Youth Overview

Anyone can Learn to sail at UNH Community Sailing! 

UNH Community Sailing offers New Hampshire’s most sought-after summer sailing program! Sailing is truly a unique sport: skills learned now can be used and enjoyed for a lifetime. Sailing challenges both the mind and the body allowing individuals with different strengths and skills to find their niche. That niche might be competitive or recreational and students can learn to sail big boats, little boats, single-handed, with a friend, or as part of a team.

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THE UNH COMMUNITY SAILING YOUTH PROGRAM

To develop solid sailing skills, and to provide inspiration to young sailors, from the beginner to the advanced or racing sailor, with an emphasis on fun and safety.

THE BOATS WE USE

Each type of boat handles differently and certain boats lend themselves to sailors of different sizes, and/or experience levels.  Students get the most out of a program when they are in a class that is commensurate with their age, size, ability and interest.

UNH Community Sailing uses:

Dinghies:

  • LP Bugs
  • RS Teras
  • Lasers
  • Collegiate rigged FJ’s
  • Club 420’s

Big Boats:

  • Lightning
  • Blue Jay
  • Snipe

SKILL LEVELS

Please check the Youth Sailing, Kayaking, SUP Programs/Classes page for further information about skill levels and class details. We will help place your child in the right class: If you are unsure about what class would be right for your child, we will help you out with an appropriate placement.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Program Director, Diana Weidenbacker at dianaw46(at)comcast.net or call her at 207.752.1462

SAFETY AND SWIMMING

  • Safety is first and foremost in the minds of the instructors.
  • All children who participate must pass a swim check which will be held at the start of each session. The check involves a swim of 20 yards and treading water for 2 minutes. Guppies will have a swim “check” to make sure they are comfortable in the water. They will wear their life jackets during this time.
  • Life jackets must be worn at all times when students or visiting parents are on the docks or in boats.
  • UNH Community Sailing has a limited supply of life jackets to loan out to participants for 2022.

DINGHY SESSIONS – Seamen, Mates, Ensigns, Mariners, Skippers

Classes: Dinghy Sessions are one-week classes that meet Monday-Friday from 9-12 p.m. and 12:30-3:30. Parents sign up their students to classes within each session based on their age and skill level. Instructor to sailor ratio varies depending on class, but averages 1:8. Students will often have the opportunity to sample one of the bigger boats.
Minimum Age: The minimum age for participation for sailing is 7.5 years (must have turned 7.5 on or by June 20th 2022).

LITTLE GUPPIES

Class Length: One week, meets from 9-12pm or 12:30-3:30pm
Minimum Age: Students must have turned 5 -7.5 by June 20th 2022.

Class overview: Designed as an introductory, hands-on class, the focus is on making kids comfortable in and around boats. Lots of games, some pond science and exploration of the ‘secret bridge’ will be intermingled with beginner kayaking and an introduction to sailing with the goal of fun! Must be able to pass a swim ‘check’ to participate. The ratio is 1:6 instructor to Guppy.

Mendums Seacoast Sailing Team (MSST)

Class Length: One-week programs for Laser and Club 420 racers. Consideration for older students from the Mariners class on a case by case basis. The team travels weekly to away regattas of varying skill levels. Boats are provided however, many sailors have their own Laser when we travel to regattas such as marblehead Jr. Race Week, Junior Olympics and other higher level regattas.
Minimum Age: 12-18

KAYAKING AND SUP

Class Length: One week classes, meets from 9-12pm and from 12:30-3:30
Minimum Age: Students must have turned 8.

QUESTIONS AND HELP

Please email or call Diana Weidenbacker for any questions regarding the programs.
Call  (207) 752.1462 and she will help you with general program and placement questions.

If you are not familiar with the boats we use or are unsure about what class would be right for your child, we will assist you with an appropriate placement.