Magothy River Sailing Association

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PO Box 1135
Pasadena, MD
21122-1135

Youth Sailing Program

The MRSA youth sailing program includes a comprehensive training program for students from beginners to advanced sailors as well as a weekly racing program for interested youths. This year the training program will take place at Grachur Club from Monday June 21, 2010 through Friday July 2, 2010.

Parental Involvement

Both the sail training program and the weekly race program rely heavily on parents for assistance in boat maintenance, daily supervision, and race management. Parents are expected to participate in some way with these activities. With continued support we are able to provide an outstanding educational and fun program for our youth.

Training Program

The training program is a two-week day camp for boys and girls from 9 to 16 years of age. No prior experience, other than swimming ability, is required for enrollment. The sailing camp is open to children and grandchildren of MRSA and Grachur Club families. Preference is shown first to MRSA/Grachur Club families with children and grandchildren returning to the program, then to MRSA/Grachur Club members with children new to the program, and last to non-members. Non-member youths are admitted if the camp is not filled by member students.

The program is conducted on the grounds of The Grachur Club, located off Lake Shore Drive in Pasadena, Maryland. The Grachur Club waterfront is located on the upper Magothy River. Students are taught using the approved USSA/CBYRA training regime. On-the-water training is conducted using the MRSA fleet of small sailboats including prams, 420's, Flying Juniors, and Lasers. A staff of six instructors, many of whom are graduates of the program, and three program graduate Counselors In Training (CIT) provide the classroom and on the water instruction. Parental supervision is provided each day of the camp.

The 2010 sailing camp will be held on weekdays from June 21 through July 2, beginning at 0830 hours and finishing at 1600 hours. Note: the start date may change due to snow-day makeup adjustments in the Anne Arundel County School calendar. Registration for this year's camp will begin on or about March 9th. Committments by MRSA will be made on 4/1/2010. Member families will be shown priority until April 7th, and then non-member families will be considered.

The Registration Form appears in the RED BOOK and is also posted on the MRSA website here. In past years, the junior training program has filled quickly with member families, so early registration is recommended for all categories. Commitments to member families will be made beginning April 1st.

NOTE: Only applications completed on the 2010 Junior Training Registration Form will be accepted; one student per form.

The Fee, Medical Waiver, and Sailing Course Release Forms (available here on the MRSA Web Page) must also be completed and returned with the Registration Form. The check will not be negotiated until the youngster is accepted.

Youth Race Program

The weekly racing program will begin after the completion of the sail camp and will continue for the remainder of the sailing season. The goal of the racing program is to enhance youth sailing skills in a competitive environment and to carry over the fun they had during the youth sailing camp. Racers are taught boat handling and crew coordination, racing tactics and race management. The racing program is conducted using the clubs fleet of 420's and Prams.

The Junior Racing Program takes place Monday nights for children ages 9-18 who have completed at least one year of MRSA junior training (or a similar certified program). An application and release form (both available on the MRSA website) must be completed. The first 12 juniors to register are guaranteed a spot on the MRSA boats every week; an alternate list will be generated after the first 12 registrations. Racers who supply their own boat must still register and submit the release form. The race dates include July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, and 16. Racers should arrive at 5:30 pm to rig boats, launch at 6:00 pm, and race as many races as possible before sunset. Parents must help stow the boats after racing and perform general cleanup. Racer must wear PFD and protective footwear, must assist in rigging and launching boats, and must help stow the fleet after racing and perform general cleanup.

The emphasis of this program is on racing in a fun environment. Through onshore and on the water instruction the racers will have the opportunity to increase both their racing knowledge and their sailing skills.

Junior Training Forms

Are now available on the website

Camp Enrollment Form

Medical Form

Permission Form

Adult Supervision Schedule

e-mail the Junior Training Chairperson

e-mail the Junior Racing Chairperson

e-mail the Webmaster