Sailing Instruction - Information for new members

Neptune Sailing Club is committed to providing high quality training for new members.  Because members who are certified to use club boats will be rigging and sailing without supervision it is in the interest of the club to ensure that all members are capable of using club equipment and facilities competently and safely.

We generally take in new members only in the spring and early summer.  Our instructional program involves a minimum of 19 hours of instruction—about four of which take the form of a lecture/discussion format and at least 15 of which are on-the-water sessions.  Additional sessions may be scheduled when weather or other conditions prevent adequate practice.  Additional supervised practice outside scheduled class meetings is often available depending on mutually available schedules of new members and club trainers.  Given that much of the instructional program is carried out by existing members who volunteer their time, we generally offer only two class sessions for new members.  The first starts during the first week of May and the second between the 10^th and 15^th of June.  Lecture sessions are usually scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday evenings and on-the-water sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m. 

New members who are experienced and who have developed advanced sailing skills may be able to obtain club certification by demonstrating their on-the-water skills and taking a written test.

Initially we will focus our training efforts on one member of each family so that we can complete certification quickly and new members can start enjoying the benefits of club sailing.  We will limit class size to twelve new members per session so that we have no more than three trainees per boat and instructor.  When space is available, we will include spouses and mature children but primary practice time will be reserved for the member who expects to be certified first. 

Family members who desire training, and/or who want to obtain certification to use boats without supervision, are encouraged to participate in any class sessions when space is available.  A training fee may be assessed for those who need to repeat training.  

Because we offer only two class session per year, it is essential that trainees attend all sessions.  It is sometimes possible for a make-up session to be scheduled but this is discouraged as it is very difficult to ensure that all trainees are receiving the same instruction and progressing at the same rate.  New members who know they must miss one or two class sessions need to discuss how to make up for absences with club instructors Dave Mowrer  or Jim Maji .  

New members who have not already paid their entire initiation fee and first month’s dues will be expected to make full payment at the first lecture class.