Get Ready to Go Sailing!
Here are the things you need to know and do before your child can sail with us.
Click the red button below to download key information and required forms
We want your child to have a wonderful and safe experience this summer. To help ensure that happens here are the things you need to know and do before your child can participate.
Before Your First Day of Sailing
- Swimming Ability
Though our sailors are required to wear lifejackets at all times, it is still extremely important that your child is a capable swimmer. The sailing classes are supervised by qualified instructors, at times more than 100 yards offshore. While the students are supervised, there is a distinct possibility that a child can fall off the boat and into the water. For the safety and education of the students, there will be a class on boat capsizing and recovery. For many of the students, the capsizing day is one of the most fun and memorable of the summer. For your peace of mind, the boats we use are designed not to sink, even if capsized. The reason for the capsizing drill is to teach the students how to recover and re-enter the boat in case of an accidental capsizing. Knowing what to do in these types of situations helps make the whole experience safer and more fun for everyone. But it means they will eventually be in the water and must therefore be able to swim.
- Annual Swim Test
An annual swim test is required by both the BSA and the US Sailing Association. If your child is not capable of passing a swimming test, then they will not be allowed to participate in the sailing school. BSA defines a capable swimmer as being able to do the following: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating
- Informed Consent, Release Agreement and Authorization, Part A
Because Sailaway Sailing School is operated by Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA, the Boy Scouts of America Informed Consent, Release Agreement and Authorization, Part A must be completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian and returned to Sailaway Sailing School before the start of your child’s sailing session.
- General Information/Health History Form, B1 & B2
A completed health review form is required of all participants as evidence of fitness for boating activities. Also, in case of an emergency, it is important we have this information on hand and available to share with the appropriate medical personnel. Please be sure to include any recent incidents of illness or injury if any have occurred just prior to the start of the sailing session. This form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to Sailaway Sailing School before the start of your child’s sailing session. Note, the staff is not able to administer medications to students.
- Parental Release Form Parts 1 & 2
A completed Sailaway Sailing School Parental Release form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and returned to Sailaway Sailing School before the start of your child’s sailing session.
- Emergency Contact Information
It is important on the forms mentioned above that you include an emergency contact person whom we can reach should the need arise. This information must be provided before the start of your child’s sailing session.
- Code of Conduct
It is important you and your child understand that in addition to the measures put in place by Sailaway Sailing School, your child shares the responsibility for safety and agrees to practice safe boating at all times. It is important for everyone’s safety that all participants come to school prepared to sail and conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully.
- Life Jackets (PFDs)
All students, counselors and instructors are required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Lifejacket (PFD) at all times while on the docks and in the boats. While the school does have a limited supply of lifejackets on-hand, we encourage you to provide your child their own lifejacket (PFD). This is to help ensure the best fit and comfort of the lifejacket for you child. They will be wearing the lifejacket for up to 3.5 hours a day, a properly sized lifejacket is better for both their comfort and their safety.
- Weather Conditions
Sailing is very much a weather dependent sport. We plan to sail whenever it is possible and safe to do so. However due to weather conditions sailing classes may be canceled or possibly diverted to onshore activities on short notice on the day of the class. We will do our best to communicate these changes when it happens. Please keep an eye on the weather at home as well, as that will help you to know what to expect.
- What to Bring
Come prepared to sail every day. Bring: your smile, a liter of drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack/bag to hold personal items, and a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Lifejacket that fits your child properly. Wear closed toe water shoes/sneakers, shorts and t-shirt. Do not wear jeans.
- What Not to Bring
Do not bring valuables to sailing school. If possible, do not bring a cell phone. Sailaway Sailing School and the Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
- No cell phones, please
Sailing requires both hands. Therefore, cell phones are not allowed during class and not allowed on the docks or in the boats. If possible, leave the cell phones at home. If your child must bring a cell phone, they will need to keep it in their bag onshore, in the Pilot House, until the sailing class is over. Sailaway Sailing School and the Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen cell phones.
Have a Question?
Please email any questions to: sailaway@ctyankee.org