OYC
This is where we see students get excited, where we see their confidence grow, and where they learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.  Our instructors build each days lesson plan one skill at a time and through the camp your child will accumulate an education in a sport that will last a life time.

PRE-PUFFS

AGES: Under 6
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This class introduces our youngest children to the sport of sailing. A variety of sailboats will be rigged on the lawn of the Okoboji Sailing Center for children to explore.

Enjoy crafts, games, and face painting all geared to create interest and excitement for sailing.

​Coffee, juice, treats and goodies are provided. 
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GOALS:
  • Inspire a smile.

Prerequisites: 
  • None
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Next Step Options:
  • Beginners
  • Optimist Fundamentals​​

LITTLE PUFFS

AGES: 6-8
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Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety by helming a Pram with a partner. Under close supervision, students will learn to sail and make new sailing friends. Young sailors will learn quickly, gain confidence and control. 
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Goals
  • Learn sailboat parts and knot tying
  • Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat
  • Learn how to steer a sailboat with a tiller
  • Understand the “NO-GO ZONE”
  • Ability to tack in both directions
  • Ability to gybe in both directions safely
  • Begin to understand wind and waves conditions

Prerequisites 
  • None
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Next Step Options
  • Beginners
  • Optimist Fundamentals​​

BEGINNERS

AGES: 9-12
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Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Optis and Hartley 10 sailboats. 
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Goals
  • Learn sailboat parts and knot tying
  • Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat
  • Learn how to steer a sailboat with a tiller
  • Understand the “NO-GO ZONE”
  • Ability to tack in both directions
  • Ability to gybe in both directions safely
  • Begin to understand wind and waves conditions

Prerequisites 
  • None
​
Next Step Options
  • Optimist Fundamentals​​

OPTI FUNDAMENTALS

AGES: 8-14
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This camp is designed for students who have previous experience in Little Puffs and/or Beginners classes and are ready to single hand an Optimist.  Students will review concepts of previous courses while building skills that will allow them to sail independently.
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Goals
  • Ability to independently rig sailboat
  • Capable of determining wind direction
  • Ability to use tiller and mainsheet together
  • Confidence in handling a sailboat alone
  • Ability to right a capsized sailboat safely
  • Successfully sail from Irons and on all points of sail
  • Able to round marks correctly and navigate a course
  • Able to dock safely

Prerequisites 
  • Prior approval is required for children that have taken Little Puff and Beginner Camps.
  • 2017 Intermediate Camp participants 
  • Repeat of the Optimist Fundamentals​
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​Next Step Options:
  • Performance Sailing and Adventure Sailing
  • Optimist Racing and X-Boat Racing