Hello Sailors and Parents,
Below is a recap of the pre-season meeting for those of you who weren't able to attend. Registration is open so please register soon. Please read over the information below for more details.
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 by responding 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
EVERYONE DO THIS ONE:
TO: 81010
Message: @sailboats
DEPENDING ON YOUR GROUP PLEASE JOIN ONE OF THESE:
BELLINGHAM / EXPLORATIONS
TO: 81010
Message: @wcsmw
SEHOME / SQUALICUM
TO: 81010
Message: @wcstth
FEES
Cost is $250 per 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
1. Register and pay with Whatcom Sailing. https://www.whatcomsailing.com/registration.html2. Complete the school athletic registration online. This is now being done with the Final Forms program. See attached documents for more information. 8th graders, and 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. SEE CHECKLIST AT THE END OF THE ATTACHED PRESENTATION PDF.
PRACTICES
Regular Practice:
- Bellingham / Explorations - Monday and Wednesday – 3:45 to 6:30
- Sehome / Squalicum – Tuesday and Thursday – 3:45 to 6:30
First Practice – Feb 28 or Mar 1
Last Practice – May 18 or May 19
For the first practice please meet at Zuanich Park at the top of the boat ramp. 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:
COVID RULES:
Mask on while indoors.
Masks are not required while sailing or outdoors.
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.
8TH GRADERS
8th graders are welcome only if you have racing experience. Please arrive at practice as soon as possible after school gets out. 8th graders can participate in all regattas as long as there is space available.
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
