Learn to Sail, Inc. Punta Gorda, FL

Introduction We are an all volunteer, not for profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2015.  We teach small boat sailing in a safe, fun and educational waterfront environment by sharing our skills, knowledge, and resources with youth and adults in the Southwest Florida area. Learning To Sail Is A Gift To Our Children

Benefits of sailing for children Sailing is a sport like any other. Sport promotes a healthy body, provides a break from school routines and gives opportunities to make new friends. Any sport represents a challenge – a new thing to learn and master. Meeting the challenge helps develop brain neural pathways. Success in meeting the challenge develops confidence and Personal Development. Your child will learn organizational and risk management skills useful in their day to day life now and as an adult.

Our Focus SAFETY – All activities emphasize our commitment to safe boating practices while teaching the essential elements of sailboat handling, water safety skills and respect for changing weather conditions. ​ FUN – We strive to create a healthy, enjoyable learning experience for all students during their introduction to sailing programs. Enjoyment breeds enthusiasm. EDUCATION – Our core purpose is teaching the fundamentals of sailing. We provide quality direction, coaching and low cost instruction in small sailboats on Charlotte Harbor, while at the same time recognizing and emphasizing our responsibility as stewards of the environment.

Our Focus TEAMWORK – Our team of diverse adult volunteers delivers meaningful sailing instruction afloat and ashore with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, open communication, respect and cooperation. Student coaches help novice sailors in the learning process. LEADERSHIP – Our efforts in a positive environment are meant to inspire those under instruction to learn more, do more and become more confident as sailors. Knowledge and enthusiasm build self-confidence as sailing skills improve and mutual respect grows.

Volunteer Skills Needed Certified Sailing Instructors:   We welcome all sailors who are certified sailing instructors desiring to teach Youth & Adults to  sail. Safety Boat Captain/Crew:   All Safety Boat Captains are required to pass the safe boating course available on line at: http://www.boat-ed.com/Florida Shore Crew:    To help with rigging, launching, retrieving and stowing the boats. Communication with boats on the water.

Volunteer Skills Needed Boat Maintenance:  Repair and keep records of boats and trailers as needed.  Grounds Maintenance:   Trimming grass and pest free grounds in our boat storage area Events Committee/Fund Raising/Public Relations: We are a not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization. We accept donations of boats, equipment and monies. We rely on fundraising to acquire additional boats and equipment to meet the needs of our students.

Volunteer Skills Needed Grant Writing:    As a part of our fund raising efforts,  volunteers with grant writing skills are greatly appreciated. Treasurer/Finance:    Skilled Craftsman Fiberglass Repair Carpenters Welders/metal workers/fabricators Website Administrator Junior Instructors

Volunteer Tasks Administrative Fundraising Student Applications Finance Receptionist Supervise Students not on boats Website Management

Volunteer Tasks Sailing Promote Safety Classroom/Instruction Sailing Basics Boat and rigging basics Boat setup and teardown instruction and support Boat Launching/Retrieval Safety Boat Operation On the Water instruction (on sailboats or safety boats

Volunteer Tasks Other Boat Maintenance & Repair Facility Maintenance and repair (Learn to Sail Property)

A Week of Class – Day 1 Class Starts Monday at 9 a.m. with registration Everyone reviews safety protocols for the week Students swim check and practice capsizing and righting a sunfish boat. Students and instructors review boats and rigging Launch boats Advanced students may sail solo or with other students. (Pico, Sunfish or Pram) New students sail with instructor in American 14.5 sloop.

A Week of Class – Day 1 End of day the boats are retrieved, de-rigged and retired.

A Week of Class – Day 2 -5 Class starts with minimal classroom instruction Review safety protocols Students help rig and launch boats The goal is to increase student leadership through the week. As skills and confidence increase, students sail alone or in pairs.

A Week of Class – Day 2 -5 Sloops and instructor sail all week for beginning students. Instructors will encourage students to take over helm, tacking, trim, etc. End of the week, the students participate in “fun races”. By week’s end students retrieve their boats and de-rig them on their own.

Treasurer’s Duties Monthly Administrative Duties Pay rent and operating expenses Deposit income in a timely manner Maintain Inventory Prepare Financial Statements and Government Records for donations and sales

Treasurer’s Duties Annual Administrative Duties Prepare Annual Reports and Taxes Marine Advisory Committee Reports Summer Camp Reports President’s Draft Report Florida Division of Corporations Register boat fleet and trailers Assist with Grant Preparations

President’s Duties Supervise and manage daily activities of Summer Sailing camps. Maintain a shore radio station to monitor students on the water. Follow the weather visually and on radar to insure student safety. Direct safety boats to rescue students or enhance instruction. Ensure adequate volunteers and instructors for classes.

President’s Duties Conduct Monthly Board Meetings Supervise and assist fleet maintenance and repair Solicit boat donations to re-sell for revenue Enlist volunteers to repair donated boats for safe sailing and sales. Ensure facilities and grounds are maintained for safe boat storage Speak to outside groups to promote sailing and volunteer replacement.

President’s Duties Promote Sails on the Harbor Promote cooperation with YMCA and County Schools for new students Provide introduction to sailing and 2-day immersion instruction for adults.