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Small Boat Sailing
Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoundWaters easy to get to?
Yes. SoundWaters is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from exit 9 off I-95.
Directions to the SoundWaters Center.

If I am not a Stamford resident how do I get into the park?
Non-residents will receive a parking pass for their session(s) in the Camper Welcome package.

Does my child have to know how to sail?
No, children do not need any prior experience on boats to participate in the SoundWaters Opti sailing program. The Opti program is designed to teach beginners and intermediates sailors the joys of sailing while on Holly pond. They will learn basic sailing skills, safety, environmental themes and sail theory.

The SoundWaters Pixel program is for advance sailors that have already mastered smaller boats. The campers in the Pixel program will spend their day sailing on Long Island Sound improving their skills and enjoying the fun of a two sail, 13’9” boat.

My child is entering 7th (or 8th) grade in the fall and has no prior sailing experience, can I sign them up for Pixels?
Prior sailing experience is a prerequisite.  The pixel sailing program is for advanced sailors wishing to challenge and develop their skills. The Schooner Adventure program is the alternative to the Pixel sailing program. The grades listed for all programs are designed to be the grade your child will enter in the Fall of 2010.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

My child is entering 5th (or 6th) grade in the fall, what program should I sign them up for?
If your child has no prior Small Boat Sailing experience, please sign them up for Optis. To qualify for Pixel sailing your child must have a solid small boat sailing background. If you have questions on which program to sign your child up for, please contact us or sign your child up for Opti sailing, if we see that your child has the skills required for Pixels (and space is available in the program), we will move them up to Pixels. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Do I need to pack my child a lunch?
Yes. SoundWaters does not provide meals. Please provide a healthy lunch and afternoon snack for your child. Children must also come with their own water bottle with their name written on it.

Will my child be wearing a life jacket?
Yes, all children in any small boat sailing program are required to wear a life jacket at all times. SoundWaters will provide a life jacket for all sailing campers.

What type of certifications do the staff members hold?
All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. A US Sailing certified instructor is on the water at all times. Along with an American Red Cross certified lifeguard.

Does SoundWaters offer a payment plan?
Yes. We will devise a payment schedule that suits your needs. A $200 deposit is required for each session and final payment must be made 2 weeks prior to the start of your camper's program.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. SoundWaters offers scholarships to those that are eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the State of CT. Applications are available here.

What is a typical day like?
The activities vary depending on weather and session. Below you will find a basic daily schedule (subject to change):

9:00am	Campers arrive and sign-in at Cove Island Park
9:15am	Morning Circle - discuss day activities, record weather and temperature observations, knots, chart a course.
9:30am	Ready boats for day (ex. Rig sails, learn lines, check boats).
10:15am	Launch boats.
10:30am	Sailing - practice tacking and jibing, buoy course, point of sail, wind direction, races.
12:00pm	Dock boats on shore, lunch.
12:45pm	Swim call
1:30pm	Afternoon Sailing - sail to Holly Pond salt marsh, look for horseshoe crabs, sailing drills.
4:00pm	Arrive back on land. Ready boats for bed (clean up sails, wash boat, de-rig for night). Snack.
4:45pm	Closing Circle - discuss and share what you learned throughout day, what you would like to learn tomorrow.
5:00pm	Parent sign-out at bridge.

What if I have more questions?
For more information please contact Olena Czebiniak at oczebiniak@soundwaters.org or (203) 406-3319.