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Frequently Asked Questions
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- General Questions
- High School Sailing Questions
- When is practice? When does it start and when does it end?
- What if the weather is poor (rain/too much/not enough wind)
- If it is a "bad season" as to weather, do you make any type of refunds?
- Does the team compete on Saturdays? All day? Morning or Afternoons? Is it every Saturday?
- What does a team receive from SailMaine?
- How can a school have a team at SailMaine?
- What is the level of coaching and supervision?
- What are the requirements to be a varsity sailor?
- Do the teams have tryouts?
- Do we need drysuits?
- Anything else to bring?
- What are the Orange and Blue divisions all about?
- What is Intramural sailing?
- Who joins Intramural?
- What is Intramural Sailing like?
- What's the difference between a Varsity team and Intramural sailing?
- Can Intramural sailors join a high school team in the middle of the season?
- What is the Conduct form?
- Who chaperones at away regattas?
- Can Parents go out on the coach boats?
- Junior Sailing Questions
We are a community sailing organization based in Portland, Maine. SailMaine connects people of all ages and abilities to the coast of Maine through fun and affordable sailing education, recreation, and competition, which stimulate individual growth and create community. We teach people of all ages and abilities to sail, and offer recreational and competitive sailing opportunities in a friendly, open setting to the people of Maine and the Casco Bay region.
In June, July, and August while the Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program is underway, SailMaine Staff are available at the Casco Bay Community Boating Center from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM. During the High School Fall and Spring seasons, we are on site from Noon until the end of practice for the day, usually 6:00 PM. At other times, official office hours are Noon to 5:00 PM, and by appointment. Often, someone is available on site outside of these hours. If you'd like to stop by, give us a call. We may just be there. We are reachable by telephone at (207) 650-7878 and email at sailmail AT sailmaine DOT org and will be glad to make arrangements for an appointment at the Boating Center.
What should we bring for sailing?
Sailing can sometimes be both cold and wet, so appropriate clothing is recommended. Rain gear is often a good idea, and even on sunny days with lots of wind, you may see some spray. During the summer, a fleece or jacket is nice to have on hand, as it is often cooler (sometimes much cooler) on the water than it is on land. Please bring comfortable shoes with good grip and a heel strap (not flip flops). We prefer closed-toed shoes like old sneakers, watershoes or boating boots. A bottle of water, sunglasses and a hat are good ideas, and sunblock is an essential. Lifejackets (PFDs) are required for all SailMaine programs; we are happy to provide PFDs if you do not have your own.
The Boat House in Falmouth, Maine and West Marine in Portland are great places to grab sailing gloves, dry suits, foul weather gear and other sailing equipment. Sea Bags makes some fine totes to carry it in.
What about safety on the water?
Safety is the top priority for us in all of our programs. While sailing has inherent risks, we work very hard to minimize them through thorough instruction and emergency preparedness. We do not permit on the water activities under the threat of thunderstorms or excessively high winds, though we do sail in rainy weather. PFDs (lifejackets) are required equipment on the docks and on the water in all of our programs. Capsize and rescue drills under the watchful eyes of our instructors are an essential part of our curriculum.
All of SailMaine's coaches, in addition to having outstanding seamanship skills, are first aid/CPR/AED certified. Every coach boat is equipped with a VHF radio which is monitored ashore by shoreside staff. We have an AED, oxygen and other first aid equipment readily available in the office at the site. Our fleet of 8 powerboats ensures we have on the water coverage for any contingency.
The Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program has sailor to instructor ratio of eight to one, ensuring both safety and quality individualized instruction. Our Adult and High School programs have similar staff and resource coverage that let us concentrate on sailing in an atmosphere of prudence and caution
Are there classes if the weather is bad?
The Junior Program's classes will always convene, no matter the weather. We have dry indoor facilities to conduct off the water classes and sailing related games if conditions on the water are unfavorable.
For all programs, WE WILL NOT SAIL if there is a likely threat of thunderstorms imminent, or visibility is dangerously low. We monitor weather conditions carefully, and guide our fleet to shore if dangerous weather is approaching. WE WILL SAIL if there is good breeze, even if it is raining or drizzling, in the absence of thunder and thick fog.
Do you offer a Senior Discount?
Yes we do. Seniors over 60 years of age can take 20% off any program fee for programs they participate in. Simply indicate that you are a senior when making your payment.
Do you offer any other discounts?
Yes, USM faculty and staff receive a 20% discount off any program fee. Please provide one recent pay stub with your registration form as proof of employment (you may black out your salary if you wish). Also, please see our coupon in the Sunrise Guide for $25 off any SailMaine program.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A full refund will be granted if request is made more than three (3) weeks prior to the program start date. A 75% refund will be granted if request is made less than three (3) weeks prior to the program start date but more than one (1) week before the program start date. A 50% refund will be granted if request is made less than one (1) week prior to the program start date but before the program start date. No refunds will be granted if the program has already started, except in the case of significant extenuating circumstances (such as a documented medical condition).
All registrations are subject to the above general Refund Policy, with the following important exception:
In Adult classes, if a cancellation/request for refund is received less than three (3) weeks before the start of a course and would result in the cancellation of that course due to low numbers, no refund will be granted if the remaining course participants are unable to reschedule. If a new schedule can be worked out for the remaining participants, a refund will be granted based on the policy above.
Our Program Handbook, available online in PDF Format, cover most of the details of the High School Sailing program. Click on the link to view or download.
When is practice? When does it start and when does it end?
Each team practices three times a week for approximately three hours. Depending on the team's proximity to SailMaine, practice times may be either 2:45-5:45pm or 3:30-6:30pm. Please check your Team Page for specific days and times for your team.
What if the weather is poor (rain/too much/not enough wind)
The High School sailors will sail in most weather -- rain, snow, high and low winds -- all except thunderstorms. We practice in all conditions because the team needs to be ready for variable weather when competing. Sailors should be prepared for all weather conditions.
If it is a "bad season" as to weather, do you make any type of refunds?
There are no refunds because of weather. A variety of weather is part of the joy of sailing.
Does the team compete on Saturdays? All day? Morning or Afternoons? Is it every Saturday?
During the fall season there are regattas for the most part every Saturday, all day (9am-5pm -- or more, if travel is involved). If you commit to a varsity team, you should be prepared to sail every Saturday.
What does a team receive from SailMaine?
SAILMAINE WILL:
- Provide boats.
- Six (6) collegiate 420s.
- General maintenance is kept up by SailMaine.
- Sailors are also expected to help maintain boats—SailMaine presently provides all necessary parts and tools to aide in this upkeep.
- Provide coaching and practices.
- Each team will practice three (3) days a week.
- One to two coaches are hired and collectively attend all three practices each week.
- High school practices are run by a variety of SailMaine coaches; therefore, sailors may be coached by (and need to respect/obey) coaches who are not their team coach.
- The team coach(es) will travel to two (2) away regattas and three (3) home regattas. There are some regattas the team will attend without a coach.
- Each coach is hired and trained by SailMaine.
- Each coach will have access to and use of motorboats, marks, sailing equipment, sailboats, etc.
- Provide regatta opportunities.
- Support Parent Coordinators/Regatta Facilitators in creating the regatta schedule (designed with team’s ability in mind).
- Allow the opportunity to host one regatta per season at SailMaine.
- Allow and encourage teams to participate in regattas hosted by SailMaine, as well as those hosted by other sites.
How can a school have a team at SailMaine?
Every team must sign an agreement prior to the season to be a part of each HS Sailing Season. This is necessary to allow us to hire coaches, plan practice schedules, make boat assignments and attend to other preparatory tasks.
Your team must meet certain minimum requirements to be hosted as a team, though it should be noted that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee team status at SailMaine. Team status will be granted only by permission of the SailMaine Program Director and is subject to logistical limitations.
To apply for team status, please fill out the Team Agreement PDF. It must be signed by your school’s Athletic Director and/or your team’s Parent Coordinator and returned to SailMaine by the registration deadline for that season.
Registration Deadline for Fall 2010 is August 5, 5:00 PM. On that date:
- Team Agreements are due, with registration forms and fees for at least 6 sailors
- Also, registration forms and fees for all returning sailors are due on this date to avoid a late fee (see below for acceptable payment arrangements).
A TEAM WILL:
- Ensure a minimum of six (6) sailors signed up for the season by the registration deadline (August 5, 5:00 PM).
- The maximum team roster is sixteen (16) sailors (15 sailors is ideal).
- Have a meeting between the Head Coach, the SailMaine High School Program Director and the school Athletic Director to decide how to create the team roster. They will address such issues as:
- Cut policy—teams are welcome to use or adjust the SailMaine Cut Policy. This policy will govern Southern Maine HS.
- If tryouts are necessary, they will take place over first week of on the water practice.
- School-specific concerns such as discipline policys, substance policies, attendance, eligibility, etc.
- Each school is responsible for collecting all registration forms and fees.
- Registration forms are due at your first team meeting. Parent Coordinators or the head coach will collect forms and payment.
- Registration fee is $500
- Acceptable forms of payment include:
- Check made payable to “SailMaine.”
- Credit card, via phone, or in person at the office
- Online payment via Google Checkout (on website)
- Submitting a completed Fee Waiver application
- Fee Waivers are available for any sailor on any team, and should be mailed directly to Jeff Cumming at SM (see website FMI).
- Use of a Payment Plan is acceptable:
- 1st payment (half the fee) is due by Aug 5th, 2010, 5 pm
- 2nd payment (2nd half of fee) is due on Oct 1st, 2010
- A package of above items for a minimum of 6 sailors must be delivered to SailMaine by Aug 5th @ 5pm to ensure a spot at SailMaine for the 2010 Fall Season.
- NOTE: This does not guarantee your team’s spot at SailMaine. Team status will be granted only by permission of the Program Director and is subject to logistical limitations.
What is the level of coaching and supervision?
All of SailMaine's coaches have long and deep experience in the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. Your team coach(es), will work (at minimum) with the team twice a week. He/ she will also coach at three home regattas and two away regattas. Since more than one team practices together on any given practice day, there are several coaches on the water who, regardless of team affiliation, collaborate together to run an efficient and effective practice regardless of team affiliation.
What are the requirements to be a varsity sailor?
To be considered Varsity, the sailor must have completed at least one beginner sailing class (minimum two weeks long) in small dinghies (420s, Lasers, etc). Each varsity sailor must have capsizing experience and be comfortable sailing in 15+ knots.
Do the High School Teams have try-outs?
For logistical reasons, each individual school team at SailMaine (Southern Maine HS is an exception) is limited to a maximum of sixteen (16) sailors. Each individual school will have a meeting between the Head Coach, SailMaine HS Program Director and school Athletic Director to decide how to create the team roster. SailMaine has a cut policy which teams are free to adopt if it is suitable as is, or to modify to satisfy their school’s requirements. This cut policy will govern cuts for SMHS. Tryouts (if necessary) will take place during the first week of on-the-water practice. A full explanation of the tryout and cut policy is here.
Spring Sailing requires the use of a dry suit for a majority of the season. Water temps in April are in the 30's. For safety reasons we cannot allow you to sail without a dry suit during the spring. Students are responsible for providing their own dry suit, and dry-suits will be worn at practice until an official email has been sent. Even if the air temperature is in the 50’s, the water is often still 30-40 degrees. Dry suits are not required for summer or fall sailing.
Required:
LIFE JACKETS: PFD’s (Personal Flotation Device) are required of all sailors while on the water. SailMaine has lifejackets available for all sailors.
PROTECTIVE SHOES -- either sailing booties or sneakers. Crocs are not acceptable.
Suggested for Spring and Late Fall:
- WINTER HAT
- Fleece top layer
- Long underwear / fleece bottom layer
- wool socks
- Sun block
- Waterbottle
- Sunglasses
- Sailing gloves
- Warm clothes to change into after practice
Please note: Sailors often dress for the weather at the beginning of practice and don’t consider the temperature dropping as the sun goes down. This is a regular “problem” for our sailors . . . please dress warmly!
What are the Orange and Blue Divisions all about?
Most High School regattas offer an opportunity for a team to field one or more boats in two divisions. SailMaine incorporates this structure into our training.
Each team is divided into two squads based on sailing ability, effort and attitude. These groups are called Orange and Blue. The divisions are somewhat malleable: a Blue fleet skipper might be a terrific Orange fleet crew. The goal is to use the two fleets to offer sailors the opportunity to hone their skills to a competitive edge at their current level of training, so as to be sharp and ready for fleet competition at the next level.
Both groups (Orange & Blue) have 2-3 coaches for each practice and 2+ motorboats. Both Orange and Blue groups are considered Varsity. Each Varsity sailor should be available for every regatta on the schedule.
Intramural Sailing is SailMaine's learn to sail program for eighth graders through high school seniors. It is offered only during the fall season,due to weather conditions. It introduces students to the sport, with lessons in seamanship skills, nautical terms, and practical boat handling. Intramural sailors often go on to participate on their school's racing teams.
- Students who do not know how to sail but would like to join a sailing team eventually.
- Sailors who want/need more advanced skills (capsizing, etc) before joining a competitive sailing team.
What is Intramural sailing like?
- Practice runs approximately from Labor Day through Halloween, in line with the high school sailing program’s fall season.
- Sailors meet three days a week for three hour practices at SailMaine.
- Practices include chalk talks about parts of the boat and points of sail, rigging, knot tying, and lots of on-the-water instruction.
What’s the difference between a Varsity team and Intramural sailing?
- Intramural practices with its own dedicated coach, 420s and coach boat.
- Intramural sailors will not be on a Varsity roster, nor are they considered JV. They do not count toward an individual team’s maximum roster size of 16, even if they are from that school and intend to join the team next semester.
- Intramural sailors don’t practice with the high school teams. Intramural coaches will gear practice to the skill level of each sailor.
- Intramural sailors are usually ready to compete for a Varsity sailing team the following spring, if they so choose.
Can Intramural sailors join a high school team in the middle of the season?
- There is no guarantee of this, but some sailors do excel quickly.
- If the Intramural coach thinks this is the case, it will be discussed with the High School Program Director and the coach of the high school team the sailor would join.
- Each Varsity high school team is allowed a maximum of sixteen sailors on their roster. If there is room, an exceptional Intramural sailor might be able to move to the Varsity team towards the end of the season.
High School Sailing is a serious sport that requires a commitment to yourself, your teammates, and your coaches to conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike, responsible way at all times. We require your personal assurance that you will do so at SailMaine, and at any regatta you attend. The conduct form is your pledge to us that you understand the obligations you have to comport yourself in accordance with SailMaine's policies regarding personal conduct and substance abuse. By signing it, you acknowledge that you understand what those policies are, and what the sanctions are for their violation.
Who drives / chaperones at away regattas?
Parents are responsible for making travel arrangements for their sailors to away regattas. Usually, the team's Regatta Facilitator will help orchestrate the transportation of sailors to the various venues. The list serves are often busy before an event with talk of who is going and who is driving. SailMaine coaches cannot transport sailors. The coaches and parents work together to be sure the sailors are adequately supervised at the events. Parents giving a ride to the Coach as well is appreciated!
Can parents go out on the coach boats?
No. Just as parents are not permitted to walk the sidelines at a football or basketball game, or sit in the dugout at the team ballpark, we do not permit parents to ride on the chase boats at practice or during a regatta. An important part of the High School athletic experience is the ability of the young athlete to develop his skills with his teammates and coaches. Self reliance is also a critical part of handling a boat. We think it's important to give these young men and women the chance to develop their talents without the pressure of their parents looking on at close quarters.
What should a Junior sailor bring?
The same gear described above for High School Sailors will serve Junior Sailors well. You should wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet, and perhaps bring a towel and dry clothes for after sailing. During the summer, a fleece or jacket is nice to have on hand, as it is often cooler (sometimes much cooler) on the water than it is on land. As with all our programs, Lifejackets (PFDs) are REQUIRED while on the docks or on the water. We do have lifejackets available for use by all sailors. Closed-toed boat shoes, sneakers, or sailing booties are a must. No crocs. You shouldn't bring anything sailing that you'd rather not get wet or lose.
To complete the Junior program Swim Test, all participants (once per summer, even if they have attended the Junior program in prior years) must demonstrate swimming ability and tolerance of cold water in conditions at least as strenuous as a class experience.
On the first day of each session, sailors will jump in the water wearing either a bathing suit or regular sailing clothes (usually t-shirt, shorts and shoes), and without a PFD. Sailors must then swim 25 yards and tread water for three minutes without a break. After treading water, the sailor will be handed a PFD which he or she will put on while still in the water, with coaching from instructors. This allows the instructors to assess the sailor’s manual dexterity and ability to follow directions in a tough environment (while tired and cold). Sailors do not need to know how to put on a PFD in the water before attending; this will be explained on the first day.
Every sailor must successfully complete the swim test before participation in the Junior program. In the event of an unsuccessful test and subsequent dismissal from the program, a full refund will be granted.
Note: Wetsuits are not allowed except in the case of a medical condition which must be discussed with the Program Director prior to start of the program. If such an exception is granted, the wetsuit must be worn at all times when on the water during the program.
Are the children well supervised on and off the water?
The Junior program uses a comprehensive staff of volunteers, assistants, full instructors and program director to ensure exceptional supervision. Our maximum student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1, not including volunteers. We have a fleet of 8 powerboats at our disposal and instructors communicate via hand-held radio. In most cases, kids are sailing the boats by themselves, but there is always an instructor nearby in a powerboat ready to assist when needed.
Can juniors attend the program for a full day?
Yes. Parents can sign their child up for a full day of sailing by registering for both AM and PM classes during the same session (classes must be at the same level; i.e., Beginner Opti AM and PM). Sailors will sail with the morning group, stay on the premises during lunch (they should bring a bag lunch), and then sail again with the same level afternoon class.
There may be some repetition in the curriculum for the student, but given the complexity of the sport this repetition (otherwise known as "time on the water") is beneficial to the student.
Please note that there is a $50 per session charge for sailors who are signed up for morning and afternoon classes and are staying through the lunch break. This fee (which works out to $5 per day) allows us to hire an additional staff member to supervise students during the instructing staff's lunch break. Parents can opt out of this charge by picking up their child during lunch every day of the session.
Are scholarships or other forms of financial aid available?
SailMaine is proud to be a part of the Summer Champs program , which offers assistance in attending summer camps to Portland kids currently in fourth through sixth grades. Please see the United Way's Summer Champ's web page for eligibility, application instructions and more information about this wonderful program. We are Summer Champs camp number 351. Please see our Registration page for more details on registration and payment.
When you sign up for SailMaine’s Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program, indicate your Summer Champs ID number in the space provided on the form or check the box provided if your ID number is pending. That takes the place of your registration fee. In the event that you do not have enough Summer Champs money to cover the cost of the Junior program, we will contact you after speaking with the United Way to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement.
For all others who are not eligible for Summer Champs, SailMaine offers an active Fee Waiver program which seeks to make sailing affordable for any participant under 18. Simply fill out our Fee Waiver Application, and submit it along with your program Registration form. You do not need to send any money at the time of registration if you are submitting a Fee Waiver Application at the same time. After the Waiver Application has been processed, we will contact you about your award and together come up with a plan for your family’s contribution. The awards range from $50 to waiving almost the entire fee (every family contributes a minimum of $15).
Please contact Sailing Master Jeff Cumming if you have any questions: jeffcumming AT sailmaine DOT org or 207-650-7878.