Operation Optimist
NYC's First Junior Sailing
Program in the Harbor
Registration Form
Current Enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions
Equipment
for Your Opti Sailors
Daily
Preparation Check List
Sailing
Games
In summer 2008, "Operation Optimist" will begin. This will be NYC’s first junior sailing program in New York Harbor.
Operation Optimist is a sailing camp for kids. The program will serve kids from 7 to 13 years of age (older kids can also take advantage of other exciting sailing programs).
Kids will learn to sail on Optimist dinghies. These dinghies are specially designed for teaching kids. They are used in more than 110 countries around the world.
The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation has purchased a fleet of 10 Optimist dinghies. The Foundation was able to do this thanks to the generous support of "Optimistic Sponsors" and because of other fundraising activities.
You do not need to own an Optimist dinghy to participate in Operation Optimist. You can rent one of the Foundation's dinghies. This makes it easier for your child can learn to sail in New York Harbor in front of the Statue of Liberty.
Dates & Schedule
Operation Optimist will run during the summer vacation. There will be 9 one-week sessions. Students may enroll in any number of sessions (2 week minimum is suggested for kids to develop skills and gain confidence).
Sailing will be Monday to Friday. The program will begin every morning at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off will be at the Manhattan Sailing School at North Cove in Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan. Directions. Pick up and drop off times will be 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. Special arrangements can be discussed with instructors for earlier or later pick up or drop offs.
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Session 1 –
June 30 to July 3 -
Session 2 – July 7 to 11
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Session 3 – July 14 to 18
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Session 4 – July 21 to 25
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Session 5 – July 28 to August 1
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Session 6 – August 4 to 8
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Session 7 – August 11 to 15
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Session 8 – August 18 to 22
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Session 9 – August 25 to 29
Sailing Area
The Optimists will sail in a protected body of water southwest of the Statue of Liberty. This shallow part of the harbor averages 6 ft of depth and is separated from the shipping channels by a reef. No commercial traffic operates in this area. And because the water is shallow, the current is less than the main harbor.
After careful study, this area was selected as being the best in the harbor for a junior sailing program.
The sailing area is approximately a ½ mile circle, excellent for Optimist sailing.
Sailing Facility & Transportation
The 2008 sailing facilities will consist of 2 floating docks measuring 10 x 40 feet. The Optimists will be stored on racks on these docks.
Transportation to and from North Cove will be conducted by a 40 foot former US Navy launch. The launch will serve as a “mothership” for the program and be equipped with a head, cooler and communication equipment. The docks will also have a tent and chairs for classroom instruction.
In the future, the Foundation plans to conduct a capital fundraising program to build a world-class junior sailing center which can float on the water. This would be similar to the Manhattan Sailing Club’s floating clubhouse which already operates in the harbor. A floating sailing center could provide high quality classroom space, boat storage and general support facilities such as bathrooms and food service. Plans for this expansion will be considered after the first season of Operation Optimist.
A Typical Day
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8:30-9:00 -
Kids arrive at North Cove. -
9:00-9:45 – Load on launch and motor past the Statue of Liberty to dinghy docks.
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10:00 – Classroom session to discuss the day’s lessons & goals.
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10:30 – Rig boats and go sailing.
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12:00 – Return to dinghy dock and lunch break.
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1:00 – Team building activities.
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1:30 – Classroom session.
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2:00 – Afternoon sailing, racing, fun & games and exploration.
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3:30 – Return to dock to derig.
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4:15-5:00 – Load launch and motor back to North Cove
In case of bad weather or high winds, there will be additional non-sailing activities designed to engage and educate the kids. These may include: Visiting the Statue of Liberty & Liberty Science Center; Riding on a USCG boat or other harbor vessels; Playing and watching sailing related games & videos.
Instructors & Administration
The
student/instructor ratio will be 4 to 1.
The lead instructor will be Maritza Vargas who has been teaching at Manhattan Sailing School for many years. Prior to arriving in NYC, Maritza ran an junior sailing school in South America. She has also been head instructor for the teen sailing program in NYC for several seasons.
The lead administrator will be David Caporale, director of the Manhattan Sailing School. David is a life-long sailor and accomplished racer. He will be in charge of managing Maritza and the staff of instructors.
Additional oversight of Operation Optimist will be provided by Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh and Zander Lassen. Fortenbaugh is Executive Director of the NY Harbor Sailing Foundation. Lassen is a USCG-licensed captain and expert educator, having won the American Sailing Association “Instructor of the Year” Award 4 times.
Parental input will also be solicited during the program and parents will be invited out to observe the sailing operations.
Tuition & Discounts
For the
inaugural year, tuition will begin
at $540 for one week. This includes use of an
Optimist dinghy free of charge.
There will be discounts for students who enroll in more than one week:
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2 weeks = $500 per week or $1,000 total
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3 weeks = $460 per week or $1,380 total
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4 weeks = $420 per week or $1,680 total
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5 weeks = $380 per week or $1,900 total
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6 weeks = $340 per week or $2,040 total
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7 weeks = $340 per week or $2,380 total
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8 weeks = $340 per week or $2,720 total
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9 weeks = $340 per week or $3,060 total
Full & partial scholarships will be available from the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation on a need basis. The Foundation will try to accommodate every kid who wishes to sail.
The inaugural program will offer 10 spots per session.
Operation Optimist comes with a 100% money back guarantee. If for any reason your child does not have a great time and wishes to stop sailing, the Foundation will refund your money.
If you are unsure whether your child will enjoy sailing, we suggest they sign up for a 1 session test. If they have a great time and wish to continue, we will figure out a way, even if we have to buy another Optimist dinghy!
More Opportunities
Teen Keelboat Program – The NY Harbor Sailing Foundation has organized a Teen Sailing Program in the harbor since 2003. Teens have sailed aboard J/24 keelboats based out of North Cove. This popular program will continue in 2008.
Teen Dinghy Program – Beginning in 2008, teens will also be able to enroll in a dinghy training program and sail on exciting Sunfish and Laser class boats. This program will run in the same area as Operation Optimist. 10 spots for teens will be available in both the Sunfish and the Laser classes. (Details coming soon)
Future Leadership Development – The Foundation’s long term goal is to assist of group of NYC kids to learn sailing and develop a passion for the sea. Kids who excel will be invited to a week-long leadership development camp which will consist of sailing between New York City and Newport, RI and stopping at great locations along the way. (Details coming soon)
Registration Form
Current Enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions