be used for a lifetime and on any sailboat. This document is to answer some common questions and give you an idea of what may be coming up during the summer.
What should my child bring to class?
1. Properly sized life jacket (Personal Flotation Device PFD). This is mandatory for being in a boat during a SAIL MOOSEHEAD class
2. Closed toe shoes. These can be something like Crocs, Tevas, Keens, or even fast drying sneakers (there is hardware in sailboats that you can stub a toe on and there can be splinters or loose screws on the docks) 3. Bathing suit and towel (it is possible to get wet every day)
4. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses with a tie strap
5. Water bottle with a clip for use on a boat (it is easier to find if it isn’t rolling around loose inside the boat)
Why is there a swim test?
Our number one priority is to have safe lessons for your child. Sailing is safer when reasonable precautions are taken. It is possible to end up in the water for a variety of reasons both intentionally and accidentally. While wearing a life jacket is mandatory for sailing, it is important that a sailor be comfortable in the water too. For example, capsizing drills are done to learn how to right the boat and get back in. Swimming in a pond where you can’t see the bottom and can be a long way from shore feels different than swimming in a pool to many kids. It is good to have your child familiar with swimming in a pond before the swim test on the first day of lessons. SAIL MOOSEHEAD also offers swimming lessons.
If is raining, will there be class?
Sailing classes are held rain or shine. There can be sailing in the rain. You should send a rain jacket with your child as part of their regular gear. They should also wear synthetic fabrics that dry. Your child will not be on the water if there are thunderstorms or conditions that would be unsafe or prevent effective learning. Even if there is no sailing because of weather conditions, there are onshore lessons.
What kind of boat is my child sailing?
We use Optimists, also knowns as Optis, 420s and O’day day sailors. The Opti is a small, one child sailboat with a single sail called a mainsail. Since it doesn’t sink and is easily righted, we often use it for capsize drills for younger students. The Opti is widely used in other clubs for racing and lessons as well. The 420 is a two person sailboat used in for sailors from age 12 through college. A 420 has two sails: a mainsail and a jib. With flotation compartments, 420s don’t sink and can be used in capsizing drills for older students.
What is my child learning?
They will learn some of the many words used to identify parts of boats and sails. They will learn several knots that are important in sailing such as cleating and the bowline. They will learn sailing skills such as tacking and safety position. As crew and skipper they will practice the communication and teamwork that is needed to sail a boat effectively. They will learn the responsibility of proper boat and sail care by tidying up lines and folding or rolling sails for storage.
Working with US Sailing, we have identified the skills that need to be learned. They are grouped into several named levels such as “crew” and “skipper.” Instructors evaluate and record your child’s progress in demonstrating these skills. At the end of lessons each Friday, we celebrate all students who have achieved the next level.
What do the skipper and crew do?
When a child is in the role of skipper, they are in charge of the boat and steer with the tiller while controlling the mainsail. The crew are one or more kids in the boat helping the skipper by controlling other sails such as jib or spinnaker. They also keep lookout for other boats. They help keep the boat shipshape by bailing and tidying any lines. Both skipper and crew trim the boat for best performance by adjusting their position in the boat to the situation. All kids are in the role of skipper and crew at different times.
Why race?
For some kids the competition of racing is a lot of fun. We race regularly because it is a way to learn sailing no matter where you finish. You can compare it to driving a car in an empty parking lot in contrast to driving on city streets. You can learn some skills in the parking lot but eventually you will need to learn the rules of the road and how to turn at particular places. Sailboat racing requires planning a course and maneuvering to and around particular points while taking other boats into account.
What is a MIRC?
There are other sailing clubs in Maine. The Maine Interclub Racing Circuit (MIRC) is a series of races that are run on most Wednesdays during the summer. SAIL MOOSEHEAD sailors may compete as a team at other sailing programs in Maine. The race format encourages ease of participation and many races are run on each Wednesday. This is a wonderful opportunity to sail on the ocean (usually) and see other clubs and boats.
How do I tell what is going on during a sailboat race at SAIL MOOSEHEAD?
Sailboat races are confusing. The skippers maneuver for position before the starting whistle. They then usually have to sail zigzag courses to go around buoys. The finish line is usually the same as the starting line.
Can my child go sailing after classes?
No, SAIL MOOSEHEAD boats cannot be used without proper supervision. In addition to class sessions, there may be opportunities to sail on weekends. The SAIL MOOSEHEAD organizers may allow sailors meeting certain standards to sail independently outside of classes.
Can my child’s friend or relative come to sailing class?
Yes, they can sign up for our regular sailing classes. Have them sign up as you have done for your child.
Who are the instructors?
The Sailing Instructors are still to be determined.
Who are the organizers?
The Sailing Advisory Committee is chaired by Paul Ducey. Please email him if you are interested at paul.f.ducey@gmail.com.
What does it take to be an instructor?
The sailing instructors take the US Sailing Level 1 Sailing Instructor course. This is an extensive course that covers all that is needed to teach sailing. It includes risk management, learning styles, developing lesson plans, conducting both land and on the water drills and much more. US Sailing Level 1 certification also requires completion of a Red Cross First Aid course and a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course.
Should I buy a sailboat?
Owning your own sailboat is an excellent way for your child and you to learn more about sailing and boat care. However, there is no need as long as our sailing classes are helping you to learn how to sail effectively. We look forward to providing sailing opportunities for all.
How can I help?
Encourage your child by asking what they’ve been learning. Ask them to show you some knots. Ask them to tell you what the different parts of the boat are called. Bring your child to optional races for more sailing time. Volunteer to drive sailors on field trips. Buy and maintain a boat. Volunteer with the Race Committee to run weekend and holiday races. Check the SAIL MOOSEHEAD volunteer duties list for other possibilities. Learning to sail at SAIL MOOSEHEAD is a safe and fun experience for your child. Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or want to help provide this unique experience for our kids. You can send email to paul.f.ducey@gmail.com