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 20, 2011 through Friday July 1, 2011.

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 course for boys and girls from 9 to 16 years of age. No prior experience, other than swimming ability, is required for enrollment. The sailing course is open to children and grandchildren of MRSA and Grachur Club families and to non-affiliated youth. 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 (with priority given to non-members who participated in 2010), for applications received by the Member Priority Registration Date, April 1st. There is no category for 'guests' of MRSA/Grachur Club Members who are not relatives of the Member; they will be regarded as non-members. Within each category, applications will be prioritized by date of receipt. Applications received after April 1, 2011 will be enrolled in order of receipt, space-permitting.

The Grachur Club is located off Lake Shore Drive in Pasadena, Maryland, on the upper Magothy River. Students are taught using the approved USSA/CBYRA training regimen. 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 program graduate Counselors In Training (CITs) provide the classroom and on the water instruction. Parental supervision is provided each day of the course.

The 2011 sailing course is scheduled to be held on weekdays from June 20 through July 1, 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.
Applications for this year's course will be accepted starting on March 1, 2011. Commitments by MRSA for enrollment will be made starting on 4/1/2011. If all spaces are filled, a waiting list will be formed. If spaces remain after April 1, applications will be accepted for enrollment in order of receipt.

The Registration Form appears in the MRSA RED BOOK (available mid-March) and will also be posted here on the website on March 1. 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 2011 Junior Training Registration Form will be accepted; one student per form.

The Fee, Medical Waiver, and Sailing Course Release Forms (also available in the MRSA RED BOOK and here on the website) 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 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, and 15. 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.

Course Enrollment Form	Medical Form	Permission Form
Adult Supervision Schedule	Parent Schedule Letter	Parent Information

	Junior Racing Permission Form

e-mail the Junior Training Chairperson

e-mail the Junior Racing Chairperson

e-mail the Webmaster