 Pacing the Steps
There
are four levels in Longshore’s Core Curriculum. It is ideal for all
students, regardless of age, to take the first two, Start Boating Right and Basic, in the
same summer. The typical LSS junior sailor enrolls in two 2-week sessions
per summer, and returns for several summers. Because nearly every course
fills long before it begins, it is important to enroll early. To avoid
disappointment please heed the following advice.
Longshore is a sailing school, rather than a camp; so its curriculum
is more rigorous than many students and parents expect. Our best advice
to parents of younger (under 13) students is: don’t push them too fast!
LSS Core Curriculum courses are unique, progressive, highly structured
and advance rapidly, too rapidly for most younger students. We adhere
strictly to all prerequisites. There is a textbook and a comprehensive
written exam in all Core courses. It is quite normal and highly
recommended that younger students (under 13) repeat certain Core courses
along the way, while 13 – 16 year olds can expect to progress steadily
from one course to the next without pause.
Divided into age groups, this is the foundation
course of the Core Curriculum and the place to start. It is designed to
start young mariners off safely with confidence, good boating habits and
sound seamanship skills. It combines daily sailing and kayaking with
informative shore side instruction. SBR is the fun way to learn boat
handling basics, safety, rules of the road, boating courtesy, and proper
shipshape skills. Water time is half off the beach sailing on Bugs and
half kayaking on Hobie sit-on-tops. Diplomas awarded.
Basic Sailing covers a lot of material. Age makes a big difference
here, so we recommend that 9 and 10 year olds repeat this course at least
once before taking Intermediate. Even if taken the summer before, Basic
Sailing is an excellent refresher after a long school year away from
sailing. There is some homework reading and a final exam.
Intermediate is too advanced for virtually any 9 year-old. It may be
OK for well-prepared 10 – 11 year-olds, but best for ages 12 and up. Most
sailors under 13 should repeat Intermediate at least once. Sailing
theory, particularly the aerodynamics of sails, is a strong theme. The
text and final exam are targeted to a higher grade and reading level than
for Basic Sailing.
Advanced is a big step from Intermediate and is best suited to 13 – 16
year olds. It is way too demanding for 9 – 10 year-olds. Because it
involves solo sailing on Lasers, it is best suited to those weighing over
90 lbs. The course work, reading and exam are rigorous and the sailing
drills are more physically demanding. The high honor of ‘Advanced
Certification’ is awarded only to a select few (typically just 20%) in
each class. Most students repeat this course once or twice before finally
meeting the challenging requirements for Advanced Certification.
Racing Techniques is a one-week racing course ideal for students who
have completed Advanced Sailing. Take your solo sailing a step further
and learn racing strategy and tactics. Several races will be run each day
and results posted. Trophies awarded to top finishers.
Performance Sailing is the perfect follow-up to Advanced Sailing. This
course is taught on our 17’ Vanguard Nomad with an instructor on the
boat, and no more than 3 students per class. Navigation skills are taught and students learn to fly a spinnaker.
Learn multi-hull sailing on our fun and fast Catamarans. Our Catamaran
courses are designed for students who have successfully completed our
Basic Sailing course. Two levels are offered. Intro to Catamaran Sailing uses 13' Hobie
Waves. Advanced Catamaran Sailing uses more challenging
17' Hobie Getaways. Expect to sail fast and get wet.
Learn to Kayak on our safe and fun sit-on-top kayaks. No experience
necessary. Master your paddling technique while taking fun trips and
exploring the waterways. Classes are offered in two age groups, 8-11 and
12-16.
Synchronized schedules allow you to split the day
between Longshore Sailing School and Westport Tennis Club. Register
online for a core curriculum sailing class, and then call Westport
Tennis Club at (203) 255-3481 to enroll in tennis. For transportation, you may
contact Kids On The Go at (203) 221-1421.
Private lessons are available throughout the summer and are offered on
any of our boats. Learn to sail with one-on-one instruction, work on a
particular skill, or just go for a ride. Lessons are tailored to your
specific needs. Call for an appointment - (203) 226-4646.
Passing and failing
There is no such thing as failing a course at LSS.
We test and monitor to measure progress. Kids and instructors both need
the feedback, so they know what to work on. Sometimes a student
pre-registers for the next level of the Core Curriculum, but evaluations
may indicate he/she has not fully absorbed the necessary material from
the previous course. This is usually because the student has advanced too
quickly through the curriculum for his/her age. Heeding the above
guidelines can nearly always prevent this problem.
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Will my child be in
good hands?
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All students
and staff wear USCG approved life jackets on the water at all times.
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All classes are
supervised by US SAILING certified instructors who have Red Cross First
Aid
and CPR training.
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LSS has a full time US Sailing certified
Instructor Trainer on staff.
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In 2000 Longshore was recognized by US
SAILING’s Community Sailing Council for more than 10 years of
Hallmark Performance. |
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In 1999, LSS’s sister program, Greenwich
Community Sailing was honored by US SAILING as the Outstanding New
Program of 1999. |
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In 1999 John Kantor (JK) was awarded the
nation’s highest honor for sailing instruction, the Cap’t. Joe
Prosser Trophy. |
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In 1997 JK was awarded the nation’s
highest honor for Community Sailing, the Marty Luray award.
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