Junior Program
The Arizona Yacht Club and Arizona Sailing Foundation present a program that can lead kids from zero experience to championship racing under the
guidance of US Sailing-certified instructors. And have lots of fun doing it!
Here are the likely Fall 2008 Classes:
 Opti 1: This class is an intro to sailing for kids ages 8-12 and is also for kids who have had some exposure to sailing to practice their skills before moving to Opti 2. This class runs for 2 ½ hours, which includes rigging time. The class is limited to 12 kids. All kids will have pass a swim test in the lake at the start of the class. The Arizona Sailing Foundation provides the boats for this class.
Instructor: Natalie Harper
Contact: Rob Gibbs, 602.574.3000
Opti 2: Kids can enter this class with the permission of the instructor only. Permission is based on three factors: (1) the demonstrated ability to sail upwind to a buoy and back, (2) comfort sailing in wind up to 15 mph, (3) an understanding and practice of foundational safety techniques. This class runs for 2½ hours and has a rigged-and-ready time of 3:30 pm. This means that kids are responsible for having their boats rigged and in the water and all their personal sailing gear ready to go at 3:30. All kids will have to pass a swim test in the lake at the start of the class. The Arizona Sailing Foundation provides the boats for this class.
Head Instructor: Natalie Harper
Contact: Rob Gibbs, 602.574.3000
Team D.U.S.T.
This is the Desert Ultimate Sailing Team, the name the ASF kids have adopted for their racing team. This is advanced sailing for teens and a few younger kids who want to compete in sailing regattas both in Arizona and around the country.
Team DUST: Depending on age and skill level, Team DUST members will compete in Optis, Lasers, or 420s.
The goal is to train members for success in regional and national competition and to qualify members for the US National Team. Practices will be held at Tempe Town Lake and at Lake Pleasant, depending on desired practice conditions. The team practices will focus on boat speed development, tactics, strategy, and the social development of the team. Team Fitness will be a priority.
At this stage kids are encouraged to provide their own boats. Boat charters are available through ASF. All kids will have to pass a swim test in the lake at the start of the class.
Head Coach: Dennis Martinelli
Cost: $195
When you sign up online, documentation and waivers will be handled by the online signup system, but here's a copy of the release.
 AYC Members may be able to receive a $50 scholarship for a child to attend an ASF Junior class. Fill out this form, attach a written paragraph or drawing and return it to the AYC Commodore for consideration.
 The
mission: The Arizona Sailing Foundation, Inc., will provide fun, safe,
community based education in the art of sailing on a non-discriminatory
basis.
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Junior
Program