Happy Friday from the Junior Club!

Week 4 Wrap-Up

After using up our good weather luck in the first weeks of the program, the fourth week here saw a lot of flat water.  The kids were able to get some time on the water, but we also had to get creative with on-land activities.  Early in the week, when our Laser and 420 sailors were racing at Larchmont YC, our Opti sailors worked diligently on naming parts of the boat and sail.  We also had time for some kayak rides, watching a documentary on disabled sailing, and field trips to the Sand Pit and Bonanza.  For a more detailed review of what each class learned this week, see below.

Beginner Opti Class

This week started off slowly with three days of not-so-wonderful weather.  Fortunately, the weather gods made it possible to take the kids out sailing in the mornings.  We worked on understanding sail trim and, later on in the week, capsizing.  Thursday was a scorcher – very hot with no wind, but we worked on learning the various parts of an Opti as well as had some fun adventuring.  We ended the week on a great note.  Today, we sailed all morning, took a field trip to Bonanza’s, and ended the day with a tour of Cold Spring Harbor (which the kids loved).  Fingers crossed for better weather and wind next week!

Intermediate Opti Class

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us this week, but we still managed to have some fun and learning!  Both Monday and Tuesday we were not able to get out on the water much, but we did many things inside the classroom.  All intermediate sailors got the opportunity to watch a disabled sailing video, where sailors surpass all odds by getting out on the water despite their handicaps.  The kids leaned that with both hard work and effort, anything is possible.  Towards the end of the week, we had an extremely light northerly breeze.  All intermediates made the best of the conditions by practicing with the Race Team and sailing 420s as well.  For those who are not returning, I hope you have a great summer and come back next year!

Opti Race Team

The weather was not on our side this week.  We got out three of the four mornings for practice before the wind died in the afternoon, or a thunderstorm arrived.  Without wind, we occupied ourselves by doing race prep and advanced rigging, combined with fun activities, such as visiting Clay Mountain and kayaking.  The regatta, despite the almost complete lack of wind, had three full races.  Three of the five sailors got podium finishes, and another was just one place out of qualifying for Champs.  Well done to the entire group!

Club 420/Pixel Class

This week, the 420 team consisting of Gabi Schmitz, Jane Hanley, Bella Charon, Jake Scheblein, Matt Logue and Jack DeNatale traveled to the Larchmont Junior Race Week.  Larchmont was a very light regatta and very stormy, but we had a fun time and saw definite improvement from race to race.  We ended up only getting in three races in three days due to

the light wind and storms.  Congratulations to Matt Logue and Jack DeNatale who Qualified for the JSA Champs.  The main reason that we went to Larchmont was the dance on Tuesday night, and was a great time.  The kids got dressed up and danced the night away to a live band.  Thursday was a light day full of good times for the kids.  On Friday we went back to Larchmont for the Jr. Safety at Sea Seminar where we practiced our keelboat sailing with the intent of preparing for the Beach Point Overnight.

Laser Class

This week, the Laser full Laser class competed in Larchmont Junior Race Week.  It was a successful regatta for Seawanhaka, with all sailors finishing in the top half.  Matt Priebe finished the regatta in 4^th and Justin Smith competed for the first time in a Laser.  Well done to all sailors!  Next up is Cedar Point.