Overview

TISC named 2007 Outstanding Year-Round Program by US Sailing's Community Sailing Council. 

The TISC Youth Sailing program has been providing free sailing lessons to youth in the Bay Area since 1999. The goal of TISC has been to instill life skills of teamwork, communication, decision making, and responsibility through the forum of learning to sail boats. By presenting new challenges to children, we teach them how to create goals, overcome fears, and achieve success.

What to Expect:

• Targeted age range is 7-18 years.
• The instructor to student ratio is 1:5-7.
• All participants must have medical/liability & registration forms completed before participation

Class Descriptions

OPTIMIST BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE

The objective of this class is to familiarize students with the basics of sailing and to allow them to feel comfortable on the water.  The students will learn safety skills such as righting a capsized boat, as well as basic nomenclature and rigging/derigging skills.  The students will learn how to safely leave and return to the dock and will be able to sail independently.  The basics of tacking, jibing, and docking will be covered as well as points of sail and sail trim.

OPTIMIST RACE TEAM

The Optimist Race Team will build upon the skills learned in the beginner/intermediate class.  The class will introduce students to racing basics such as courses, starts, and basic rules.  The students will also learn about racing tactics and strategies as well as boat handling and boat speed.

ORIENTATION

For kids who just aren't sure whether they are interested in sailing, we have another option, an ORIENTATION TO SAILING! Classes are taught in J24's. Though sailors might not have enough time to learn how to sail a boat by themselves, they will learn important safety lessons and perhaps learn that they want to join one of our regular sailing classes! Orientations are planned with groups (classes, after school programs, etc.)

HIGH SCHOOL AND LASER RACE TEAM

This class teaches all high school age students how to sail fast and smart.  Students will learn the finer points of boat handling, boat speed, and reading wind shifts and current.  Students will learn racing rules and tactics.  The sailors will gain a greater insight into racing skills and rules.  The advanced curriculum teaches the skills that even the best sailors work to improve upon for a lifetime.

SUMMER CAMP

Students learn to sail in a variety of dinghies and keelboats. Classes are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. The beginner camp will get your child cofortable out on the water. Water safety, sailing fundamentals and basic maneuvers will be taught in a fun and safe manner. Intermediate camp will build upon the skills learned in beginner camp. The sailors will gain a greater understanding of the points of sail, sail trim, and will be introduced to basic racing principles. Advanced sailors will have already mastered the basics and are ready to race. Sailors will learn boat-handling and boat speed as well as racing techniques and rules.

ADVENTURE CAMP

A full day camp including Beginning or Intermediate/Advanced sailing in the morning and "adventure activities" in the afternoon. Adventure activities including kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and various games and activities.

Swimming Requirement:

All students taking a sailing class must pass basic swim test including: 60 seconds of treading water, putting on and taking off a life jacket, paddling 10 yards. The swim test will be conducted on the first day of class before the sailing begins.

Please call or email Lacey Todd if you need info regarding the swim test PRIOR to signing up for a camp.

Preparing for Class:

• Wear a bathing suit and/or clothes & shoes that can get wet
• Bring towel & a change of warm clothes (jacket)
• Hat, water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses are optional.
• Bring a lunch and/or snacks if staying all day
• TISC will provide wetsuits and lifejackets

• Full scholarships available for families with a household income of $35,000 or less, or for families on a government assistance program.
• Partial Scholarships are available for families with a household income of less than $65,000.

TISC has four types of boats:

• Optimists/JY Opti Trainers
• J24's
• CFJ's
• Access Dinghies

Optimists

Optimists are the most popular boat for young sailors the world over. Sailors will learn how to sail this small 7' boat by themselves. Each sailor will learn how to steer the boat, trim the sail, and balance their weight to maintain control of the boat. Once a young sailor can maneuver this boat independently, they will be able to sail any boat!

Flying Juniors (FJs)

Flying Juniors are popularly used in high school and intercollegiate racing.  For sailors who have outgrown the optimist, this is a great next step.  FJs are a double-handed boat and has two sails.  Each sailor will learn the roles of both skipper and crew.

J24 Keelboats

J24's are used to teach kids how to sail as a team. These 24' keelboats are very stable and require the coordination of four-five sailors to maneuver the boat. An instructor is on every keelboat with the kids.  All sailors will get a chance to steer the boat, trim the sails, and enjoy sailing on San Francisco Bay.  No swim test is required to sail on the J24.

Access Dinghies (1-2 kids/boat)

Access Dinghies are a unique small boat with a heavy dagger board that can't capsize. They are built in Australia and are used around the world as a boat for beginner sailors and sailors with physical disabilities.