Times
Morning Sailing classes begin at 8:30am and end at 11:30am
The Growing Sailing class begins at 9am and ends at noon
From noon to 1 The Rockport Boat Club is closed for planning and staff break
Afternoon classes begin at 1pm and end at 4pm
Drop off & Pick up
The Rockport Boat Club is located at 4 Main Street, Rockport Harbor Maine
Drive slowly and use caution coming down the hill as children will be walking or biking to class
The area can become congested during pick-up and drop-off times
Please be punctual dropping off and picking up children. RBC Instructors continue standing by until all students are picked up
Notify the Sailing Director if you have special requests regarding who may pick up your child
Many students bike to and from the boat club, if your child is managing their own transportation, or if you arrange a pick-up location other than the Rockport Boat Club with your child likewise notify the Sailing Director
Contact Information During Class
RBC Emergency Contacts
911
Harbor Master: Abbie Leonard VHF#16, 207-236-0676
Local US Coast Guard: VHF#16,
207-596-6667
Sailing Director: Jeni Conover VHF#79
Commodore: Chrisso Rheault
YSP Chair: Megan Phelan 207-441-6118
RBC Clubhouse: 207-236-4900
RBC Instructors: VHF Channel #79
During the summer sailing season the landline at Rockport Boat Club phone number is 207-236-4900. There is an adult in the clubhouse at most times throughout the day.
The Sailing Director may be out on the water with the students. A cell phone is always carried in case of an emergency. If you need to reach your child immediately, in the event of an emergency contact the Sailing Director on her personal cell phone. Personal cell phone numbers will be provided when classes begin.
Emails written to sail@rbcys.org will also be forwarded directly to the Sailing Director’s cell phone.
The Rockport Harbor Master can reach the Sailing Director and the Sailing Instructors at any time through VHF radio
Location 1- Rockport Boat Club
4 Main Street
Rockport Maine 04856
Location 2-
Harbor Master’s Office @ Rockport Marine Park
111 Pascal Avenue
Rockport Maine 04856
Dressing for Sea Time
All students must bring their own lifejacket. This must be a Coast Guard Approved Type III Personal Flotation Device. Make sure the lifejacket is the appropriate rating for your child’s weight. It is okay for a child to wear a lifejacket that is rated for heavier than their weight but never less. The PFD type and the recommended weights for lifejackets are printed directly on the lifejacket, usually on the inside of the back panel. The lifejacket straps should tighten down enough the lifejacket will not pull up above their ears. If the lifejacket can slide up around their head when the straps are fully tightened it is too big. PFDs with continuous fabric around the torso work better when swimming and playing in the water than those with only webbing on the sides.Type III PFDs in youth sizes can be found at Hamilton Marine, Maine Sport and Walmart.
Students must wear appropriate footwear at all times. Closed toe sandals with a strap around the back of the foot are the best footwear to wear to camp. Teva, Chaco and Keen all make versions of this sandal that are appropriate for sailing. Water socks are an inexpensive alternative. All feet will get wet every day. Students may not sail barefoot. If your child wears sneakers, they will be wet sneakers. Flip flops are not appropriate shoes for sailing. They float off children’s feet when in the water and do not provide enough protection when walking on the rocky coastline.
Students will be out on the water in a variety of weather. Check the weather report for the day and assist your child to dress appropriately. Quick dry fabrics that provide sun protection are best. Cotton shirts and shorts will get damp and stay damp, leading to chilled kids. On cold days bring extra layers of clothing such as a sweatshirt, jacket, or windbreaker. If it is raining, bring your rain gear. Expect that your child will be getting wet every day and prepare accordingly. Packing a change of clothes is an excellent idea.
Children with long hair should have an elastic. Long hair could potentially get caught in the sailboats moving parts and pulled. Likewise dangling earrings and rings are to be avoided
Include a hat with a brim and sunglasses
Arrive dressed to sail.There is no changing room at the Rockport Boat Club and only one bathroom. When children do not arrive ready to go sailing it creates a huge slowdown to getting the class out on the water. Having your child dress in layers works best. They can wear their swimsuit beneath shorts and sun shirts. Outer layers can be removed when necessary
Additional Items for the Day
Bring a refillable water bottle. We provide a refilling station. Students are welcome to bring their bottle with them sailing
Sunscreen, so students can reapply as needed
Pack a towel for them to dry off & warm up with
Students are welcome to bring a snack for the end of class
Do not bring valuable items. The students’ backpacks may be left unattended for a period of time when sailing.
Swimming is Required for Sailing Classes
All students taking part in the youth sailing program must be able to swim. All students will be required to complete a swim check on the first day of class. Students will be wearing lifejackets during all points of the swim check
This activity helps us access the child’s ability to stay calm, communicate and listen. We try our best to make this a fun activity!
Growing Sailors do not take part in the swim check but it is recommended they know how to swim
Rockport Boat Club Rules
· No student is allowed on the dock, in the water or on the boats without supervision.
· Life Jackets must be worn and secured when on any docks, in a motorboat, in a sailboat, or in the water.
· Proper footwear must be worn at all times.
· RBC grounds must be treated respectfully. Students gear should be kept neatly in the designated class area. Trash should never be left on the ground. Bicycles should be parked by the kayak rack.
· RBC boats and gear should be treated with care and respect. All gear used or borrowed by students will be properly put away by the student before they may depart.
· No pushing, shoving, hitting, or use of profanity at any time.
· Disruptive behavior, gestures, actions, language or bullying will not be tolerated for any reason.
· No foul or inappropriate language.
· No running or pushing on the docks.
· No jumping off boats or recreational capsizing without an instructor’s permission.
· No swimming (except with the permission of the instructors).
· Students must stay in the area where the instructors and other students are both on shore and on the water.