What boats will be used in the program?	Optimists - The Optimist is a single-handed, fiberglass boat that is easy to rig and easy to sail, so it is ideal for the young sailor.  Yet it is not limited to the beginner sailor as it allows ample room for development, and is an exciting boat for racing, especially since it is so popular around the country and around the world. Mercuries - The Mercury is an ideal boat for beginners and advanced seamanship students and is a perfect boat for adult sailing.  This classic boat has been a mainstay of our program for many years.  One instructor can comfortably sail with three or four students. 420s - The club/collegiate 420 is a high performance, double handed boat.  It can be sailed with or without a trapeze and a spinnaker.  The 420 fleet is a part of many junior regattas, as well as open regattas.
What do the students have to bring with them?	US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket Change of clothes, including a bathing suit Foot wear (rubber soled, non-skid boat shoes or Aquasocks) Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, jacket, whistle, sunglasses, towel
Are students required to take a swim test?	Yes.  Within the first week of class, on a specified day, all the students will be required to take a swim test.  They will be asked to swim approximately 50 yards, and to tread water for one minute.  The students must pass the swim test in order to sail in the program.  Please make sure that your child has a towel and a change of clothes.
Do you have lockers available?	There are not any lockers available, but there are a limited number of open cubbyholes in the Junior Room for the use of the students.  We recommend that the students stow all their personal belongings in a duffel bag or backpack.  Please be sure to write your child's name on all items.  The New Bedford Yacht Club will not be responsible for any lost articles.
Can students ride their bikes to Sailing School?	Yes. There is a bike rack located directly under the Junior Room.  Bicycles should be locked at all times and please remember that the New Bedford Yacht Club will not be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.
What if I have a question, concern or suggestion?	Any question or problems that arise during the summer should be addressed directly to the Program Director who will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The direct telephone number is 508-994-5259. You may also contact him via e-mail at callahmj@gunet.georgetown.edu.
Will students be able to buy lunch at NBYC?	New Bedford Yacht Club offers a Snack Bar.  Members, guests and students will be able to purchase lunch and sit either on the porch or under the tent.  Please note - This will be an unsupervised lunch hour.
How do I find out information about upcoming events?	There will be a bulletin board located outside the junior room that will post upcoming events. In addition, newsletters will be distributed to the students and reminder notices will also be sent home for special events.
What about inclement weather?	On rainy days, if the wind is not too strong, sailing classes will be held. It is essential that students bring rain gear and be prepared to sail. In the case of foul weather, whether it be fog, wind, or heavy rain, the final decision on whether or not the students sail will be made by the Program Director.  Land classes will be held if the Program Director decides it is unsafe to go out on the water.
Where can we store our privately owned boats?	Privately owned Optis can be stored on racks located along the fence in the South Parking Lot for no charge. (Non members who bring their own boats to be used in the program will not be allowed to launch their boats for use from the NBYC except during class times).
May I bring a friend to class?	No.  Sorry, due to liability, NBYC has a no guest policy for any child that is not enrolled in the program.
How is a sailor's progress in class monitored?	All students are assigned to an instructor who keeps a daily log and progress report on each child. The student's daily,  as well as overall progress is also monitored by the Program Director and Senior Staff. Mid session progress notes are also sent home with the student. Any and all questions regarding a student's progress can be forwarded to the instructor or program director.
How long can my child stay at the NBYC facilities?	Please keep in mind that the Sailing School is not equipped to supervise or handle sailors once their class has ended. New classes will be arriving, so please be prompt in picking your child up as soon as their class is over.  The lunch hour will be unsupervised.
Will there be social activities in the evenings such as dances?	Social activities for Juniors that are not sailing related will be under the jurisdiction of the new Junior Activities Committee. This committee organizes activities for juniors such as movies in the Junior Room, dinners and dances. Please be sure to check the bulletin board below the Junior Room for updated information and a schedule of events.