[latest PBJ photos are here]
PBJ is a junior sailing class for kids 4-10 years old. You can register online here using a credit card
The classes are held on weekend mornings in the summer, at the Austin Yacht Club on Lake Travis, using the fleet of Optimist and Pico sailboats.
AYC members and non-members are welcome, so please spread the word. Parents are needed to help with setting up boats and cleaning up.
Subscribe to the Google Group list to stay in touch.
2012 dates: We’ll have eight sessions, each with four Saturday classes.
- June Saturdays 9:30a-11a (June 09 16 23 30)
- June Saturdays 11a-12:30p (June 09 16 23 30)
- June Sundays 9:30a-11a (June 10 17 24, July 01)
- June Sundays 11a-12:30p (June 10 17 24, July 01)
- July Saturdays 9:30a-11a (July 07 14 21 28)
- July Saturdays 11a-12:30p (July 07 14 21 28)
- August Saturdays 9:30a-11a (Aug 04 11 18 25)
- August Saturdays 11a-12:30p (Aug 04 11 18 25)
Fee: The cost per session is $50/sailor for AYC members, $75/sailor for non-members.
Registration: Online registration is at http://sailaustin.eventbrite.com.
Cancellations: If you need to change plans, you’ll get a 50% refund if you cancel more than two weeks from your first class, and no refund if less than two weeks from first class.
The three rules: Wear your life jacket; Listen to the coach, and Have fun.
What to bring: Sailors need to bring a life-jacket, shoes/sandals that can get wet, hat and sunscreen. Drinking water will be provided. Swimming experience is recommended, although there will not be a swimming test.
Location: All classes will be held on the jr dock at Austin Yacht Club.
Photos/Videos: are here.
I have 3 kids for sailing lessons this summer – ages 6, 9, and barely 11. Is the PB&J class too easy for my 11 year old that has no prior sailing experience?
PBJ is fine for your beginner 11 yr old, since he/she could get more solo time steering a small boat (Opti).
Hey Coach Doug – Are you and Coach John teaching any of the PBJ classes this year? My kids (Riley & Avery) love you guys and are looking forward to seeing you both this summer!
Hi Suzanne — John and I plan to coach this summer. We just opened registration, so here’s the link to sign up. Hope to see you and the kids this summer!
http://sailaustin.eventbrite.com/
Hey Doug — got a question. Our oldest, Zachary, is 4 1/2 years old. I’m debating signing him up since he’s not a swimmer yet. I wasn’t sure if we should wait a year and get his swimming skills up to par before jumping on some boats.
Any thoughts? I can’t believe my child is ready (almost) for PB & J!!
If Zachary is comfortable to be in the water w/ a life jacket, then I’d go for it. For the 4-5 yr olds, we typically put them in a boat with an older kid (9-10 yr old) if it’s light air. If it’s windy, we’d put him on a Pico w/ an adult and 1-2 other kids. The goal at this age is really just to get them comfortable around boats.
I’m a member. My 7 YO grandson and I live in San Antonio and it is difficult driving up multiple Saturdays in a row. Is it possible to get his introduction to sailing in one weekend?
@Marc – How about coming up one Saturday or Sunday, and participating in two 90min sessions back-to-back? Lots of options on http://sailaustin.eventbrite.com/, so let me know what fits (doug_kern@yahoo.com).
Hi my son Grant is on the wait list for the Saturday 9:30 class – do you know if there are openings or do I assume we stick with the Sunday class that he is signed up for and there is a confirmed space?
@Michelle The Sat 9:30a class is still full, so your best bet is to stick with the one you’re already in. The registration page has up-to-the-minute status on class availability, at http://sailaustin.eventbrite.com/
We are not members and have a 6 1/2 year old son. He would like to take saling lessons with me. I have sailed many years ago with a small group. My knowledge is VERY basic, but am interested in sailing with my son. Do you have a family class that my husband, myslef, and my son can take?
@Pam – Thanks for the note. AYC’s next adult learn-to-sail class is June 16 — here’s the flyer. It’s geared for adults, but I’m sure your son could attend. I’ll forward your note to Jenny Loehlin, who runs sail training (jloehlin@hotmail.com).
Having a family-oriented session is a great idea, and something I’ll recommend we setup as a regular class.
http://austinyachtclub.net/info/2012_Sail_Training/AYC%20June%20Clinic%202012.pdf