Mountain Lakes Sailing Association
Program Description and Requirements
Learn to Sail Camp Description
The MLSA offers a weekday sailing program for children over the age of 8 who are Mountain Lakes residents. No experience is required. The Learn to Sail camp operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, (Friday is a make-up-sail day) for six weeks each summer. This years’ dates are: June 26 through August 4.
The camp day is divided into two sessions: Session 1 runs from 1:00 to 3:00pm and Session 2 runs from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Children may register for either session regardless of skill level.
A Day in the Life
Sailors arrive fifteen minutes before their class time to begin rigging the Sunfish sailboats. Our experienced director, Bob Fehon, supported by an assistant director and counselors, provide on beach instruction about sailing basics and quickly get the campers out on the water.
Less experienced campers are paired with experienced staff, while returning campers are allowed to sail solo. All campers less than 10 years of age will be required to sail with staff for their own safety and that of other sailors.
The best part of the Learn to Sail program are the interactive games that usually involve competitive teams tossing tennis balls between boats and the ever-popular capsizing drills!
Learn to Race Camp Description
The Raritan Yacht Club (RYC) summer sailing program takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Mondays and Wednesdays are taught by experienced sailors Gary Myer and his daughter Kim. Kim is the MLHS sailing coach and sailed competitively at Rhode Island University. Fridays are race days.
Class hours are 9:30 to 3:30pm and the cost is $750 for non-members.
The Mountain Lakes contingent intends to go Mondays and Wednesdays (no Learn to Sail camp), using Friday as a back up day.
Mountain Lakes CITs who wish to participate in this program will be released from Monday Learn to Sail instruction, however, Counselors are expected to fulfill their work obligation in Mountain Lakes.
Learn to Race Camp Requirements
- RYC sailors must pass an onsite swim test prior to instruction.
- Sailors must have their own US Coast Guard approved sailing PFD (life vest).
- A medical form is available online with registration.
- Sailors bring their own lunches each day.
General Camp Requirements
MLSA, Recreation Dept. and US Coast Guard safety rules apply to all campers.
Before first day of camp, each camper must:
- Pass the Borough swim test.
- Own a properly sized PFD (life jacket).
- Obtain a Borough beach tag.
During Camp sessions, all campers must follow safety rules and:
- Wear your PFD (life jacket).
- If you hear thunder, return to the beach.
- If you see lightning, immediately go the nearest shore and take cover.
- Stay with your boat if it overturns.
- Do not swim during a class, game or race unless approved by coaches.
Note: Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion.
"Now then, said Christopher Robin, "Where's your boat?" "I ought to say," explained Pooh as they walked down to the shore of the island, "that it isn't an ordinary boat. Sometimes it's a Boat, and sometimes it's more of an Accident, It all depends," "Depends on what?" "On whether I'm on the top of it or underneath it." - Winnie-The-Pooh by A. A. Milne. Luc is the master of this site.