1. How do I make our summer plans if class participation is “determined by the coaches”?
As long as students have the appropriate skill and comfort level (as listed in the descriptions in the “Junior Programs Overview”) this shouldn’t be an issue. Coaches will only move students if it is evident they are at a higher level and need to be challenged more OR they don’t have the necessary skills to participate safely in their chosen class. Students will be able to shift classes at the end of a session, if their skills/comfort progresses and their interests change (based on availability). Switches will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be done in consultation with the Program Director and the child’s parents. We anticipate there will be very few changes once the season starts. If you have any questions regarding your child’s placement, please contact the Program Director at aycjpdirector@gmail.com.
2. My child meets the requirements to join a race team - Does s/he belong in an Opti or a 420?
Two main factors can easily help determine this:
*Age: If your child is 10-15, they should sign up for the Opti Racers. If your child is 14-18, they should sign up for the 420 Racers. The reason for this overlap in ages is to account for body size…
*Body Size: If your child has a small build and they are 15 years or younger, they belong in the Optis. If your child is tall/larger, the 420 will be more appropriate. 420’s are larger/faster boats and require more strength/weight for safe maneuverability.
3. Will tennis still be a part of the Adventurers class?
Yes. Tennis for this group is optional - for those interested, skills will continue to be developed and students will be encouraged to participate in local matches.
3. a) - An enhanced description of the Tennis Program and a class breakdown of skills sets is now in the Junior Program Overview. In addition, please check out the Tennis Pro's and Assistant's Bios which are now linked below the Sailing Staffs' (please see the upper right hand of the blog!).
4. Is the Opti credit still in place?
Yes. The credit program will again be in place. More details will be forthcoming.
5. What if my child doesn’t want to play tennis?
Tennis is a requirement for the Opti1 and Opti2 classes. After this point, it is optional.
6. What if my child doesn’t want to sail?
Sailing is a requirement for the Opti1 and Opti2 classes. After this point, it is optional. Students may choose to play tennis only.
7. Are the kids still going to receive swimming instruction?
Swimming is an essential skill that will be embedded in the Opti1 and Opti2 classes. It is required that every student participating in sailing pass a swim test (swimming 50 yards without a life jacket, followed by treading water for one minute while communicating, then put on a life jacket while still in the water). Swimming will also occur in other classes, but instruction will not be offered.
8. My child wants to be with his/her friends. What do I do about this?
We will do everything we can to ensure this. Creating the new schedule based on skill level should still ensure that kids around the same age are placed in the same classes, but it will depend on their individual interests and abilities. Please note, there are overlapping lunch periods for kids in the same age range.
New Question as of May 5th:
9. What can I do if my child's other summer camps/jobs/we're only in Annisquam for... only allow for partial attendance of the season and the class description/payment structure says there must be a "full season" commitment--Please Note: this is specific to only the Opti and 420 Race Teams.
The coaches and staff want sailors on the Opti or 420 Race Teams to show a full summer commitment in order to better prepare the sailors for regattas--with more effective and progressive coaching, the continuity of matching skippers and crew, maintenance work/responsibilities on the sailboats, etc.
Given this however, certain exceptions will be taken into consideration, if the following steps/qualifications are met:
-Sailor must be in attendance for at least four consecutive weeks of the summer;
-Parents contact the Program Director (Noah) directly (email: aycjpdirector@gmail.com) with your individual case and the dates of attendance;
-Must indicate this on the Registration form/survey--make a note in the New Student Experience Question
**Please note: The rates on this partial season are pro-rated from the full season rate.
