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CLSA Youth Sailing News

Welcome to the 2007 sailing season!

The youth program continues to grow along with its youth sailors – we are putting together the plans for another great season, and including new opportunities for our youth to stretch their sea-legs.

Early indications are that we will have 10 youth in Laser Radials, 4-5 in Sunfish, and a boatload of pram sailors.  As families make their commitments to boat types, we will post the fleet members in each youth class on this page.  (If you have already made your decision, send an email to Pete or Ken Irwin to update the list).

The continued success and growth of our youth program is dependent upon more involvement by more adults.  This year we will be focusing on building an organized structure of adult support that involves team leaders with specific responsibilities. Please take a look at the positions available below. If you have an interest that does not match a listed position, feel free to be creative and let us know!  Consider where you can best help us support the activities of our junior sailors, and then send an email to Pete Japikse, Matt Vallo, or Sharon Petko-Bunney with your interests.

While the details are still being ironed out, here is the cloud-level view of the summer:

• During May and June, there will be special racing and training opportunities for our Laser sailors.  These are being designed to provide race and advanced skill training for our laser sailors who are interested in advancing their skill levels.  Coaching and video training will be included.  Teens who are considering a more involved racing format and are considering participating in travel regattas later in the season will want to participate in these sessions.  Youth who participate in this must have the appropriate gear to protect them in colder water and heavier winds.  These sessions are open to veteran Laser sailors from last season, or as accepted by the junior and teen coordinators.
   
• Memorial Day CLSA club races:  Veteran youth sailors only may participate in junior racing for the Memorial Day series races.  Coaches Jason Japikse and Logan Hearn will be RC duty for the youth sailors for this series.
   
• Sailing camp schedule:
   
• Teen sailing:  Sunday June 24 through Wednesday afternoon June 27
  • Teens will have their own activities focused on laser skills for these days.  Teens may also register to stay for the rest of the week.
• First-time junior sailing (Laser Radials, Sunfish, Prams): Tuesday evening June 26 and Wednesday June 27.  This time will be focused on the beginning safety skills, rigging, and other basics of sailing and water safety.  This is a mandatory session for any new sailors in order to participate in the rest of the camp.  These youth will continue with the other youth sailors at camp through Saturday morning, June 30.
• Veteran junior sailing: Wednesday evening June 27 through Saturday morning, June 30

• CLSA youth program racing season opens for all youth sailors with the Independence Day series.  This race series will be held on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday July 1 this year.  Youth race courses are separate from the adult course, with a dedicated race committee to oversee and manage the race and safety functions.  Youth must have participated in a CLSA youth program camp to be eligible to participate in the race program.

• July and August – watch for information about traveler regattas for youth racers
   
• Fun-gatta:  August 25 and 26:  save this date for our annual end of summer sailing fun and games
   
• Labor Day Race series:  This is the final opportunity for our youth sailors to participate in a dedicated youth sailing course for Laser Radials, Sunfish, and Prams.  Youth sailing after this date will be as crew in the club fleets.
   
• Special note for youth with regard to CLSA racing:  CLSA race instruction  2.3 stipulates that competitors under 16 may not race on the regular course without authorization from the junior race chairman. (boats with an adult aboard are excepted).  Youth and families who are interested in pursuing regular course approval must contact Pete Japikse.