Haven Beach Club offers a variety of sailing programs for our young sailors. Children are invited to participate in our sailing programs at the age of eight. The program's primary goal is to teach the fundamentals of sailing in a safe and fun environment. Whether your child is of the competitive nature or just wants to sail for fun, he or she will find a place in one of our programs.

Our youngest sailors begin in Optimist (Opti) dinghies. There are several levels within the Opti class. Our beginner program is designed to teach boat safety, responsibility, rigging and boat handling. Classes run three mornings a week for 1-1/2 hours each day. Class size is limited to ten students per class. Every child is encouraged to provide their own boat; however, for an additional fee, there are a limited number of Club Optis available for a one season use by a beginner sailor. These boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Intermediate Opti sailors learn the more advanced skills of sail trim and boat handling. Students at this level are introduced to racing. HBC sponsors Saturday morning races at the Club each week.

The more advanced Opti classes emphasize learning the skills necessary to navigate a craft under variable wind and water conditions. Techniques are taught which enable the sailors at this level to optimize the performance of their boats. The rules, tactics and ethics required for more advanced sailing competition are included in the instruction.

In addition to the Opti classes, there are instructional programs for single-handed boats, such as Lasers and Sunfish, and double-handed boats, specifically the 420. The single-handed boat instruction is geared toward the level of competence of the individual sailor; the 420 instruction emphasizes competitive sailing and working as partners to successfully manage a collegiate-level craft. Students must provide their own boats for these programs.

Our sailing instructional staff includes a highly qualified sailing master and several skilled assistants. Instruction is provided both on and off the water. During inclement weather, students receive instruction in boat maintenance, sailing knots, sailing vocabulary, fundamental rules, racing tactics and a variety of other sailing-related subjects. All of our more competitive sailors--Intermediate to Advanced Opti, Sunfish, Laser and 420--are encouraged to participate in the Club's Saturday series, as well as the LBIYRA sponsored Wednesday interclub races.

All sailors must be able to swim and will be tested at the start of the season.