Over the years, we have received a large number of requests for a middle school program that parallels the Mariner high school program. In response to this request we have introduced a new program, Mariner Juniors, that incorporates much of what is available to our high school age Mariners but with a less rigorous schedule and a bit more supervision.
The program is open to boy and girls interested in boats of all types. To participate in the fall season youth must be 12 years of age by November 1st. To participate in the spring season youth must be 12 of age by May 1st. The program is designed to offer a wide variety of water experiences, from Kayaking, Power boating, Rowing and Sailing. Instruction includes basic seamanship skills, such as knot tying, compass and relative bearing, and water safety. Skills learned will enable the Mariner Jrs. to transition into Mariners with additional knowledge and experience of what they will be learning, and competing in, with Mariners.
Each season the Mariner Junior Program will consists of classes on four Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and four Saturday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In addition, each season Mariner Junior youth will be offered an overnight cruise on the Mariner Vessels (participation optional, reservations and additional fee required). In the interim between seasons current Mariner Junior members will be offered designated Mariner Junior Activity Days during which they may visit the Sea Base and, under the supervision of Mariner Junior advisors, use the Mariner equipment.
FEES AND MEMBERSHIP
The Mariner Junior Program is sponsored by the South Coast Sailing Team. Membership is open twice a year; spring season and fall season. An Information Night for the Mariner Juniors is held each season (in September for the fall season and in February for the spring season) at the Dana Point Youth and Group Facility.
The Mariner Juniors have a membership fee of $80 per youth, per season, which along with completed and signed paperwork is due by Mariner Junior meeting #1 each season. The necessary paperwork can be obtained on this web site, at the information meeting, or at the first Mariner Junior meeting. Payment of fees and submission of paperwork entitles each youth to: eight classes (four Wednesdays and four Saturdays), a Mariner Junior T-shirt, participation in Mariner Junior Activity Days on designated weekend dates (optional), and a weekend cruise (optional-additional fee).
Small boat sailing is a great way to learn big boat principles.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Youth registering for Fall Classes must be 12 by November 1. Youth registering for Spring Classes must be 12 by May 1.
WATER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
A swim test will be given on the first Saturday of each season. All participants must demonstrate an ability to swim 50 yards (a life jacket may be worn) and tread water for 5 minutes.
SCHEDULING
Following the Information Night, the Mariner Junior Program will consist of four Wednesday evening classes from 6:30-8:00 pm and four Saturday classes from 1:00-4:00 pm.
INFORMATION MEETING
The meetings are held at Dana Point Youth & Group Facility 34451 Ensenada Place, DP, CA 92629. Call Ruth Fassett for details (949) 481-5019.
