MESSING AROUND IN BOATS
MAB was created to introduce children to the water environment. This course will expose students to swimming, rowing, sailing, big boats and other on-the-water experiences. The emphasis will be on fun, with a view to creating more enthusiasm and more excitement for Sail Martha’s Vineyard’s more formal sail instruction at a later age.
Ages: 8-9
Time: (T,TH 9 am-12 pm) & (W,F 9 am-12pm)
Prerequisite: None
Next Class: Novice Opti at age 10

MESSING AROUND IN BOATS 2
MAB 2 is for those students that have completed a MAB course but are still too young for Novice Opti. The course will expand on the skills learned in the first year. There will be more rowing for distance and maneuvering and sailing in the Periwinkles.
Ages: 8-9
Time: (T, TH 1 pm-4 pm)
Prerequisite: MAB
Next Class: Novice Opti at age 10

NOVICE OPTI [1,2,3,]
Novice Opti is designed for new sailors or those with little experience. Students will learn the basics of proper seamanship, nomenclature, rigging, sail handling, and steering. Students begin the 1st week sailing with a buddy and will progress to single-handed sailing, within the scope of the course. Typically students will take 2 sessions of Novice Opti. Once the student is confident and capable of sailing single-handed, he or she will be recommended to advance to Intermediate Opti.
Ages: 10-12, (students 50-120 lbs)
Time: (M,W,F 9 am-12 pm) or ( M, T, TH 9 am-12 pm)or (T,TH, F 1 pm-4 pm)
Prerequisite: MAB recommended but not required
Next Class: Intermediate Opti

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED OPTI
Intermediate Opti is for those sailors who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills in Novice Opti or have been recommended by a Sail MV instructor. Int Opti students are expected to be able to sail solo on a daily basis. This class is designed to increase confidence on-the-water and will reinforce the concepts covered in Novice Opti. Wind awareness, heavy air sailing, steering, sail trim and general seamanship are introduced while improving all points of sail, tacking and jibing.
Ages: 11-13 (students ~50-120lbs)
Time: ( M,W, F 1 pm-4 pm)
Prerequisite: Novice Opti, or a SMV Instructor recommendation
Next Class: This course is designed to allow a student to remain at this level as long as they would like or until their physical size requires moving on. Students may progress on to either Intro 420 or Voyagers.

INTRO SLOOPS
This class is an introduction to double handed sailing. Intro Sloops is for older new sailors or those who have physically grown out of the single handed Opti and are not yet ready for 420’s. A jib is introduced. Skipper-crew teamwork, confidence and wind/weather awareness are emphasized. Students will build on seamanship, sailing terminology, and points of sail. Students may stay here for several sessions or be recommended to 420’s.
Ages: 11-16 (students 120+ lbs)
Time: (M,T,W 1 pm-4 pm)
Prerequisite: None (older beginners), or Intermediate Opti
Next Class: Intermediate 420

420’s
This class is for those who have demonstrated competence in double handed sailing techniques. Students will build on the skills learned in Intermediate Opti or Intro Sloops and expand their knowledge of wind and weather, upwind sailing, mark roundings, hiking, distribution of body weight and roll tacking. The student will build on the importance of TEAMWORK and seamanship. Competitive sailing may be introduced.
Ages: 12-18 (students 120+lbs)
Time: (TH 1 pm-4 pm, F 9 am-4 pm)
Prerequisite: Intro Sloop or a Sail MV Instructor recommendation
Next Class: This course is designed to allow a student to remain at this level as long as they would like.

INTRO WINDSURFING
Ages: 10-18
Time: (M,W 1 pm-4 pm)
This introductory class will be taught by a USSAILING certified windsurfing instructor and will introduce students to the basics of windsurfing.

VOYAGING
Ages: 12-18 (depending on size and strength)
Prerequisite: None
Vineyard Voyaging’s 3,6 or 13 day courses are designed to give the participants an exciting and challenging 24/7 experience at sea, introducing and combining the skills of craftsmanship, seamanship, and teamwork that are necessary to row and sail Mabel, our traditional wooden Nomansland boat on an extended cruising expedition. All courses include the same general elements of living and cruising on board, with varying degrees of detail, depth and practice. Participants will all experience a combination of both caring for and voyaging in a traditional wooden boat.

Sail MV programs comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local Board of Health.