Services
Exciting Youth Programs
Youth Camps
Format. Two learning to sail camps were held during Summer 2024- July 15-19 and July 22-26. Both camps were held at New Roads Waterfront Pavilion/False River. These camps included on-the-water instruction in Optimist Prams and Sunfish as appropriate. Each camp had 10 participants ranging in age from 8-17.
Our instructors. The sailing instructors are experienced sailors two of whom are Red Cross First Aid certified and one of whom is Red Cross CPR certified. Several instructors will provide the classroom instruction as well as the on-the-water sailing instruction. The lead instructors completed the US Sailing online course for beginning sailor instruction.
Our Fleet. 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. For older, larger youths, Sunfish will be used as the instructional sailboat. The course instructors will be assisted by volunteers for the Pelican Yacht Club.
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 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. Cellphones 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.
The Fleet
Optimist Pram. The principal sailboat that will be used to teach youths how to sail is the Optimist Pram, a craft that is used universally for that purpose.
Sunfish. For older youths and university students, the Sunfish is a more appropriate sailing platform for learning how to sail.
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