Sailing School meets three mornings a week, beginning June 30th through the third week in August.  Students who have never sailed before and those who have some sailing experience are welcome to enroll. 

• Beginners are taught basic seamanship, boating safety, how to row, and are introduced to the basics of sailing.  Once certain basic skills have been achieved, beginners may advance to intermediate "mate" status.
  

• Mates are then able to further improve and advance their skills and progress to a level of "skipper".
  

• Skippers are often designated as the in-charge student for a sailing boat during lessons
  

• Junior Instructors in Training (JITs) and Junior Instructors:  Students who progress to the skill level of "skipper", and have demonstrated leadership abilities can, if they desire, train to become a "Junior Instructor".  Junior Instructor training starts for eligible, interested students at age 15.  At age 16, if a JIT has progressed and met certain program requirements, they can then apply for a paid Junior Instructor position, teaching in Sailing School .

• Advanced lessons are offered for students who have attained at least skipper status.  These are generally held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.  Contact Garrett Lojek at 617 953-8527 or 207 338-9004 for more information.
  

Basic racing skills are also taught and can be practiced at the informal "fun races" held each Thursday at 4:30 and/or at the Walter Downs Regattas to be held July 20 and August 10.  These races give students an opportunity to improve their sailing skills.  For these events, we invite adult sailors to "Crew-for-a-Kid" and share their knowledge and skills with our students.  We also encourage parents and adults to gather on the dock to watch, socialize, and help out; as well as bring culinary items to share for the post-sailing potluck and cookout held at the clubhouse after each event.  These events are intended to provide fun for people of all ages throughout the Bayside community, and all are invited.

Safety is emphasized throughout the program.   We achieve this by teaching young people to be flexible; to be aware of changing weather conditions; to follow directions; and to learn how to interact and cooperate with others of differing ages and abilities.