Youth Instruction Overview
The 2012 Youth Program Lottery has closed. For post-lottery registration information, click here.
Sailing skills: choosing the right class and the right boat
The primary aim of the Sail Newport youth program is to develop solid sailing skills, from the beginner to the advanced and racing sailor. Classes focusing on different skill levels (i.e. beginner or intermediate) are offered throughout the summer, and from program to program (i.e. dinghy, keelboat or the Racing Program.).
Sail Newport uses several different boats in its various youth sailing programs. Different boats handle differently, and certain boats lend themselves to sailors of different sizes, and/or experience levels. Students get the most out of a program when they are in a class that is commensurate with their age, size, ability and interest.
If you are not familiar with the boats we use and are unsure about what class would be right for your child, we will help you out with an appropriate placement. Just be sure to complete the section on the registration form that asks about your child's size (height/weight) and experience, and provide as much detail as you can. (Registration starts in early January, so please check back then.)
Dinghy Sessions
Dinghy Sessions are two-week classes that meet Monday-Friday from 9-3 p.m. Students are assigned to classes within each session based on their age and skill level. The minimum age for participation is 7 years.
Keelboat Programs
Youth Keelboat classes are one-week classes that meet Monday-Friday from 9-3 p.m. The minimum age for participation is 12 years.
Little Guppies
Little Guppies is a one-week program that meets in 2 1/2 hour classes daily, either mornings, mid-days or afternoons. Students must have turned 5 before January 1, 2012 and must not have turned 7 before January 1, 2012. The minimum age is 5 years and the maximum age is 7; birth dates must be between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006.
Designed as an introductory, hands-on class, the focus is on making kids comfortable in and around boats. Lots of games will be intermingled with beginner sailing with the goal of fun! Must be able to pass a swim check to participate.
Green Fleet Racing
Our Green Fleet Racing Program was developed for sailors wishing to transition from the two-week dinghy program (Optis and C420s) to the BCRP (Brenton Cove Racing Program). Green Fleet Racing is for sailors who have completed at least an intermediate level class and or beginning racing class, and who need a little more time and skill development before making the plunge into the summer-long BCRP group. Admittance is by application, not lottery, based on experience.
Brenton Cove Racing Program
Sail Newport's Racing Program (Brenton Cove Racing Program) is an eight-week program for Optimist, Laser and C420 racers. Please refer to the section on BCRP for details on class days/times and other specifics.
Please email Vinnie Pattavina for further questions regarding the Youth Dinghy, Keelboat, Green Fleet Racing and Little Guppies classes. Email Kim Hapgood for any questions regarding the Brenton Cove Racing Program. You can also call our office at (401)846-1983 and any of our staff can help you with general program questions.
