HOW TO GET THE MOST FOR YOUR KID IN THE CSC PROGRAM ?

Some of the most frequently asked questions ("FAQs") include:

Even though I don't sail as an adult how do I know how well my child is progressing during the summer?
Each child will be assigned an employee mentor for the summer. It is this mentor's responsibility to closely track how your child progresses through the age-appropriate curriculum. We urge you to check with the assigned mentor two to three times during the summer to follow the progression.

What should I expect my child to achieve in terms of nautical milestone(s)?
By age thirteen your child should be able to pass the Helmsman's Test. The test consists of two parts. The first part is written and can be found on our website, www.cohassetsailingclub.com. The second part takes place on the water. This part tests for sailing proficiencies like rigging a boat, tacking and jibing, coming into a dock, etc.

Why is the Helmsman's Test important to the learning process?
The test provides an easy-to-measure yardstick at both the individual and organizational levels..
Passing the test gives the student confidence in his or her ability to sail. The test also promotes safety on the waterfront. The test was first introduced at the adult level in 2001. The test expanded in 2002 to the " Skipper" class for twelve-year-old students. Future instructors will be measured in part by how well they progress students through the process.

What can I do to reinforce my child's learning?
Besides asking questions of the assigned mentor, encourage your child to take you sailing during "free periods" once your child has passed the Helmsman's Test. If you are the lucky parent of a helmsman, we strongly urge you to sail for at least one hour with your child early in the summer next year. By doing so, your child will not lose the skills developed leading to the Helmsman's designation.

Should I encourage my child to try sailboat racing, recreational sailing or both?
By age twelve your child will be exposed to both recreational sailing and racing. We make a serious attempt not to bias the child overly in one direction. The more competitive a child is, the more likely the child will pursue the racing path. We offer competitive racing instruction on state-of-the-art equipment.

For the child looking for the "social" experience or connecting with the sea in a more relaxed environment, recreational sailing will prove more attractive. For the latter group, "free time" blocks provide the outlet. Several children opt for both the recreational and racing paths. No one path is better than the other.

Would it prove helpful for me to take a sailing class at the adult level while my child progresses through their classes?
Absolutely. This parallel instruction is not essential. However, the simultaneous learning strongly enriches the experience. In fact, several students at the adult level also have children learning sailing in the children's' program.

How does the Stanton Series relate to the child's learning?
Four Sunday evenings during the summer the club sponsors very basic racing for Helmsmen children and their parent(s) or for Helmsmen parents and their children. This series reinforces the club's commitment to intergenerational sailing. For those trying to race for the first time this series provides a terrific opportunity.