Course Offerings for 2008

• Step One: Taste-of-Sailing
  This one-time, half-day introductory program is the perfect way for groups to get out on the water and taste the excitement. No sailing experience necessary. For more information, please contact Kate Henderson at 617-242-3821 x12 or via email kate@courageoussailing.org
  Introductory program for first time sailors.
  
     Learn how to steer your boat
     Tie the knot of the day
     Learn basic boating safety
     Go for a harbor eco-tour with your instructor
  
  Prerequisites: Must be at least 8 years of age and be able to swim 75 ft and tread water for one and one half minutes.
  

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• Step Two: Learn-to-Sail
  
  Classes last one week. There are two seesions each week: the a.m. session runs from 9:30 to 12:00 and the p.m. session. runs from 1:00 to 3:30. Classes run Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.
  
  This week-long basic sailing program is great for beginner and intermediate sailors. In Step Two students sail with an instructor, and learn through land drills, water drills, and games. For more information, please see the summer youth program brochure. Note: New sailors do not need to take Step One in order to register for this class.
  
     Within 15 minutes you'll be steering a course through the harbor!
     Learn the finer points of tacking and jibing
     Practice man-overboard techniques
     Learn about the incredible marine ecosystem while catching lobsters and crabs off our pier
     Enjoy a fun regatta at the end of the week
  
  Prerequisites: Must be at least 8 years of age and be able to swim 75 ft and tread water for one and one half minutes.
  

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• Step Three: Performance Sailing
  
  Sessions last two weeks and run for eight weeks each summer at the Charlestown site only. Students are permitted to enroll in up to two sessions.
  
  Want to take it to the next level? This course is geared toward students who are prepared to set sail without an instructor in the boat and are ready to move beyond the basics to take on a new set of challenges. Through day-trips, games and drills, this fun-filled course focuses on building independence and confidence, while students master boathandling basics and are formally instroduced to the more advanced concepts of racing and cruising.
  
  Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Step 2: Learn-to-Sail or equivalent AND passing the Basic Sailing Test (offered on Fridays during the summer).
  
  IMPORTANT: Intermediate and Advanced Sailing classes are only for experienced sailors who are comfortable sailing without an instructor in the boat. Please check prerequisites carefully before registering. If you are unsure about which class is appropriate for your child please call the office.
  
  

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• Step Four: Advanced Sailing (Racing & Cruising)
  Classes last two weeks and run for eight weeks each summer at the Charlestown site only. Students are permitted to enroll in up to two sessions.
  
  Dream of venturing beyond the harbor and setting forth on the ocean blue? Or maybe you love the heart-pounding thrill of the race? The Step 4 classes are the next stopping point for those sailors who have mastered the basics, possess solid boathandling, and want to perfect their skills in Racing or Cruising... or both!
  
  Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Step 3: Intermediate Sailing or equivalent AND passing the Intermediate Sailing Test (offered on Fridays during the summer).
  
  IMPORTANT: Intermediate and Advanced Sailing classes are only for experienced sailors who are comfortable sailing without an instructor in the boat. Please check prerequisites carefully before registering. If you are unsure about which class is appropriate for your child please call the office.
  
  

  Racing
  
  This course teaches students the rules, techniques and strategies of dinghy and keelboat racing, as well as enables more advanced students to hone their skills and proudly represent the COURAGEOUS name as they compete against other clubs in local and national regattas.
  
      Train with our US Sailing certified staff on our 420s and J/22s
      Attend lessons led by our world-class guest coaches
      Put your skills to the test as you compete against other top sailors from across the region at local and national regattas, including Courageous' R19 Junior National Championships.
  

  Cruising
  
  This course gives advanced students a chance to get out of the inner harbor and explore the islands and surrounding waters of Massachusetts Bay through a combination of day-trips and overnight voyages. Students will be taught concepts and skills, including: navigation, GPS plotting, engine use, anchoring, weather forecasting, and passage plan development and execution.
  
     Learn to navigate the Boston Harbor Islands, read charts, anchor, and other nautical skills
     Experience the freedom and excitement of navigating an island journey
     Anchor, secure your boat, and set up camp for a night under the stars
  
  

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• Step Five: Leadership Training
  All Summer
  
  Sailing is at once a sport, a science and an art that requires a lifetime to master. The learning doesn't stop when sailors become instructors! This year-round program is primarily designed for our young employees, offering them he opportunity to hone both their sailing and professional skills while they work at COURAGEOUS.
  
  The IIT (Instructor-In-Training) Program
  
  Through this 8-week summer course, students make the transition from student to instructor, developing their abilities to teach, lead and inspire the next generation of COURAGEOUS kids. Under the quidance of our sneior instruction team, participants first attend pre-season training sessions and then alternately teach their own class of Step students or are in class themselves, being intensively trained in everything from teaching theory and classroom management, to long-distance cruising, safe powerboat operation, race committee administration, and boat maintenance.
  
  Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Step 4 or equivalent and 15-years-old by July 1, 2008. Selection based upon application, sailing check, interview and references. Program may be repeated, with students typically participating for 2 consecutive years. For more details, email kate@courageoussailing.org.
  
  Continuing Instructor Education
  
  Throughout the spring, summer and fall, we offer to our instructors a series of clinics and courses in sailing, racing, navigation, marine trades, boating safety, powerboat operation, and teaching, to name a few. Check back in the future for a complete list of our course offerings exclusively for Courageous Youth Program instructors.

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Beyond Sailing

• Leadership
  
  We teach students to embody the values of our COURAGE curriculum, both on the water and off. As they learn to sail, participate in team-building activities and discussions, and engage in community service projects around the harbor, our students develop essential life skills including communication, teamwork and leadership.
  
  

• Environmental Education
  
  COURAGEOUS collaborates with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay to teach our students an active respect for the waters on which they sail and the surrounding ecosystem.
  
  

• Job Training
  
  Our standout youth students often advance to become COURAGEOUS employees, gaining valuable experience that gives them a jump start on entering the working world. Through our innovative Instructor-in-Training (IIT) and Continuing Education programs, staff members hone not only their sailing skills, but also their skills in boat maintenance, teaching, leadership and professionalism.
  
  

Beyond Summer: Spring & Fall Opportunities

Expanding youth sailing beyond its traditional summertime boundaries, Courageous has a growing range of spring and fall offerings. We have spring and fall programs specifically tailored to the needs of local public schools, advanced after-school programs for our summer sailors who want a little extra practice, and programs for groups of first-time sailors who want a taste of what it feels like out on the water.

Dates, times, and course offerings for all of the spring and fall program are subject to change from year to year. Please check the Spring and Fall webpage to see this year's class offereings.

Sign-up for Summer 2008!

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