Services
Exciting Youth Programs
Youth Camps
Types. Two basic types of camps are offered- an introduction to sailing camp and an advanced sailing camp. The objective of the introduction to sailing camp is to guide participants through a process that helps them to acquire the knowledge and skills to sail. Upon the completion of this camp, the participants are awarded a BS (beginning sailor) certificate.
The advanced sailing camp is designed to enhance and expand the sailing knowledge and skills of a “beginning sailor”. This camp will provide participants with more time on the water and allow more opportunities for solo and crewed sailing.
Each camp is limited to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 participants ranging in age from 8-17.
Our instructors. The two principal sailing instructors are experienced sailors both of whom are Red Cross First Aid certified and one of whom is Red Cross CPR certified. The instructors are supplemented by volunteers that, with one exception, are experienced sailors. The lead instructor completed the US Sailing online course for beginning sailor instruction.
Our volunteers. A number of members of the Pelican Yacht Club, all experienced sailors, supplement the instructors in the logistical and educational processes and activities of the camps. In addition, several non-members of the Pelican Yacht Club have contributed to the camp program as well.
Requirements. Participants must pass a swimming test while wearing a Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Participants are required to wear a PFD and closed-toed and preferably lace-up shoes while sailing. Campers are encouraged to wear hats and use of sunscreen. Parents should clearly identify any physical and/or medical (e.g., food allergies) concerns for their camper(s). Campers should bring a backpack, a towel, and a change of clothes daily. Campers wearing glasses, prescription or sun glasses, should use a glasses retainer strap of some type.
Cell phones. Carrying cell phones is not preferred but will be collected from campers in advance of their on-the-water instruction for safe and secure storage during this period. Use of cellphones during the classroom and on-the-water instruction periods will not be permitted unless for emergency purposes.
Cost. Participation in the Learning to Sail Camps is free. Textbooks and water bottles will be provided at no cost. If needed, a PFD will be provided for use during the camp at no cost. Snacks, and drinks will be available at no cost. Participants are required to bring their lunch
Benefits. For a fee of $100, all course graduates may charter an OPTI at any time, based on availability, for a period of one year. Alternatively, the youth’s family may join the Pelican Yacht Club and have access to all Club boats if they retain their membership in the Club.
Engaging University Courses
Scope of Activities
The principal activity is to provide sailing lessons and periodic sailing excursions to university students at no cost. Students who complete the sailing course will qualify for student membership in the Pelican Yacht Club that will provide them with access to selected sailboats in the Club’s fleet. Student membership will require an annual membership fee of $120. Only students in good standing will be allowed to use Club boats.
OPTIMIST PRAM
SUNFISH
420 DINGHY
The Fleet
Optimist Pram. Four Optimist Prams (OPTIs) will be used for teaching purposes. These boats, approximately 8’ in length, are stored on and can be moved with hand-powered dollies. The boats incorporate air-filled bladders for flotation purposes in case of a capsize. Participants are taught how to recover from a capsize. Such boats are used universally for teaching youths how to sail. A profile of an Opti is provided below and to the left.
The following sailboats are the property of the Pelican Yacht Club but are made available to the youth sailing program on an as-needed basis at no cost.
Sunfish. For older youths and university students, the Sunfish is a more appropriate sailing platform for learning how to sail. Being approximately 14 ft in length, these sailboats can easily accommodate two older, larger youths. Four Sunfish are available for use as needed.
International 420 Dinghy. Plans are to use this sailboat in the advanced sailing camp. Unlike the Opti’s and Sunfish, the 420 is sloop-rigged (that is, has both a jib or headsail and a mainsail). Whereas a 420 normally carries a crew of two- a helmsman and a jib trimmer, she can easily carry a crew of three- a helmsman and two jib trimmers.
Flying Scot. The Flying Scot is a fractional sloop-rigged sailing dinghy with a retractable keel that is 19 ft. long and has a beam of 6.75 ft. and a maximum draft of 4.0 ft. with the keel fully deployed. It carries a 140 sq ft mainsail and a 52 sq ft foresail (jib).
Mariner 19 Centerboard. Wet-moored at Marina Del Ray in Madisonville with access to Lake Pontchartrain via the Tchefuncte River is Sweet Kate. She is a fractional-rigged sloop with a mainsail area of 115 sq ft and a foresail (jib) area of 69 sq ft.
Catalina 22. Fleaux is a masthead sloop-rigged sailboat with an enclosed cabin. She is configured with a drop keel that produces a maximum draft of 5 ft. when fully deployed.
“Sailing is a journey that contributes to physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Embrace the evolving adventure and let your story unfold on the water.”
— Louis J. Thibodeaux Youth Sailing Program