Dana Point Sailing Lessons: Mariners Program

MARINERS INCLUDES

Nautical Training

Instruction involves 12 weeks per session of Wednesday evening classes for 2.5 hours each. There are 8 separate classes ranging from beginning to advanced boat handling. On-the-water training takes place on weekend days during fall and spring seasons. The culmination of the training results in the Quartermaster Cruise for Mariners who choose to earn Quartermaster rank and have been in the program for at least 4 seasons, where the Mariner skippers one of the large boats to Catalina and back with their own handpicked crew.

Seascout Competitions

At the end of both seasons (fall and spring) there is an assessment of seamanship skills with Sea Scouts from around the country. Events are often held in Vallejo and San Pedro. The different Sea Scout groups compete in sailing, rowing, and general nautical skills such as knots, compass and relative bearing and heaving line.

Recreational Sailing

Members can come down and go sailing on the vessel of their choosing, and for which they are qualified, most Saturdays and Sundays year around. Mariner’s fleet of sailboats is one of the best on the west coast.

Racing

Almost all the sailboats in Mariner’s fleet are set up for racing. There are a number of different series to meet the skill level and interest of the seaman or group. Mariners often set up their own fun races and race around in Dana Point Harbor. For all these activities qualified supervision is paramount. The volunteer staff is made up adults who have spent countless hours on the open ocean as well as working with youth. They are fully trained through the BSA adult training programs. The adults are not the only supervision that is provided. Mariners are taught to supervise each other. Through all the fun the goal is to develop safe boating skills in every Mariner. By the time a Mariner graduates as a Quartermaster they will be one of the safest and most knowledgeable skippers on the water.

Age Requirements

Youth registering for Fall Classes must be 14 by November 1. Youth registering for Spring Classes must be 14 by May 1.

Water Safety Requirements

A swim test will be given on the first Saturday class. All Mariners must bring a swim suit, towel, and change of clothes to the first Saturday class.  Participants must demonstrate an ability to swim 50 yards (a life vest may be worn) tread water for 5 minutes and put a life vest on while in the water.