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High School Sailing

Overview

The High School Sailing Program gives students, grades 7—12, an opportunity to practice, race and travel to compete against other high schools. We invite all beginner to advanced level sailors to come and participate in the Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (MISSA) with us. At the highest level, high school sailing leads to regional and national competitions, summer race teams and collegiate teams.


Competitive sailing involves fast-paced, short-course team racing, where one-design boats race each other

without any handicaps, starting at the same time, sailing a set course and the winner of each race is the first to cross the finish line scoring points based on finish position with the lowest points winning. Teams compete locally, regionally and nationally in regattas and championships. Learn more about the program.


Program Benefits

Sailing is a co-educational competitive sport.

Colleges actively recruit talented sailors for their college teams.

Sailing involves physical strength and agility, and teaches students about navigation, physics, the marine environment, and the importance of teamwork.

Sailing is an activity that can take you around the globe and introduce you to sailors in just about any country.

Sailing is a sport that you will enjoy throughout your life.

Supervised use of club facilities and quality access to the water.

Safety and rescue boats are on the water at all times with liability coverage under the Club’s insurance policy.

Professional coaching during regattas and practices.




FAQs

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How much does it Cost?

A fee is assessed accounts for professional coaching, safety boats and maintenance to racing boats.


Spring fee: $225

Fall fee: $275

Regatta Entrance Fee: $10-30 each person per regatta. Paid at the regatta to the host.

Uniform: One time cost of $40 per sailor for a pinnie

Out of state coach travel expenses will be divided among the sailors attending that event. 


ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: High School Sailing clinics and summer programs are offered as a way to further enhance sailing skills.

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What do I need?

Completed Registration Forms and payment

US Coast Guard Approved Sailing Life Jacket (“PFD” – personal flotation device)

Closed toe shoes

Enthusiasm and commitment

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What's the time committment?

High School Sailing has two seasons: Spring and Fall. Spring season starts early in April and goes till the  middle of May. Fall season starts late August and goes till the end of October. The more time spent in the boat is the best way to grow as a sailor. Read more about practices and regattas.

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What do we sail?

Most HS sailing is “fleet” racing. It is done in double-handed one-design dinghies such as the Club 420. All fleets are registered with Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (MISSA).

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What is MISSA?

MISSA was established as the regional governing body for high school sailing in the Midwest. Our objective is to further the sport of sailing in Midwest secondary schools, and to provide a standardized set of rules and procedures for competition.

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What happens at a high school regatta?

Teams, determined by the head coach, are expected arrive at the host regatta by 8:00 AM to check in together. Families are expected to make arrangements for their sailor to get to the regatta either by driving them or carpooling.


Each high school team has at least four members, two skippers and two crew. All boats are entered into a rotation. The A skippers and crew take to the water and sail the first two races. In the meantime the B skippers and crew wait their turn to sail. After two races, the boats are swapped, the A teams jump out allowing the B team to jump in the boat ready to sail two races. This A/B flip-flop continues throughout the regatta. Since only half of the kids are sailing at a time, it allows for a lot of fun interaction between teams while waiting. A team’s score is the total of both their A and B scores added together. Races are generally short, with the goal of both A and B teams completing 6 races each day. Novice crew can also be swapped for alternate crew. This helps with fatigue and to allow all to participate.

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Are there opportunities to sail on my team this year?

YES! Both skipper and crew positions are needed in fall and spring. If you are interested in joining the team, however lack the experience, we will teach you. The host club offers a robust Learn to Sail program with a few weeks focused on high school sailing through intensive training and clinics. The information page has a list of participating schools.

Participating Teams

All students are welcomed to participate even if your school is not listed below.

Bishop Watterson*

Big Walnut

Columbus Academy

Columbus School for Girls*

DeSales High School*

Gahanna High School*

Granville High School

New Albany High School*

Olentangy High School*

Olentangy Berlin*

Olentangy Liberty*

Olentangy Orange*

Oakstone Academy*

Thomas Worthington High School*

Wellington School

Westerville North*

Westerville South

Westerville Central*

Worthington Kilbourne High School*


*full registration with MISSA

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