Ahoy, Holmdel Junior Sailors!

For two sun-drenched weeks from July 11-22, nine area children, six from Holmdel, learned the ropes of basic sailing through the Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program, or AHSEP, sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club. 

The students of Novice Class II began each day at 9 am sharp at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club, located on the second floor of the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands.

Then, U.S. Certified Sailing instructors Mary Margaret Clawson and Cole Barney started the morning off with classroom instruction. Students learned the fundamentals of water safety, sailboat nomenclature, rigging, points of sail and related sail trim, and how to tie basic sailing knots. And because learning to sail is a hands-on endeavour, instruction continued on the dock and on the water, with each child in charge of an Optimist, or “Opti,” of their own, a classic sailboat intended for beginners as they learn to navigate.

After passing a swim test on day one, the children's second task was to capsize their boats and learn to recover themselves and right their vessels, a crucial skill out on the open water.

“Surprisingly, the children are very excited to get to capsize their boats,” said Program co-director Beth Fortier.

Safety was paramount, so each child was required to wear a proper-fitting USCG approved Type II or Type III life jacket. Sunblock, boat shoes or sturdy old sneakers, bathing suit or shorts, and a towel were must-bring items, along with their reuseable AHSEP water bottle each received on the first day to keep hydrated and cut down on plastic.

As the days progressed the students learned how to rig and de-rig their boats until, finally, they set sail in Raritan Bay.

“The children loved the camp and they especially enjoyed their young, energetic instructors,” said mom Chris Hary. “My son Zander has been shopping for an “Opti” on Ebay so he can sail whenever he wants.”

On Friday, July 22, it was Parent's Day, and parents and siblings were invited to attend. The freshly trained young sailors demonstrated their new skills by giving their families a ride in the Bay.

“As a mom, I was hoping that some of their newly acquired sailing skills would be put to use at home,” said Hary with bemusement. “De-rigging and rolling up your sail and spars should translate into being able to make your bed and put your stuff away.”

“We'll work on that for next year.”

For more information:

The Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program offers Bay Shore Area youth ages 8-17 Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced courses in the basics of sailing skills, water safety, and teamwork by U.S. Certified Sailing instructors. To learn more visit www.ahsep.org.