SAILING CLASS FAQ
Q: What types of boats are used for instruction?
Zim Prams are small, capsize-friendly, self-bailing and easy to rig dinghies very similar in design to the Optis. With no air bags or sail ties to worry about, new sailors will love how easy they are to use. Our fleet is lemon yellow and easy to spot in the harbor!
Optimists (Optis for short) are small, one-person sailing dinghies. The Optimist Class is the largest class of boats in the world. Optis are unique in that they are ideal beginner boats, but also a class for competitive racing. Sailors can compete in Opti regattas through the year in which they turn 15. Sailors are encouraged to stay in Optis as long as they are comfortable in the boat. Optis are great boats to learn in, and Opti sailors go on to be among the best sailors around.
Club 420s are larger dinghies with two sails, a mainsail and a jib. 420s are sailed by two people, one person (the skipper) steering the boat, and another (the crew) managing the jib and controlling weight placement. The safe and effective sailing of a 420 requires a certain combined weight in the boat, so for small, light sailors Optis are more appropriate and better vehicles for learning. 420s are among the boats commonly used on high school and college sailing teams.
The Bulls Eye, used in both youth & adult sailing classes, is well suited for both an evening sail as well as competitive one-design racing. The boat is very stable and perfect for family racing.
Q: Are there rules we should know?
Your child's safety is our highest priority. You will be given drop-off and pick-up procedures on the first day of class; please follow these procedures and avoid allowing children to walk in the parking lot. Please pick your child up promptly.
Life jackets that are appropriate for sailing and properly sized are required at all times on dock, floats and boats. Life jackets must have waterproof whistles attached by a short tether (whistles will be available at KSEA on the first day of class).
Closed toed shoes, please. No bare feet or flipflops are permitted.
Every participant under the age of 19 years old must pass a swim test on or before the first day of class.
Safe behavior on docks, floats and boats is required: no pushing or rough play will be tolerated.
Read this letter for more information you need to know before coming to KSEA.
Q: What kind of clothing and equipment do we need?
Life jackets are required. Students should bring a duffel or backpack with a towel, bathing suit, change of clothing and jacket or slicker. Label all personal items! Hats and eyeglasses should be secured. Sailors must accept responsibility for lost personal items. It can be chilly on the water. Please make sure that your child has the appropriate clothing for each day, especially the day of the swim test and capsize drill.
Q: How about snacks & water?
Rowers should bring a snack and drink in a labeled, reusable container to class each day. All sailors should bring their own labeled, re-usable drink containers. It is very important to stay well-hydrated during class. Fresh water fills and re-fills are available at the sailing school. Please make sure that all snacks are nut-free.
Q: Is class held on rainy days?
Sailing class will NOT be canceled due to inclement weather! However, classes may be conducted on shore at the discretion of the Head Instructor.
Q: Are there other KSEA events?
Check the calendar (in the footer of the KSEA website landing page) for events like the potlucks, movie nights, Long Island Family Picnic and Pirate Day.
Q: What is “race tea”?
The KSEA Summer Series Races are open to afternoon class sailors (Opti Adventurers, Cruising 420s) in addition to the Opti and 420 race teams. After racing is complete, please join us for the tradition of KSEA Race Tea.
After sailors have cleaned up their boats, usually around 1530, they gather on the patio of the KYC clubhouse for light refreshments and, depending on the race, the announcement and awarding of prizes of the top three boats. Goals: feed the sailors after a vigorous (hopefully, if there is wind!) race day; for sailors to develop sportsmanship skills, congratulating winners as well as supporting peers who do not feel like they performed their best; parents to meet, mingle and support their sailors.
Is tea actually served? Not unless you, as a volunteer helping to provide race tea provisions, decide to offer that to the racers. What is generally served is a drink, some fruit, something savory, something salty, and something sweet. Families whose sailors participate in race teas after our regular KSEA race days (mostly Thursdays) are asked to sign up to contribute a simple race tea food or refreshment.
Q: What is your cancellation & refund policy?
As listed in the policy agreed to during registration — 1) A 100% refund, less non-refundable $10 deposit per session, will be granted if a cancellation request is made at least 30 days prior to the session start date. 2) A 50% refund, less non-refundable $10 deposit per session, will be granted if a cancellation request is made less than 30 days prior to the session start date. 3) A 25% refund, less non-refundable $10 deposit per session, will be granted if a cancellation request is made less that 15 days prior to the session start date. 4) No refunds for a session will be granted once the session has started. 5) No refund will be granted if a sailor is dismissed because of behavioral misconduct or violation of safety requirements.