Daily schedule:
Both Beginning Sailing classes begin at 8:30am and end at 11:30am
The Growing Sailing class begins at 9am and ends at noon.
From noon to 1 The Rockport Boat Club is closed for planning and staff break
The afternoon classes begin at 1pm and end at 4pm.
Pick-up and Drop-Off:
The Rockport Boat Club is located at 4 Main Street, Rockport Maine, across the Goose River from The Rockport Marine Park. The road leading down to the boat club is east of the bridge, down the steep hill that leads towards Rockport Marine.
Drive slowly and use caution coming down the hill as children will be walking or biking to class. The area can become congested during pick-up and drop-off times.
Please be punctual dropping off and picking up children. RBC Instructors continue standing by until all students are picked up.
Notify the Sailing Director if you have special requests regarding who may pick up your child.
Many students bike to and from the boat club, if your child is managing their own transportation, or if you arrange a pick-up location other than the Rockport Boat Club with your child likewise notify the Sailing Director.
Contacting us during the sailing program:
During the sailing season the landline at Rockport Boat Club is operational. The number is 207-236-4900. If the classes are out on the water no one will be inside the clubhouse to answer the phone. Please leave a message. They will be checked when we get back on land.
The Sailing Director will be out on the water with the students. A cell phone is always carried in case of an emergency. If you need to reach your child immediately, in the event of an emergency the Sailing Director’s phone number is posted on the bulletin board.
Emails written to youthsail@rockportboatclub.org will also be forwarded directly to the Sailing Director’s cell phone.
Additionally, the Rockport Harbor Master can reach the Sailing Director and the Sailing Instructors at any time through VHF radio. Rockport Harbor Master’s Office 207-236-0676. RBC Sailing Instructors are always standing by on VHF Channel 79.
Clothing suggestions and items to bring to class:
Lifejacket –
All students must bring their own lifejacket.
This must be a Coast Guard Approved Type III Personal Flotation Device. Make sure the lifejacket is the appropriate rating for your child’s weight. It is okay for a child to wear a lifejacket that is rated for heavier than their weight but never less.
The PFD type and the recommended weights for lifejackets are printed directly on the lifejacket, usually on the inside of the back panel.
The lifejacket straps should tighten down enough the lifejacket will not pull up above their ears. If the lifejacket can slide up around their head when the straps are fully tightened it is too big.
PFDs with continuous fabric around the torso work better when swimming and playing in the water than those with only webbing on the sides.
Type III PFDs in youth sizes can be found at Hamilton Marine, Maine Sport and Reny’s. Lifejackets at Hamilton Marine start at $20.
Proper footwear:
Students must wear appropriate footwear at all times.
Closed toe sandals with a strap around the back of the foot are the best footwear to wear to camp. Teva, Chaco and Keen all make versions of this sandal that are appropriate for sailing. Water socks are an inexpensive alternative.
All feet will get wet every day. Students may not sail barefoot. If your child wears sneakers, they will be wet sneakers. Flip flops are not appropriate shoes for sailing. They float off children’s feet when in the water and do not provide enough protection when walking on the rocky coastline.
Appropriate clothing for the weather-
Students will be out on the water in a variety of weather. Check the weather report for the day and assist your child to dress appropriately. Quick dry fabrics that provide sun protection are best. Cotton shirts and shorts will get damp and stay damp, leading to chilled kids.
On cold days bring extra layers of clothing such as a sweatshirt, jacket, or windbreaker. If it is raining, bring your rain gear.
Expect that your child will be getting wet every day and prepare accordingly. Packing a change of clothes is an excellent idea.
Children with long hair should have an elastic. Long hair could potentially get caught in the sailboats moving parts and pulled. Likewise dangling earrings and rings are to be avoided.
Include a hat with a brim and sunglasses.
Arrive dressed to sail-
There is no changing room at the Rockport Boat Club and only one bathroom. When children do not arrive ready to go sailing it creates a huge slowdown to getting the class out on the water.
Having your child dress in layers works best. They can wear their swimsuit beneath shorts and sun shirts. Outer layers can be removed when necessary.
Additional items to pack
Bring a refillable water bottle. We provide a refilling station. Students are welcome to bring their bottle with them sailing.
Sunscreen, so students can reapply as needed.
Pack a towel for them to dry off, warm up with, and lounge in the sun.
Students are welcome to bring a snack for the end of class.
Do not bring valuable items. The students’ backpacks are left unattended when sailing.
The Swim Check:
All students taking part in the youth sailing program must be able to swim. All students will be required to complete a swim check on the first day of class. Students will be wearing lifejackets during all points of the swim check.
Students taking Introduction to Sailing or Private Lessons do not have to complete a swim check.
This activity helps us access the child’s ability to stay calm, communicate and listen. We try our best to make this a fun activity!
Swim Check Steps
Students gather on the east end of the dock while wearing their lifejackets.
In groups of 2 or 3 the student will jump into the water and swim to the other end of the dock. This is about 50ft. Any swim stroke or style is fine.
Once at the other end of the dock the students will tread water.
Students will demonstrate they can listen to and follow directions while in the water. The instructors will ask for a joke or an interesting fact. They may toss in a ball and ask the student to throw it back.
After the student as followed the directions, the instructor will tell the students they can exit the water using the swim ladder next to the instructor.
They can go up the gangway and warm up as soon as they are done.
Help minimize stress with the following tips:
Talk to your child in advance about the steps listed above.
Do not use the phrase “Swim Test”. This is not a test. The idea of “failing the swim test” is the number one cause of anxiety.
The water is very cold, especially in June. Bring any gear that will make your child feel more comfortable. Wetsuits and goggles are fine, whatever they need to feel safe and prepared!