FAQ’s

What Is The Daily Sailing Schedule?
 Lessons will begin promptly as scheduled!  It is helpful once a sailor knows how to rig, a kayaker and a paddle boarder knows what gear to retrieve that they arrive early enough to do so. We hope that each child will attend all scheduled classes in order to gain the greatest benefit from the program.

Parking?
Parking is always challenging. Please be patient with the staff as they do parking duty. We have extremely limited space for cars and a single lane road into the centre.

Can My Children Participate If They Don’t Have A Boat?
Yes, absolutely. The UNH Community Sailing Center owns Bugs, RS Teras, Sunfish, FJ’s (Flying Juniors), 420’s, Bluejays, Lightnings and Lasers.  You need not own a boat for your child to participate. If your child intends to sail competitively, he/she can use one of our Lasers, or 420. However having their own Laser often allows for a sailor to better customize their boat and use it at other times to have fun and develop more skills. Many of the junior racing team own their own boats.

What Does My Child Need To Bring To The Sailing Program?
Each sailor will need:

  • Ideally although we have many to lend – U.S.C.G. approved life jacket  with whistle securely attached (required if your sailor is racing).  MSST members are strongly urged to have their own PFD. We have life jackets available for sailors who do not have their own.  Please NO orange horseshoe life preservers.
  • Shoes with covered toes (required) which will not fall off when they get in the water – please no flip flops, sandals or crocs.
  • Bathing suit
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle (with water in it!) we do NOT have running water
  • Snack
  • Dry clothes for after lessons
  • Towel
  • Sweatshirt
  • Rain gear (we go out in the rain!)
  • Watch with countdown timer (racing team only)
  • A desire to have fun!

Remember, it gets hot out there!  Please emphasize to your children the importance of protecting themselves from the sun – including wearing their hats, sunglasses and sunscreen – and protecting themselves from dehydration.  Stress the importance of drinking water before they feel thirsty.  If they feel thirsty, they are already dehydrated.  Be sure to send your children to the program with all of their equipment every day!

How Can I Help My Child Have A Good Experience with the Youth Programs?
That’s simple: be involved and supportive.  Another way to be involved is to ask your children what they have learned.  Sailing has a vernacular all its own.  Have your children show you the new skills they are learning.  Ask your young sailor to explain terms they use and to demonstrate the knots they’ve learned.  “What does stern mean?”  “What is port tack?” “What drills did you do today, did you have fun?”  Your asking reinforces what they’ve learned, and if you’re interested, they’ll be interested.  Encourage them to practice their skills when they are on and off the water. Come with them to Friday Night Lights, or bring them to sail or paddle on Saturdays and have them show off their skills – and get you wet of course!