COURSE DESCRIPTION |
Beginner sailors will learn the basics of sailing and seamanship utilizing a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics including: nomenclature, weather awareness, knot tying, capsize and recovery, rigging, and points of sail. By the end of two weeks, it is our goal that your sailor be able to take you out in their pram to show off just how much they have learned. While this course is primarily designed for the beginner sailor, each class may be adapted to challenge some of our more experienced returning sailors. We primarily use a trainer pram, similar to an Optimist, as our boat of choice during summer sailing.
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COURSE SCHEDULE |
Learn to sail summer program is a two week, half-day session running from 9 am-12 pm on weekdays during the summer.
2023 Schedule:
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ELIGIBILITY |
Sailors must have reached their 8th birthday by the starting date of the session they are attending and be a resident of Manatee County to enroll in the program. All children are required to pass a swim test which will be administered on the first day of class. Students must be able to swim 50 yards wearing the clothes they will be sailing in, including a life jacket and shoes.
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REGISTRATION |
Online registration opens in March each year. Click HERE to view our online registration page. You will be notified by email when your registration has been confirmed. If you have questions, please contact the Director of Sailing by email at [email protected].
MRPF has the right to cancel any class that is not full. |
FINANCIAL AID |
MRPF offers scholarship assistance for all programs. No child is ever denied participation because of financial need. If scholarship assistance is needed, please contact the Director of Sailing by email at [email protected]. We do require financial information in order to grant scholarships.
Scholarship assistance is completely confidential. No member, instructor, or board member will have information concerning scholarship recipients. |
REFUND & CANCELLATION
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If foul weather prevents sailing, class will be cancelled for the day. No refunds will be issued for days cancelled due to weather. MRPF does not offer refunds under any other circumstances.
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ATTENDENCE |
We are located in The Bishop Sailing Center at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th Street W, Palmetto, FL.
Students should be dropped off at 9:00 AM for morning sessions. All students must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. Children left prior to 8:45 AM are not under the supervision, nor are they the responsibility, of the MRPF sailing staff. Class ends promptly at 12:00 PM for the morning session. If you cannot be at the MRPF to take your child in hand, please make arrangements for another adult to take charge of your child. Arriving to class on time is important! If a sailor arrives late to class, he or she will miss important information related to safety and the day’s activities. Students who arrive after a class has moved onto the water are not to be left unattended by a parent. The student will be allowed to join the class in progress only at the Sailing Director’s discretion. |
USE OF MRPF BOATS |
Children who use MRPF boats are responsible for exercising reasonable care and good seamanship. They shall reimburse the MRPF for the cost of any loss of, or damage to, a boat, its equipment, or the property of others that results from the neglect of such care and seamanship. In addition, participants recognize that hazards are involved in the operation of boats and therefore make no claims against the Manatee River Pram Fleet or the Bradenton Yacht Club based on injuries related to use of the boats. Anyone participating in the MRPF must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket at all times on the water, and must return the boat and its equipment to the place and in the condition in which it was found.
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RULES OF THE PROGRAM |
Please click HERE to view our program rules and disciplinary policy.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
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BISHOP SAILING CENTER |