What to Bring

Since sailing is an outdoor activity, students (your child) will spend a good portion of the day in the sun and on (or in) the water. As such, it’s probably a good idea to get into the habit of listening to the weather each morning for an idea of what sort of protection and gear they might need for the day:

• Typically on a hot sunny day you will want to bring light colored “airy” clothing that will cover your arms and legs from the sun, without being restrictive or too warm.
• On windy days the air will tend to be a bit little cooler on the water than further inland: thus a windbreaker or jacket is advisable.
• Occasionally, you will be swimming, either at the Yacht Club pool or out on the water as part of the instruction (or part of the fun.) Therefore a towel and a change of clothes may at times be handy.
• Sometimes it will rain and, depending on the conditions, the instructors may see fit to go outside and enjoy the conditions. A good rain jacket is appropriate for these days.

* The club will not accept responsibilities for lost articles. Cell phones are not allowed during the class and it is recommended that they should not be brought to the club at all.

Personal Floatation Devices

Your child will be in a life jacket for up to seven hours a day. It’s important that the PFD fit well and be comfortable. Some of the best life jackets for sailing are made by a company called Extrasport. Here is a link to their web site showing their line of sailing specific PFDs: www.extrasport.com

Praddle (Paddle)

This a unique single handed paddle. Good for days when there is no wind. It is compact and lightweight and easy to stow. Its one arm operation leaves the other hand free to steer and the forearm rest provides leverage for maximum propulsion. It can be used as a bailer in a pinch and when waived; its bright orange color is good for getting attention. The Praddle is made by Ronstan and can be found under part numbers RF6021 or EX1440.

As a minimum the following equipment is required by the HYC Junior Sailing Program

• Life Jacket: Properly fitting USCG approved TYPE III PFD (see side photo)
• Shoes: Closed toe, rubber-soled shoes such as boat shoes or sneakers.
• Hat: with a brim suitable to shade the eyes and face from the sun.
• Long sleeved shirt / sun cover-up.
• Sun Screen (SPF 15 or higher).
• Plastic water bottle.
• praddle
• swim suit
• towel
• sun glasses
• lock

Other items that you may find handy at times:

• money for Ice Cream Truck
• change of clothes
• watch
• rucksack or gear bag to carry stuff
• zip-lock bags to store both dry and wet things

Items that will be more of a distraction than of any use:

• Gameboys, iPods, radios, or other electronic toys
• Skateboards, scooters, roller blades, etc.
• Water pistols, water balloons, etc.

Stores in the area that carry some or all of the Extrasport line and the Praddle are:

The Boat Locker,
Westport, CT 203-259-7808

Dinghy Locker at Landfall Navigation
Stamford, CT 800-941-2219

Post Marine Supply,
New Rochelle, NY 914-235-9800

West Marine,
Stamford, CT (203) 969-7727

The Dinghy Shop,
Amityville, NY 631-264-0005

Online sources:
Annapolis Performance Sailing
Annapolis, MD (800) 729-9767

Layline Inc.
Richmond, VA (800) 273-9491