What should be brought by students to class?
Link to Parent Information Guide: Parent Information
Quick Guide-what to bring to sailing:
- Weather appropriate clothing, the lakefront is usually cooler and the water can be cold
- Clothes that can get wet/bathing suit
- A change of clothes when first ones get wet
- Towel
- Water/sailing appropriate closed toe shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat/sunglasses
- Snack/water bottle
- A type III life jacket will be furnished, however, if you wish to bring your own, it needs to be approved by the staff
- A spirit ready to have some fun!
Can I miss classes?
Yes. The concepts will be reviewed throughout the class, but valuable boat time may be lost.
Do I have to be a member of the Saint Joseph River Yacht Club to take classes at the SJJF?
No. Everyone above the age of eight is welcome to sign up.
Does the Sailing School rent boats?
No. The sail boats are not for rent to the public or members.
Where is the Sailing School?
SJJF is located next to the St. Joseph River Yacht Club and the West Basin Marina. See the “Contact Us” page for a map.
The Adress is: 7 Lighthouse Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085
How soon should I register?
As soon as possible. Class size is limited by the number of boats.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Some classes do fill up and a wait list is maintained. Sign up early to get the class you desire.
Can my child attend just part of a session?
It is strongly recommended to participate in the entire session so no important information is missed. A new topic is taught in every class and each lesson is very important to understanding the fundamentals of sailing.
Prorating of classes is not allowed.
If I have to drop the class, what happens?
A full refund (less a $10 administration fee) if registration is cancelled 7 days prior to the start of class.
50% refund if registration is cancelled within 7 days of the start of class.
No refund after the start of the class.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
•Students should be comfortable swimmers in the water. A swim check is completed during the first class and a capsize drill will be taught during the first or second lesson.
•Non-swimmers are not advised to participate in sailing lessons. Class participation is up to the discretion of the Director and Head Instructor.
What forms do I need to complete prior to class?
The registration on the active system must be completed.
Link to registration: 2019 Active registration
What gear does my child need?
Be prepared to get wet! Most days are warm and shorts and t-shirts are fine, but check the weather. Fleece is good for colder days. Water shoes (closed toes) are recommended. Sunscreen and a bottle of water are good ideas.
See also, what to bring on the First day.
What should my child bring the first day?
•Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel – a swim check will be conducted during the first class.
•Wear footwear that may get wet or splashed. Students must wear footwear around the sailing school but may go barefoot while in the boats.
•Sunscreen, hats, rash guard or other sun protection. Students will be on the water for 2.5-3 hours during most classes.
•Optional – snack or water bottle for end of class
Does my child need to bring his/her own lunch?
No. Class is in the morning or afternoon, so lunch should be eaten before or after class.
When is the Awards Banquet?
The last Friday of Session C. The Awards Banquet at the St. Joseph location will be on Friday, 8/16/19.
How does my child advance to the next program level?
A written test and performance test are given to evaluate the progress of each student. The results of the tests will determine advancement to the next level.
Can I make up a class session?
•NO MAKEUPS for missed classes. Due to the 4-day format we are unable to reschedule absences.
What do we do when the weather is bad?
•EMAIL will be utilized for all special notifications. During questionable weather (storms or high winds) check email before leaving home. Emails are generated from our registration software. Please make sure the email is accurate for the responsible adult.
•During a storm, we usually conduct an extended indoor class and anticipate getting on the water after the weather clears up.
•Rain is not a reason for class cancellation. Games are often used for supplemental enrichment during the rain delays.