Little Skippers
Little Skippers (Ages 5–7)
Introduce your child to the world of sailing through our Little Skippers program, designed especially for young beginners. Over four Saturday mornings, children will explore the basics of sailing in a playful and supportive setting.
OPTIMIST
About the boat
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Type: Singlehanded Dinghy
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Typical Weight Range: 70-125 lbs
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About: The most popular racing trainer around the world, the Opti is small but technical, with a long history of teaching racing skills and developing highly competitive sailors.
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Length: 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m)
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Beam: 3 ft 8 in (1.12 m)
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Hull weight: 35kg (77lbs)
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Speed scale: 1/5
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Class recognition: international class (is recognized by World Sailing, the international governing body for the sport of sailing).
Program
Little Skippers (Ages 5–7)
Introduce your child to the world of sailing through our Little Skippers program, designed especially for young beginners. Over four Saturday mornings, children will explore the basics of sailing in a playful and supportive setting.
Through a mix of fun games and beginner-friendly sailing activities, kids will discover water safety, the parts of a boat, how to catch the wind, and more—all while building confidence on the water. The emphasis is always on fun, safety, and discovery.
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When: 4 Saturday mornings, September–November
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Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Cost: $200
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Includes: Sailboat, PFD, and sailing helmet
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Requirement: Children must know how to swim
Little Skippers Program Policy & Agreement
Program Overview
The Little Skippers Program introduces children ages 5 to 7 to sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Parents are expected to review and understand the program details before enrolling.
Class Structure
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Classes are limited to children ages 5 to 7 only.
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Maximum of 6 participants per class.
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A class may start up to 15 minutes later if waiting for other children.
Learning Experience
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It is normal for children to feel scared or nervous at first. Instructors are trained to build confidence step by step.
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Children will sail alone or with another student in an Optimist dinghy. Boats stay inside our protected cove and are always under instructor supervision.
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There will not be one coach boat per child, as this would make the program prohibitively expensive. Our supervision system balances safety with independence.
Safety & Comfort
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Capsizing is normal in small-boat sailing and part of the learning process. Children must be comfortable getting wet and re-entering the boat.
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All participants will wear a US Coast Guard–approved PFD (lifejacket) and sailing helmet at all times.
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Participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in the water before enrolling.
Trust & Safety Standards
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Parents may perceive that their child is in danger when sailing alone in a small boat, but please know that this is a carefully managed learning environment.
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Our team has extensive experience in teaching young children to sail safely. Instructors are always nearby, monitoring all boats within sight.
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By enrolling, parents acknowledge that they trust the Academy’s safety standards, protocols, and expertise, and understand that the program is designed to balance independence with constant oversight.
What to Bring
A full list of items to bring (clothing, footwear, sun protection, etc.) is available on our website under Frequently Asked Questions. Parents are responsible for reviewing this information in advance.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
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Enrollment Commitment: The Little Skippers Program is sold as a full 4-class package. By enrolling, families commit to the complete program.
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No Refunds After Program Start: Once the program begins, no refunds are given for missed sessions, early withdrawal, or dissatisfaction.
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Cancellations Before Start Date: Families who cancel at least 7 days before the first class may request a full refund.
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Medical Exceptions: Refunds or credits may only be considered in case of a documented medical condition that prevents participation.
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Weather Policy: In case of bad weather, classes are postponed and rescheduled. Sessions are never lost, only moved.
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Preparedness: Parents must ensure their child arrives prepared. The FAQ on our website contains full details.
