Falmouth Harbor Sailing School
Teaching the community the art and science of sailing since 1990
The Opti classes are separated into three levels of ability. A student needs to be at least 8 years old.
Opti 1 is the class for the beginner level Opti Sailors who are at least 8 years old. Students will learn the basic parts of the International Optimist Dinghy Class and basic boat handling skills. Sailors begin sailing in pairs and progress towards sailing alone as their comfort level increases. Sailors must demonstrate the objective skills, as well a comfort and proficiency sailing alone before they advance to Opti 2.
Mondays thru Fridays 8:30-11:00am
Opti 2 is for the intermediate level sailor and participants should have completed Opti 1. Opti 2 sailors are learning to single-hand their boats. Sailors will learn proper weight placement, practice tacks, jibes and learn to basics of sailing around a racecourse.
Mondays thru Fridays 10:30am-1pm.
Opti Racing is the class for a sailor aspiring to race competitively. Some of the topics covered include advanced boat handling techniques, racing tactics and strategies, and the Rules of Racing. These sailors should be prepared to travel to regattas. Boat ownership is strongly encouraged. 8 weeks is recommended.
Mondays through Fridays 1-4pm.
This introduction to sailing class is for children aged 7-10 with little to no sailing experience. The class teaches the fundamentals of on-the-water safety, seamanship and terminology. Sailors will learn basic sailing skills: rigging and stowing of all necessary equipment, hoisting and dowsing sails, sail trim and steerage. They will learn to row, set an anchor and basic knot tying. The classes are taught in a larger boat with at least one instructor on board for every six students. At the end of two weeks each eligible student will be evaluated for placement in Opti 1. Instructors will decide on promotion of students. Material may be repeated in successive sessions.
420
The 420 Classes are for the older student (11 and up). These classes are also divided into three levels of ability.
420 1 is for the beginner, and it covers basic double handed boat handling and the rules of sailing and boating. Sailors will learn to rig and derail a 420, learn to steer and trim on all pints of sail and learn to trapeze.
Mondays thru Fridays 8:30-11:00am.
420 2 is for the intermediate sailor. The class covers more advanced boat handling techniques with emphasis on use of the trapeze and spinnaker. The class will also focus on defining sail trim and basic racing tactics.
Mondays thru Fridays 10:30am-1pm.
420 Racing is designed for the sailor who wants to learn advanced team and fleet racing tactics and strategies. Sailors are selected for the racing team by the instructors and program director. Sailors will compete at regattas and team races in the area throughout the summer.
Mondays thru Fridays 1-4pm.
Adventure Boating is designed to develop a love of boating and respect for the sea. Sailing, kayaking, motorboating, fishing, lobstering, and classes on maritime and environmental subjects will all be incorporated each week. The class will typically run Monday - Friday from 1-4pm. Weather and condition permitting, there will be an 'adventure day' each week that will allow students to travel greater distances and engage deeper - this day class will start earlier. You must be at least 10 years old for this class - and class size is capped at 12 students per week.