Hello Sailors and Parents,
Below is a recap of the pre-season meeting for those of you who weren't able to attend. Please register ASAP, if you haven't already. Please read over the information below for more details.
SWIM TEST
The swim test will be at Arne Hanna tomorrow and Wednesday at 6:30pm. Please come to either time, but everyone must pick one of the two days to complete your test. The test is swimming 50 yards and treading water for 5 minutes, all without touching the bottom. Bring a swimsuit and towel.
ABOUT THE TEAM
All local high school sailing is organized and managed by Whatcom Sailing. We focus on racing, not learning how to sail. The high school sailing team is a recognized club sport at each school and we treat it the same as any school sport. Therefore, the expectations are the same regarding attendance at practices and races as any sport. Practices and regattas are required.
Other sailing or sports: Sometimes kids try to juggle multiple sports or other sailing opportunities while being on the sailing team. This is not allowed, and please understand that if you miss practices or regattas, that will be taken into consideration when deciding things like who races with who, who can go to regattas, etc. We reward those who are committed to the team.
Unlike summer youth circuit racing, all the organization and registration for regattas is done by Whatcom Sailing. This way the students can focus on school and not have to worry about planning for the next regatta.
EMAIL
Our primary form of communication is done via email, so please help us out and respond to emails quickly and make sure we have your current email address for students and parents.
TEXT MESSAGING NOTIFICATIONS
We use a text message notification system for all the sailors. The messaging service is called Remind. To sign up send a text message:
TO: 81010
Message: @sailboats
FEES
Cost is $350 per season plus a $35 uniform fee. The uniform fee will be reimbursed if the pinnie is returned at the end of the season. We never want cost to be a reason why someone is not participating so please contact me if you or someone you know needs financial assistance. We have scholarship money for kids that are on the free or reduced lunch program.
REGISTRATION STEPS
2. Complete the school athletic registration online. This is now being done with the Final Forms program. See attached documents for more information. Kids attending schools not part of the Bellingham School District DO NOT need to do this.
A sports physical is also required, so get that scheduled ASAP.
3. Get cleared with your school. Talk to your AD secretary to confirm you are cleared.
REGISTRATION NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE YOU CAN PRACTICE.
PRACTICES
Regular Practice:
- All teams – Tuesday and Thursday – 3:45 to 6:30
•First Practice – Thursday 8/31
•Last Practice – Thursday 10/26
For the first practice please meet at the Bellingham Yacht Club downstairs.
PARENTS - Please help us by scheduling dentist and doctors appointments around our regular practices. Practices are held at Zuanich Park dock. Carpools from school to practice will be arranged at the first practice.
We require all sailors to have a Type III Coastguard approved life jacket, a whistle attached to your life jacket and a wetsuit. There will be days where we will require a wetsuit or you won't be able to sail. We strongly encourage proper gear, such as gloves, booties and no cotton. On our gear page on the website, we suggest places to buy gear and what kind of gear to get. (westcoastsailing.com offers high school students 15% off gear and free shipping, just enter code ISSA. Kite Paddle Surf in Bellingham also offers a 15% discount, just mention you are on the high school sailing team.) Please ask us or your fellow sailors what gear we recommend if you have any questions.
Running shoes and workout gear are also required. We will be having workout days where we will be running and doing other cardio exercises. You will be expected to run and workout with the team at any practice.
We would like you to consider buying and wearing a helmet as well. Especially if you are new to sailing or have had a previous concussion. Concussions can happen by getting hit in the head by the boom and can be very serious. Here is more information about sailing concussions:
SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
We follow the same requirements as the high schools for athletes. This means that students must attend all classes the day of a practice AND must be passing all classes. If either of these are failed then you may not practice. If you miss a class you need to get it excused and cleared with the AD secretary before practice. You can check your eligibility at any time via Final Forms.
REGATTAS
PARENTS
We are excited to have your sailor on the team, and will be kept very busy organizing practices & regattas, and teaching them how to become awesome racers! So, we will need your help! Regatta travel is usually based on parent drivers. We try to reimburse for gas, and food is usually free for parents or very cheap. Please take a look at the regatta schedule and make note on which regattas you would be able to drive.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or visit the website for information. I am excited to be starting another season of sailing!
See you on the water!
Scott WilsonWhatcom Sailing
360.303.1759 c
