Please help us continue and expand our programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answer below. Can't find an answer? Ask us!
- General Questions
- What is SailMaine?
- What are SailMaine's hours?
- What should we bring for sailing?
- Where can I purchase sailing gear?
- What about safety on the water?
- Are there classes if the weather is bad?
- Do you have toilet/changing facilities?
- Do you offer a Senior Discount?
- Do you offer any other discounts?
- What is your cancellation and refund policy?
- High School Sailing Questions
- When is practice? When does it start and when does it end?
- What if the weather is poor (rain/too much/not enough wind)?
- If it is a "bad season" as to weather, do you make any type of refunds?
- When does the team compete?
- What does a team receive from SailMaine?
- How can a school have a team at SailMaine?
- What is the level of coaching and supervision?
- What are the requirements to be a varsity sailor?
- Do the teams have tryouts?
- Do we need drysuits?
- Anything else to bring?
- What is Intramural sailing?
- Who joins Intramural?
- What is Intramural Sailing like?
- What's the difference between a Varsity team and Intramural sailing?
- Can Intramural sailors join a high school team in the middle of the season?
- What is the Conduct form?
- Who chaperones at away regattas?
- Can Parents go out on the coach boats?
- My sailors attend Portland Schools. Which team should they join?
- Junior Sailing Questions
We are a community sailing organization based in Portland, Maine. SailMaine connects people of all ages and abilities to the coast of Maine through fun and affordable sailing education, recreation, and competition, which stimulate individual growth and create community. We teach people of all ages and abilities to sail, and offer recreational and competitive sailing opportunities in a friendly, open setting to the people of Maine and the Casco Bay region.
In June, July, and August while the Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program is underway, SailMaine Staff are available at the Casco Bay Community Boating Center from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM. During the High School Fall and Spring seasons, we are on site from Noon until the end of practice for the day, usually 6:00 PM. At other times, official office hours are Noon to 5:00 PM, and by appointment. Often, someone is available on site outside of these hours. If you'd like to stop by, give us a call. We may just be there. We are reachable by telephone at (207) 772-SAIL and email, and will be glad to make arrangements for an appointment at the Boating Center.
What should we bring for sailing?
Sailing can sometimes be both cold and wet, so appropriate clothing is recommended. Rain gear is often a good idea, and even on sunny days with lots of wind, you may see some spray. During the summer, a fleece or jacket is nice to have on hand, as it is often cooler (sometimes much cooler) on the water than it is on land. Please bring comfortable shoes with good grip and a heel strap (not flip flops). We prefer closed-toed shoes like old sneakers, watershoes or boating boots. A bottle of water, sunglasses and a hat are good ideas, and sunblock is an essential. Lifejackets (PFDs) are required for all SailMaine programs; we are happy to provide PFDs if you do not have your own.
The Boat House in Falmouth, Hamilton Marine in Portland, Landing Boat Supply in Yarmouth, and West Marine in Portland are great places to grab sailing gloves, dry suits, foul weather gear and other sailing equipment. Sea Bags makes some fine totes to carry it all in.
What about safety on the water?
Safety is the top priority for us in all of our programs. While sailing has inherent risks, we work very hard to minimize them through thorough instruction and emergency preparedness. We do not permit on the water activities under the threat of thunderstorms or excessively high winds, though we do sail in rainy weather. PFDs (lifejackets) are required equipment on the docks and on the water in all of our programs. Capsize and rescue drills under the watchful eyes of our instructors are an essential part of our curriculum.
All of SailMaine's coaches, in addition to having outstanding seamanship skills, are first aid/CPR/AED certified. Every coach boat is equipped with a VHF radio which is monitored ashore by shoreside staff. We have an AED, oxygen and other first aid equipment readily available in the office at the site. Our fleet of 8 powerboats ensures we have on the water coverage for any contingency.
The Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program has sailor to instructor ratio of eight to one, ensuring both safety and quality individualized instruction. Our Adult and High School programs have similar staff and resource coverage that let us concentrate on sailing in an atmosphere of prudence and caution.
Are there classes if the weather is bad?
For all programs, WE WILL NOT SAIL if there is too much wind, a likely threat of thunderstorms imminent, or visibility is dangerously low. We monitor weather conditions carefully, sail as much as possible, and guide our fleet to shore if dangerous weather is approaching. WE WILL SAIL if there is good breeze, even if it is raining or drizzling, in the absence of thunder and thick fog. The Junior Program's classes will always convene, no matter the weather.
We rarely cancel adult classes but if we do have to cancel, we do so by calling each sailor at least one hour prior to the beginning of class and try to reschedule a make-up class as quickly as possible. Sometimes the instructor will hold the start of class inside in hopes the weather will improve. Please check your email and voicemail before driving to SailMaine. You should assume that if we haven't called, class is still on (so bring appropriate gear)!
Do you have toilet/changing facilities?
We have a port-a-potty on the SailMaine site, but don't have a great changing area. Please keep that in mind.
Do you offer a Senior Discount?
Yes we do. Seniors aged 55 and older can take 10% off any program fee for programs they participate in. Simply indicate that you are a senior when making your payment.
Do you offer any other discounts?
Yes. Please visit our discounts page for more information on additional discounts and special pricing options.
Individual programs offer reduced pricing for multiple registrations from a single family and Portland residents. Please refer to each program's pages for specific information on these offerings.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A full refund will be granted if request is made more than three (3) weeks prior to the program start date.
A 75% refund will be granted if request is made less than three (3) weeks prior to the program start date but more than one (1) week before the program start date.
A 50% refund will be granted if request is made less than one (1) week prior to the program start date but before the program start date.
No refunds will be granted if the program has already started, except in the case of significant extenuating circumstances (such as a documented medical condition).
All registrations are subject to the above general Refund Policy, with the following important exception:
In Adult classes, if a cancellation/request for refund is received less than three (3) weeks before the start of a course and would result in the cancellation of that course due to low numbers, no refund will be granted. Please see the make-up policy for missed Adult classes or Adult classes cancelled due to weather.
Our Program Handbook, available online in PDF Format, cover most of the details of the High School Sailing program. Click on the link to view or download.
When is practice? When does it start and when does it end?
Each team practices three times a week for approximately three hours. Depending on the team's proximity to SailMaine, practice times may be either 3:00-6:00 pm or 3:30-6:30pm.
What if the weather is poor (rain/too much/not enough wind)
The High School sailors will sail in most weather -- rain, snow, high and low winds -- all except thunderstorms. We practice in all conditions because the team needs to be ready for variable weather when competing. Sailors should be prepared for all weather conditions.
If it is a "bad season" as to weather, do you make any type of refunds?
There are no refunds because of weather. A variety of weather is part of the joy of sailing.
During both the fall and spring season, there are regattas for the most part every Saturday, but they can fall on a Sunday from time to time, especially in the Spring season. One day regattas are most common (either Saturday or Sunday) in high school sailing. A regatta will take place all day (9am-5pm -- or more, if travel is involved). If you commit to a varsity team (which you do by signing up for the sailing team), you should be prepared to sail every Saturday.
What does a team receive from SailMaine?
SAILMAINE WILL:
- Provide boats.
- Six (6) collegiate 420s.
- General maintenance is kept up by SailMaine.
- Sailors are also expected to help maintain boats—SailMaine presently provides all necessary parts and tools to aide in this upkeep.
- Provide coaching and practices.
- Each team will practice three (3) days a week.
- One to two coaches are hired and collectively attend all three practices each week.
- High school practices are run by a variety of SailMaine coaches; therefore, sailors may be coached by (and need to respect/obey) coaches who are not their team coach.
- The team coach(es) will travel to three (3) away regattas and three (3) home regattas. There are some regattas the team will attend without a coach.
- Each coach is hired and trained by SailMaine.
- Each coach will have access to and use of motorboats, marks, sailing equipment, sailboats, etc.
- Provide regatta opportunities.
- Support Parent Coordinators/Regatta Facilitators in creating the regatta schedule (designed with team’s ability in mind).
- Allow the opportunity to host one regatta per season at SailMaine.
- Allow and encourage teams to participate in regattas hosted by SailMaine, as well as those hosted by other sites.
How can a school have a team at SailMaine?
Every team must sign an agreement prior to the season to be a part of each HS Sailing Season. This is necessary to allow us to hire coaches, plan practice schedules, make boat assignments and attend to other preparatory tasks.
Your team must meet certain minimum requirements to be hosted as a team, though it should be noted that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee team status at SailMaine. Team status will be granted only by permission of the SailMaine Program Director and is subject to logistical limitations.
To apply for team status, please fill out the Team Agreement PDF. It must be signed by your school’s Athletic Director and/or your team’s Parent Coordinator and returned to SailMaine by the registration deadline for that season.
To apply for team status, please fill out the Team Agreement PDF. It must be signed by your school's Athletic Director and/or your team's Parent Coordinator and returned to SailMaine by the registration deadline for that season. Please visit this page for current dates and deadlines.
A TEAM WILL:
- Ensure a minimum of six (6) sailors signed up for the season by the registration deadline. Please visit this page for current dates and deadlines.
- The maximum team roster is sixteen (16) sailors (15 sailors is ideal).
- Have a meeting between the Head Coach, the SailMaine High School Program Director and the school Athletic Director to decide how to create the team roster. They will address such issues as:
- Cut policy—teams are welcome to use or adjust the SailMaine Cut Policy. This policy will govern Southern Maine HS.
- If tryouts are necessary, they will take place over first week of on the water practice.
- School-specific concerns such as discipline policys, substance policies, attendance, eligibility, etc.
- SailMaine will collect registration forms and fees.
- Registration fee is $500
- Acceptable forms of payment include:
- Check made payable to “SailMaine.”
- Credit card, via phone, or in person at the office
- Online payment via Google Wallet (on website)
- Submitting a completed Fee Waiver application
- Fee Waivers are available for any sailor on any team, and should be mailed directly to Jeff Cumming at SailMaine. See our Financial Assistance page for further details.
- Use of a Payment Plan is acceptable:
- 1st payment (half the fee) is due by Feb 10th, 2011, 5 pm
- 2nd payment (2nd half of fee) is due on April 1st, 2011
- A package of above items for a minimum of 6 sailors must be delivered to SailMaine by Feb 10th @ 5pm to ensure a spot at SailMaine for the 2011 Spring Season.
- NOTE: This does not guarantee your team’s spot at SailMaine. Team status will be granted only by permission of the Program Director and is subject to logistical limitations.
What is the level of coaching and supervision?
All of SailMaine's coaches have long and deep experience in the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. Your team coach(es), will work (at minimum) with the team twice a week. He/ she will also coach at three home regattas and two away regattas. Since more than one team practices together on any given practice day, there are several coaches on the water who, regardless of team affiliation, collaborate together to run an efficient and effective practice regardless of team affiliation.
What are the requirements to be a varsity sailor?
To be considered Varsity, the sailor must have completed at least one beginner sailing class (minimum two weeks long) in small dinghies (420s, Lasers, etc). Each varsity sailor must have capsizing experience and be comfortable sailing in 15+ knots.
Do the High School Teams have try-outs?
For logistical reasons, each individual school team at SailMaine is limited to a maximum of sixteen (16) sailors or fewer. Tryouts (if necessary) will take place during the first or second week of on-the-water practice. A full explanation of the tryout and cut policy is here. This is a PDF file.
Spring Sailing requires the use of a dry suit for a majority of the season. Water temps in April are in the 30's. For safety reasons we cannot allow you to sail without a dry suit during the spring. Students are responsible for providing their own dry suit, and dry-suits will be worn at practice until an official email has been sent. Even if the air temperature is in the 50’s, the water is often still 30-40 degrees. Dry suits are not required for summer or fall sailing.
Here are some resources for drysuit purchase/maintenence:
Used Drysuits can be found on Craigslist.
Hamilton Marine does a great job repairing drysuits (ripped seals etc).
New suits are available at these local stores:
**SailMaine HS sailors get discounts at these retailers.
Mention that you are a HS sailor!**
The Boat House (not open in the Spring)
Also Online:
Required:
LIFE JACKETS: PFD’s (Personal Flotation Device) are required of all sailors while on the water. SailMaine has lifejackets available for all sailors.
PROTECTIVE SHOES -- either sailing booties or sneakers. Crocs are not acceptable.
Suggested for Spring and Late Fall:
- WINTER HAT
- Fleece top layer
- Long underwear / fleece bottom layer
- wool socks
- Sun block
- Waterbottle
- Sunglasses
- Sailing gloves
- Warm clothes to change into after practice
Please note: Sailors often dress for the weather at the beginning of practice and don’t consider the temperature dropping as the sun goes down. This is a regular “problem” for our sailors . . . please dress warmly!
Intramural Sailing is SailMaine's learn to sail program for eighth graders through high school seniors. It is offered only during the fall season,due to weather conditions. It introduces students to the sport, with lessons in seamanship skills, nautical terms, and practical boat handling. Intramural sailors often go on to participate on their school's racing teams.
- Students who do not know how to sail but would like to join a sailing team eventually.
- Sailors who want/need more advanced skills (capsizing, etc) before joining a competitive sailing team.
What is Intramural sailing like?
- Practice runs approximately from Labor Day through Halloween, in line with the high school sailing program’s fall season.
- Sailors meet three days a week for three hour practices at SailMaine.
- Practices include chalk talks about parts of the boat and points of sail, rigging, knot tying, and lots of on-the-water instruction.
What’s the difference between a Varsity team and Intramural sailing?
- Intramural practices with its own dedicated coach, 420s and coach boat.
- Intramural sailors will not be on a Varsity roster, nor are they considered JV. They do not count toward an individual team’s maximum roster size of 16, even if they are from that school and intend to join the team next semester.
- Intramural sailors don’t practice with the high school teams. Intramural coaches will gear practice to the skill level of each sailor.
- Intramural sailors are usually ready to compete for a Varsity sailing team the following spring, if they so choose.
Can Intramural sailors join a high school team in the middle of the season?
- There is no guarantee of this, but some sailors do excel quickly.
- If the Intramural coach thinks this is the case, it will be discussed with the High School Program Director and the coach of the high school team the sailor would join.
- Each Varsity high school team is allowed a maximum of sixteen sailors on their roster. If there is room, an exceptional Intramural sailor might be able to move to the Varsity team towards the end of the season.
High School Sailing is a serious sport that requires a commitment to yourself, your teammates, and your coaches to conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike, responsible way at all times. We require your personal assurance that you will do so at SailMaine, and at any regatta you attend. The conduct form is your pledge to us that you understand the obligations you have to comport yourself in accordance with SailMaine's policies regarding personal conduct and substance abuse. By signing it, you acknowledge that you understand what those policies are, and what the sanctions are for their violation.
Who drives / chaperones at away regattas?
Parents are responsible for making travel arrangements for their sailors to away regattas. Usually, the team's Regatta Facilitator will help orchestrate the transportation of sailors to the various venues. The Google Group for your team is often busy before an event with talk of who is going and who is driving. SailMaine coaches cannot transport sailors. The coaches and parents work together to be sure the sailors are adequately supervised at the events. Parents giving a ride to the Coach as well is appreciated!
Can parents go out on the coach boats?
No. Just as parents are not permitted to walk the sidelines at a football or basketball game, or sit in the dugout at the team ballpark, we do not permit parents to ride on the chase boats at practice or during a regatta. An important part of the High School athletic experience is the ability of the young athlete to develop his skills with his teammates and coaches. Self reliance is also a critical part of handling a boat. We think it's important to give these young men and women the chance to develop their talents without the pressure of their parents looking on at close quarters.
My sailors attend Portland Schools. Which team should they join?
PHS students generally sail for PHS, though they may sail for SMHS if they choose. Casco Bay High students may choose to sail for either PHS or SMHS, in accordance with their school's athletic department policies. All Deering High students sail for SMHS since there is no Deering team yet.
What should a Junior sailor bring?
Required:
LIFE JACKETS: PFD's (Personal Flotation Device) are required of all sailors while on the water. SailMaine has lifejackets available for all sailors. PROTECTIVE SHOES: Either sailing booties or sneakers. Crocs are not acceptable.
Suggested:
You should wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet.
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- baseball cap
- Water bottle
- Sailing gloves
- Towel
- Sweatshirt or fleece (especially for after sailing class)
What is the Swim Test? (this FAQ is available in PDF format.)
Who | Why | Where | When | How | Other Swim Test Questions
Who : To complete the Junior program Swim Test, all participants (once per summer, even if they have attended the Junior program in prior years) must demonstrate swimming ability and tolerance of cold water in conditions at least as strenuous as a class experience.
Why: The goal of the swim test is to see how the participants respond to cold water and follow directions while swimming in Casco Bay. This allows the instructors to assess the sailor's manual dexterity and ability to follow directions in a tough environment (while tired and cold).
Where: We do the swim test in the ocean, right off our dock.
When: On the first day of each session.
How: The instructors will ask each child to:
- Take off their PFD.
- Jump or slide into the water and swim 25 yards (approximately the length of our 420 docks).
- Tread water for 2-3 minutes.
- Instructors will toss each child a PFD which they will put on while in the water. Sailors do not need to know how to put on a PFD in the water before attending; this will be explained on the first day.
What should the sailors wear?
They are welcome to wear bathing suits or regular sailing clothes (usually shorts and a T-shirt). We do not have a large changing area so please have your child wear his or her suit under their clothes.
Are wetsuits allowed for the swim test?
Wetsuits are only allowed if the sailor is planning to sail in a wetsuit for the whole session, usually for medical reasons—the idea is that the test is given in conditions at least as difficult (no PFD) as those present during an accidental capsize.
Why do the sailors put their PFD on while in the water?
The instructor will guide each child through the process of putting on a lifejacket to evaluate the sailors on their listening skills while swimming as well as their ability to take directions while under pressure.
What happens if my child is unable to complete the swim test?
The instructors are always willing to work with the child privately and some even hop in the water with them! They are also welcome to try the test a few days in a row. Unfortunately, some kids are just not ready and therefore a full refund will be granted in the case of a failed test.
Are the children well supervised on and off the water?
The Junior program uses a comprehensive staff of volunteers, assistants, full instructors and program director to ensure exceptional supervision. Our maximum student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1, not including volunteers. We have a fleet of 8 powerboats at our disposal and instructors communicate via hand-held radio. In most cases, kids are sailing the boats by themselves, but there is always an instructor nearby in a powerboat ready to assist when needed.
Can juniors attend the program for a full day?
Yes. Parents can sign their child up for a full day of sailing by registering for both AM and PM classes during the same session (classes must be at the same level; i.e., Beginner Opti AM and PM). Sailors will sail with the morning group, stay on the premises during lunch (they should bring a bag lunch), and then sail again with the same level afternoon class. There may be some repetition in the curriculum for the student, but given the complexity of the sport this repetition (otherwise known as "time on the water") is beneficial to the student.
Are scholarships or other forms of financial aid available?
SailMaine offers an active Fee Waiver program which seeks to make sailing affordable for any participant under 18. Simply fill out our Fee Waiver Application, and submit it along with your program Registration form. You do not need to send any money at the time of registration if you are submitting a Fee Waiver Application at the same time. After the Waiver Application has been processed, we will contact you about your award and together come up with a plan for your family’s contribution. The awards range from $50 to waiving almost the entire fee (every family contributes a minimum of $15).
Please contact Executive Director Jeff Cumming if you have any questions: jeffcumming AT sailmaine DOT org or 207-650-7878.