Junior Sailing Camp returns to CIYC this June and July
The Captiva Island Yacht Club is hoping to help the area’s younger residents learn to master the art of sailing this summer when it features its second annual Junior Sailing Camp. The program is open to children ages 8 to 16 of all experience levels.
The only qualification for participation is successful completion of a swim test (50 yard swim, tread water, put on a PFD in the water and swim back 50 yards wearing the PFD). Families do not need to belong to the Yacht Club to participate.
The first session this year will run Monday, June 13 to Thursday, June 23. The second session will run Monday, July 18 to Thursday, July 28. Drop-off at the Yacht Club is between 8:45 and 9 a.m.; pickup is 4 p.m. each day. At the conclusion of each session, students will demonstrate their newly-acquired sailing and marine skills at Parents & Friends Day.
At the end of each two-week session, students will be able to:
• Sail a boat single-handedly
• Be certified in power boat safety
• Properly handle a kayak
According to Chris Heidrick, chairman of the Sailing Committee at the Yacht Club, rigging, navigating and tying knots will also be taught in the program.
“Your child will be able to sail single-handedly,” said Heidrick, who noted that last year, 14 students between the ages of 8 and 15 had a great time while parents were “thrilled” with the program.
The Captiva Island Yacht Club is the organizer/sponsor of the program while Edison Sailing Center will manage the program and provide instruction.
The cost to enroll is $600 per session ($300 per week). Each child will be assigned their own sailboat (Optimist Pram, Sunfish or Laser) and their own kayak. There will be a certified instructor for every three to five students. Each child will need to provide their own Personal Floatation Device (PFD), lunches/snacks/drinks, sunscreen, hat and water-shoes (swim shoes, sailing booties or Crocs).
Heidrick also said the sailing camp also gives parents another alternative in choosing camps for their children.
“We’re so lucky to have so many options for summer camp,” he added. “It’s one more way for the child to enjoy the atmosphere where we live.”
Enrollment is limited, so enroll early to ensure selection of your preferred session. For enrollment forms or additional information, contact Lauren Davies at 472-9627 or e-mail info@CaptivaIYC.net or Chris Heidrick at 579-0660 or e-mail Chris@SanibelInsurance.com.