Plymouth Recreation
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Plymouth Yacht Club Sailing Program

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First Mate: Ages 7-10
Prerequisites: Competent Swimmer with a life vest.
(A swimming test will be administered to all students on the first day of their lessons, consisting of 50 yard swim with a life jacket, and treading water for 3 minutes with a life jacket.)
It’s never too early to get out on the water! This introductory program introduces younger children to the fundamentals of boating. After some land-based fun practicing how to rig, bail and steer, First Mate students sail with instructors on our 14-foot RS Quests around Plymouth Harbor. During these group sails, students will practice steering and trimming sails, and learning to watch the wind, tide and currents.

Mate 1A: Ages 7-10
Prerequisites: Competent Swimmer
(A swimming test will be administered to all students on the first day of their lessons, consisting of 50 yard swim with a life jacket, and treading water for 3 minutes with a life jacket.)

Unlike the Introductory First Mate class, in which our instructors are in the boat sailing with their students, the Mate 1A program is a Beginner class where the students sail their boat on their own. They learn boating safety and sailing concepts in the classroom and on the water. Students sail Prams dinghies, with 2-3 students sailing in each boat. The focus is on basic boat handling skills: on rigging and righting the boat, understanding the impact of tide and wind on navigation and how to set and follow a course.  We recommend but do not require that Mate 1A students ages 7-8 have some introductory sailing experience (like our First Mate class) and therefore are comfortable sailing without an instructor.

Adventure Sailing: Ages 11-16
Prerequisites: Competent Swimmer
(A swimming test will be administered to all students on the first day of their lessons, consisting of 50 yard swim with a life jacket, and treading water for 3 minutes with a life jacket.)

Fun, no-pressure sailing to destinations around Plymouth Harbor for beginner teens & tweens! Adventure and fun await these sailors on our exciting 14-foot RS Quests as they sail together in one boat to their chosen destination. Each sailor is responsible for part of the boat’s operation, tuning and handling. They will also learn boat rigging, righting and how to maximize performance both upwind and downwind. Sailors often opt for more sessions and bigger adventures as skills increase. Adventure sailors will also learn a little bit of chart navigation!

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (You must supply yourself): All PYC sailors will be required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket with plastic whistle attached on a lanyard (string) while on the pier, in floats or in boats. Closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes, or non-skid shoes (boat shoes, sneakers or dinghy boots) are mandatory. No flip flops or Croc-type footwear are permitted.


Additional Information:
-This is non-member pricing only, Plymouth Yacht Club Members please call the Yacht Club to register to receive your member pricing

-Please note that the Program Director retains the right for student placement within the classes. It is at his/her discretion that class levels are staffed appropriately based upon enrollment, and that each student’s experience is appropriate for that class and/or type of boat. Some students may be moved to ensure that they are comfortable and confident at the level for which they are learning, or to ensure all students have adequate access and quality time on the water with the limited number of boats available in each class.

-The sailing program will meet rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. 

In addition to your specific class days / times, your registration also includes participation in special events during the entire season, even if the event doesn’t occur during your child’s session, such as our “Great Race” celebration on August 16th . Please read PYC’s online class descriptions and note those extra dates in your calendar.

Registration and Refund Policies
  • Refunds: There will be a $10 processing fee for all refunds/credits and all requests must be made at least 5 business days prior to the start of the program. (There are no refunds for activities that require a uniform or jersey after it is ordered).
  • Age Requirement: Participants must be the minimum age for the program on the first scheduled day of class. If the child is registered under the wrong date of birth, they will be cancelled out of the program minus the $10 cancellation fee.
  • Proof of Age: A document showing date of birth (birth certificate, passport, physical form or other official document) must be provided for each child when registering for their first program with us.
  • Non-Resident Fee: There is a $10 per participant per program surcharge for non-Plymouth residents. (This $10 NR fee is non-refundable unless the Recreation Dept. cancels the program before it starts. If the program runs and is then cancelled the $10 NR is non-refundable. If you withdraw from the program the $10 NR fee is non-refundable and the $10 cancellation fee is still applied)
  • Confirmations: Please keep a record of your registration. Confirmations are emailed as soon as your registration is processed; no further confirmations or reminders are provided.
  • Registration: Student is only considered registered (and spot reserved) in a program once payment is received. Online registration & payment is the quickest and easiest way to secure a spot in a program. Registration is also accepted in our office and by mail on a first-come first-served basis. SPOTS ARE NOT HELD FOR PROGRAMS UNLESS PAYMENT IS RECEIVED.
  • Outdoor Programs: Due to any weather cancellations, programs could be scheduled a make class that extends beyond the original end date, or at an indoor location. No refunds or credits will be given for make up dates.
  • Cancellations: Due to any cancellations, programs could be scheduled a make class that extends beyond the original end date. No refunds or credits will be given for make up dates
  • COVID-19: The Recreation Dept will follow all local and state COVID-19 guidelines. Refunds will not be issued for changing guidelines.

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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