MINNOWS ‐ Introduction to Sailing
Age: 5‐8
Prerequisite: None. No sailing experience necessary.
Limit: 6 students per session.
Schedule: See “Schedule” for dates & times
No. of class days: 2
Fee: $75
***Parent/guardian attendance is mandatory***
Introduce young prospective sailors to the wonders of sailing in a safe and fun environment! This is NOT a “learn to sail” class, but rather a program designed to encourage a child’s comfort and confidence around water. Each student must have an adult (parent, grandparent, nanny, etc.) accompany them during the entire class. Adults are expected and encouraged to participate in all aspects of class, assisting with rigging, learning knots, and getting wet in a boat alongside the children. Adults can be novice sailors or have previous experience. The goal of this class is to become comfortable with the boats, docks, and water as they are exposed to the sport in a fun environment. Through fun games and activities, Minnows will be introduced to basic sailing concepts, such as water safety, knot tying, wind direction, and boat parts. Children will have opportunities to sail 8ft Optimist dinghies with the assistance of junior instructors, their parents, or a buddy. Please understand this class is meant to give children a fun and positive basic introduction to sailing. Students are not expected to come away with the ability to sail an Opti independently. Participants are NOT required to do the swim check, however students are encouraged to do a “life jacket float test” in the water alongside the dock. Classes are held within the confines of the Hood River Marina.