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Youth

Youth sailors & rowers  of all levels are welcome, but class sizes are limited, so don’t wait!

Kids want to Explore the Waters of Lake Quinsigamond! Our Programs are specially designed for children of all ages and abilities, ensuring a fun and safe learning experience. With limited spaces, be sure to book your child’s spot today. Our Summer Camp and Junior Program will run in small groups of 10 students to 1 instructor, with a maximum of 20 kids per week and per session respectively. And remember, we never want to turn away a child who can swim. Contact us at info@regattapoint.org for information on scholarships or with questions!

Sailing

sailing camp youth

SAILING CAMP

Junior Program

JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM

Rowing

youth rowing

COMPETITIVE CREW

SUMMER CAMP CREW

Sailing Camp – Ages 7-12

Sailing Camp is for kids aged 7 to 12. It is an amazing program that kids quickly fall in love with! Kids learn the basics of sailing including, boat parts, rigging/derigging, wind direction, points of sail, and water safety while sailing, playing games, swimming and paddling. There are 9 one-week sessions for children ages 7 to 12 who can swim 75 yards and tread water for 3 minutes. Many of our campers enjoy their experience so much they sign up for multiple weeks. This program is designed to help children develop sailing skills while building confidence on & off the water.

The biggest complement:

“My child is never interested in learning and wants to stay up all night. After the sailing camp started, my child couldn’t stop talking about what they learned. Last night they were asleep without me asking, then they were ready to go back and learn more.”

It’s stories like this that inspire and drive the staff here at Regatta Point to do their very best for every child.

Working in small groups, participants also learn about responsibility and collaboration, while experiencing the practical applications of science and mathematics. Because the study of sailing can be a lifelong process, our young sailors are able to challenge themselves, setting and moving towards their own goals.

sailing camp youth

Camp Week $495

Space is LIMITED:

9 weeks of summer sailing for 2023

  • Week 1 – June 19 to June 23
  • Week 2 – June 26 to June 30
  • Week 3 – July 3 to July 7, No camp July 4th – Special Price
  • Week 4 – July 10 to July 14
  • Week 5 – July 17 to July 21
  • Week 6 – July 24 to July 28
  • Week 7 – July 31 to August 4
  • Week 8 – August 7 to August 11
  • Week 9 – August 14 to August 19

Our Typical Day

  • 8:45 – arrival and boathouse chores
  • 9:00 – sailing instruction
  • 10:30 – sailing practice
  • 11:30 – swimming
  • 12:00 – lunch
  • 1:00 – collaborative games
  • 1:30 – sailing instruction
  • 2:00 – sailing practice
  • 3:30 – clean up
  • 4:00 – headed home!

FRIDAYS – SAILING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS 2:30 – 4 PM

Sailing skills – the RPCS Summer Camp curriculum helps young sailors develop safe sailing skills. Working with small groups, trained instructors deliver brief classroom sessions, perform demonstrations, and supervise on water practice sessions.

  • Sailing and Boating Safety
  • Nautical Terminology
  • Knots and Splicing
  • Care of boats and equipment
  • Rigging and derigging
  • Observing wind and weather conditions
  • Points of Sail
  • Sailing Team roles and tasks
  • Racing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Swimming

Responsibility and Collaboration – Sailing is primarily a team effort. From rigging to racing, success depends upon working and learning together. While our staff is always available to assist, we frequently take a support role, allowing our campers the enjoyment of teaching and learning from each other. Our boats and facility require significant upkeep. Campers are responsible for keeping the boats and facility neat and clean. We share the water and shore with many other recreational users. Campers learn to respect others’ rights and to cooperate to ensure everyone’s enjoyment of our resources.

Science and Mathematics – Sailing, particularly sailing upwind, is a scientific endeavor. The sail is shaped to create an airfoil, similar to an airplane wing, which in turn creates a vacuum, pulling the sailboat upwind. While it is not necessary to understand this principle in early stages of the learning process, it is experienced from the very first day on the water. Size and shape of both the sail and the boat, combined with sailing skills, determine ultimate performance. As sailors work to improve their results, they become immersed in the practical application of physics, including mass, force, leverage, machines, mathematics, algebra, and geometry. Because the need to know is established first, this learning experience is powerful and long lasting.

Participants must be 9 years of age by the start date of the program. You must sign off that your child is able to swim 75 yards and tread water for 3 minutes. A swimming test will be given on the first day. If you are unsure, seek a local agency like the YMCA for a swim test or lessons.

Junior Program

Junior Program Session $1,264

Space is LIMITED:

The Junior Program offers three–three week sessions. The 2023 session dates are as follows:

Session A – June 19 to July 7, no class on July 4th
Session B – July 10 to July 28
Session C – July 31 to August 18

(Many teens take multiple sessions.)

Classes meet 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9 to 4pm.  Students are permitted to leave the premises during lunch break.

The program’s goals are simple, but take a lifetime to master:

  • Teach seamanship, sailing, and racing skills, in a safe and fun learning environment
  • Enable students to acquire–through the overall experience of program activities–life-long values such as sportsmanship, consideration for others, teamwork, and self-reliance
  • Teach young people how to sail to the best of their ability and interest, and to encourage growth in skill and competence through both individual and team participation
  • Encourage the acquisition of competitive sailing skills in regattas and in races at RPCS and other boating venues.

Participation in the Junior Program requires a high level of responsibility on the part of the Junior Member. While the staff is here to provide instruction and coaching, and are available to help Junior Members when they need it, Junior Members enjoy a great deal of freedom in deciding how they spend their time. Junior Members must get themselves to their lessons on time, must be active in setting and pursuing learning goals, and must monitor their own actions in terms of following the Regatta Point rules and working with other members and staff.

Junior Members are expected to spend their time sailing, learning about sailing, or helping others to learn. They must understand and follow the Regatta Point principles of “Safety, Fun, and Learning.” Parents should discuss these responsibilities with their children before enrolling them in the Junior Program. Children who need a closer level of supervision might want to consider our Deckhand Program.

Junior members are expected to help keep our facility neat and clean, and may be asked to help with minor equipment repairs or to assist less experienced sailors. RPCS Junior Program operates according to the Corinthian Spirit, which states that they will conduct themselves with honor and integrity, both on and off the water.

What do the Teens Learn?

Students who join the Junior Program learn the basics of safe sailboat operations through a “hands-on-experience”, in small group classes. We believe that our Juniors are here to have fun and learn new skills. They will only advance as far as they are ready, willing, and able to. Once they pass the Helmsman Test (our basic sailing rating, covered in Beginner I), the students are offered a variety of opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge. Included in these are the upper level programs (Beginner II, Intermediate, Advanced, Racing) geared toward acquiring Advanced Helmsman, which includes the use of jib and spinnaker, windsurfers, high performance boats, keel boats, and racing classes.

Beginner I Class: Learning occurs in the stable Hunter 15. This class focuses on basic skills, enabling a child to feel confident skippering a dinghy. Concepts include: riggings, de-rigging, knots, steering, sail trim, terminology, and safety, with an overall emphasis on FUN and becoming comfortable on the water.

Upper Level Classes: Sailed in 420s, Lasers, Hunter 15s, Keelboats, and Optis, these are classes where youth can refine the basics of sailing and also experience the fun of being in high performance sailboats. Class time will be balanced between casual sailing and learning how to use high performance sailboats to their fullest. These classes are fun, social, driven, and perfect for teens.

Racing: Class emphasis is on expanding students’ skill sets and learning to race. This class offers instruction in rigging, boat handling, sail trim, safety, and an introduction to sailboat racing, including rules, tactics, and race strategy. The goal of the class is to prepare the students for regattas, and is a stepping stone to the Race Team or High School Sailing. This class will be taught in Optis (single-handed) and 420s (double-handed) sailboats.

Ratings/Tests

Regatta Point uses a chunking model to test the knowledge of students. The students can work on small discrete topics, focusing on mastering each skillset before moving on to the next one. In this way, they pass small tests that work towards a larger certification or boat rating.

Regatta Point is a US Sailing Accredited facility. This allows our students to work on the US Sailing Curriculum which allows them work towards a national approved certification.

Please understand that the wind is not always cooperative for the sailing and man overboard tests. Feel free to call before coming down to ensure that there is enough wind for an on-the-water-test.

Participants must be 13 years of age by the start date of the program. You must sign off that your child is able to swim 75 yards and tread water for 3 minutes.

Missed Classes

If for some reason your child misses a class or classes during the session, don’t worry. Kids can go out sailing with other class members in order to practice what they missed. Also, our instructors review the class material all the time.

Life jackets and boats are provided. Proper clothing, drinking water, sun-block, etc. are the responsibility of individual participants. All children must be able to swim 75 yards and tread water for 3 minutes. While Personal Flotation Devices (PFD or commonly known as Life Jackets) must be worn at all times, it is important that youth be comfortable in the water not rely on them. Additional information will be made available to registered parents prior to the start of each session.

We will attempt to maximize time on the water whenever possible. However, weather (too much wind, too little wind, rain, etc.) may limit on the water activity, resulting in more land based lessons and games. Extreme weather conditions (lightning, hurricanes, etc.) may result in cancellation. Cancellation is determined by the staff.

Unfortunately, no refunds are provided for loss of lessons due to weather.

Junior Sailing Program – Ages 13-17

The Junior Program is designed to teach sailing, build character and provide a safe learning environment for kids aged 13 – 17. This program allows kids much more freedom than a traditional camp. Kids have the freedom to sign themselves out for lunch, sailing a larger portion of the lake and use high performance equipment. As a matter of fact, one parent was so amazed and said this:

“My child would never leave their cell phone behind, it was always glued to their hip. Here at Regatta Point, they never have it on them. It’s great to see the kids interacting with each other rather than a phone.”

Competitive Crew – Age 12+

Introducing the 2023 Fall Competitive Crew!

Join Lake Quinsigamond Community Rowing (LQCR) Youth Competitive Rowing and embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and physical development. Our exceptional program is meticulously crafted to impart the art of rowing while nurturing lifelong skills in accountability, leadership, and teamwork.

Whether you’re an experienced rower, sculler, or a complete beginner (novice) in the Greater Worcester Area, our program caters to all. We focus on training young rowers to compete in thrilling regattas, equipping them with the expertise and experience required to thrive on the water. Our varsity and novice athletes will navigate the waters in singles, doubles, and quads, honing their skills for upcoming spring races. While our emphasis lies in sculling, we also provide sweep equipment. This program warmly welcomes students in grades 7 through 12.

Our Competitive Program acts as the ideal gateway for novice rowers with no prior racing experience. Athletes on the novice team receive comprehensive training and work collectively towards individual and team goals throughout the season. They will be expertly prepared to transition into our prestigious Varsity Competitive Program.

Seize this exciting opportunity for your middle or high schooler! Discover more about our programs and secure your spot today. Hurry, as availability is limited and spots are filling up rapidly!

youth rowing

2023 Fall Competitive Crew Season:

Season: Monday, August 28, 2023 –  Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Practice Times: Monday – Friday @ 4 – 6 pm, Occasional weekend practices

Races:

  • 9/16 CRI Fall Classic
  • 10/1 Textile River Regatta
  • 10/8 NE Championship Regatta
  • 10/15 New Hampshire Championships
  • 10/20 Head of the Charles

*Practices happen rain or shine. Dress according for the weather.

Races & Dates:

  • 9/16 CRI Fall Classic
  • 10/1 Textile River Regatta
  • 10/8 NE Championship Regatta
  • 10/15 New Hampshire Championships
  • 10/20 Head of the Charles

Program cost: $1099

A team unisuit will be required, other optional gear will be offered.

Nothing is more important to us that the safety of your loved ones.  To the end, RPCS and LQCR have adopted the following SafeSport Policy. 

All Camps run Monday to Friday from 8-12:30pm

Learn to Row 1

  • June 19-23, 2023
  • July 3-7, 2023 (No Class on July 4th)

Skills Development – The next step

  • July 10-14, 2023
  • July 31 – Aug 4, 2023

Competitive Camp

  • July 17-21, 2023
  • Aug 7 – 11, 2023
  • Aug 14-18, 2023

Regatta Point offers recreational summer programs for youth in sculling, an exciting sport where rowers hold an oar in each hand. Our Learn to Row program is perfect for ages 12-18 with no or minimal experience. Rowers will learn the basics in stable crew shells with personalized instruction from our experienced coaches. Join us for a fun and safe summer on the water at Lake Quinsigamond. Register now!

Regatta Point’s Summer Sculling Skills Development program is designed for kids who have completed Learn to Scull or have recreational rowing experience. Rowers will build on their technique and gain a deeper understanding of sculling fundamentals with personalized coaching. Enhance your rowing skills and join us for a fun and challenging summer on the water at Lake Quinsigamond.

Our sculling skills development sessions offer personalized instruction from our experienced coaches to help rowers gain a deeper understanding of boat skills, safety rules of the river, navigation, and balance.

Join us for a fun and challenging summer sculling program and take your rowing skills to the next level. Register now and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the water at Lake Quinsigamond.

Join Blair Granum, our experienced camp coach, for a fun and challenging rowing camp at Regatta Point. Designed for young rowers, our program focuses on consistency, efficiency, productivity, and enjoyment, with personalized coaching, challenging drills, and review to take your rowing skills to the next level.

Starting with the technical aspects of the sport, our camp provides ample time to learn before focusing on workouts and building speed in the second half. Our passionate and professional coaching team, including boat/oar rigging and foundational discussion, will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the sport.

Intended for athletes on a spring and fall team looking to develop their competitive ability, our rowing camp is an intensive but rewarding experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and make lifelong memories on the water at Lake Quinsigamond. Register now and get ready to elevate your rowing skills.

Price: $659 per week

Spandex shorts or tight fitting shorts, t-shirt, athletic shoes, socks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle. On hot days, we do go swimming, so a towel and change of clothing is always recommended.

Join us for an exciting and fun-filled summer camp experience with Regatta Point! Our rowing summer camp is perfect for high school teens who want row, keep fit, and spend time on the water.

With  three levels of rowing offered this year, there is something for everyone.

  • Learn to Row
  • Skills Development
  • Competitive Rowing

Our hands-on approach ensures that all rowers receive personalized attention, and we guarantee that everyone will have a blast on the water while developing their stroke.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join our rowing summer camp and experience the excitement of rowing on beautiful Lake Quinsigamond. Sign up now and discover the joy of rowing while having fun and making new friends.

Register for Camps

Click below to see our upcoming classes and get started sailing or rowing!

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