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Optimists - The Optimist is a single-handed, fiberglass boat that is easy to rig and easy to sail, so it is ideal for the young sailor. However, it is not limited to the beginner sailor as it allows ample room for development and is an exciting boat for racing, especially since it is so popular around the country as well as around the world.
Harpoons - Made by Boston Whaler, the Harpoon 4.6 is a three-person fiberglass boat that's stable, tough, roomy and absolutely unsinkable. Sailing coaches have said that the Harpoon 4.6 is so forgiving that it teaches new sailors when they make mistakes, instead of punishing them for their inexperience.
What do the students have to bring with them?
US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket
Change of clothes, including a bathing suit
Foot wear (rubber soled, non-skid boat shoes or Aquasocks)
Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, jacket, whistle, sunglasses, towel
Are students required to take a swim test?
All students must be able to swim before entering the class. We do not require students to take an onsite swim test because of the temperature of the water in Lake Superior. We do however require that students have passed swim lessons to a high enough level to be able to easily swim 50 (fifty) yards and tread water for 1 (one) minute. If students do not have proof of this we will administer a swim test. It is possible and normal for boats to capsize, so students should be comfortable being in Lake Superior for a couple of minutes. Please make sure that your child has a towel and a change of clothes.
Do you have lockers available?
There are not any lockers available, so we recommend that the students stow all their personal belongings in a duffel bag or backpack. Please be sure to write your child's name on all items. The Marquette Junior Yacht Club will not be responsible for any lost articles.
Can students ride their bikes to Sailing School?
Yes. There is a bike rack located directly in front of the clubhouse. Bicycles should be locked at all times and please remember that the Marquette Junior Yacht Club will not be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.
What if I have a question, concern or suggestion?
Any question or problems that arise during the summer should be addressed directly to the Program Director. His telephone number is 906-226-2800. You may also contact him via e-mail on the Contact Us page.
Will students be able to buy lunch at MJYC?
The Marquette Junior Yacht Club will not offer any food for purchase. Instead, the first day of class will include a snack sign-up. Parents need to volunteer for one day to bring a snack for everyone in the class, including the instructors. Another parent will sign up to bring drinks. Snacks and drinks are provided on the first day of class by the sailing school. Students have the opportunity to win additional snacks with rubber bands they earn throughout the day.
Rubber bands?
We give out rubber bands to students to reward them for things like answering questions correctly, sailing well, etc. Students can then redeem them for prizes at the end of the day.
How do I find out information about upcoming events?
Newsletters will be distributed to the students and reminder notices will also be sent home for special events. In addition, there will be an instructor's blog on this website that the instructor will use on a regular basis.
What about inclement weather?
We do not sail in the rain. Ever. If it starts to do more than sprinkle we bring the boats in. When it is raining, there is usually either no wind or too much wind, and sailing class is supposed to be fun, not spent being miserable in the rain. If rain starts during class, we will go inside the clubhouse and do land drills and knot tying. Parents may be called to come pick the kids up early.
May I bring a friend to class?
No. Sorry, due to liability, MJYC has a no guest policy for any child that is not enrolled in the program.
How is a sailor's progress in class monitored?
Sailors' progress is monitored by a Seaman Skill Sheet. Each student is given a Seaman Skill Sheet that has different tasks that have to be completed in order to achieve each Seaman level. Students can work on their skill sheets at their own speed. The skill sheets will be explained at the beginning of class.
How long can my child stay at the MJYC facilities?
Please keep in mind that the Sailing School is not equipped to supervise or handle sailors once their class has ended. New classes will be arriving, so please be prompt in picking your child up as soon as their class is over.