Northport Youth Sailing School (NYSS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I register for 2012?
A: Probably around April 15 but watch this site. We'll send out an email to all past students. All 2012 registration forms will be posted on this site. Just click on the 'Register' tab above.

Q: How can I get on the NYSS mailing list?
A: Just send an email to Donna Chapman at dchap_99@yahoo.com and let her know that you'd like to receive emails. If you don't have email, give her your street address but email is preferred.

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Scholarships are available through NYSS amd the Northport Bay Yacht Club. Some are designated for children who helped build Optis through Inland Seas. Others are based on financial need. For more detail, see the Scholarships section.

Q: Can my child attend more than one session?
A: Yes, kids can attend both am and pm sessions or multiple weeks.

Q: Can I be guaranteed the session I want?
A: Classes are filled when applications are received. It is important to return your application (registration, health & consent forms) with full payment as soon as possible, as many classes fill up quickly. If you want to be in the same class as a sibling or friend, please let us know.

Q: Where are classes held?
A: Class begins each day at the classroom at 204 Rose (at Second by Haserot Park in Northport). On the first day of class, you should arrive about 15 minutes early. After meeting at the classroom, students will walk to south beach.

Q: Do the classes meet if it rains?
A: Yes, regardless of the weather, classes are held every day. Our classroom provides the kids with lots of hands-on activities for rainy days.

Q: What should my child bring to class?
A: All kids need a towel, sunscreen, water shoes, a hat, and a sweatshirt. Make sure their name is on all items. It's helpful to have a tote bag to carry everything. Sunscreen should be applied ahead of class. For more details, see the checklist at the 'Register' link.

Q: Why do you ask for the child's height and weight?
A: Imagine two children in an Opti. One weighs 60 pounds and the other weighs 150. They're not going to be well balanced in a small boat. Our goal is for everyone to be physically comfortable in their boat. To single-hand a Pico, students must weight at least 100 pounds. Otherwise, they may not be able to right a capsized boat.

Q: Are there any physical requirements for learning to sail?
A: All students must take a swim test before sailing. It's taken on the first day of class, wearing a life jacket. The main requirement is that the student not be afraid to get in the water. After the swim test, students learn to right a tipped boat. Then away they go. Please do not send a child who is afraid of the water to sailing school. They really must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

Q: Does NYSS own the classroom and boat house?
A: No. Both are owned by the Village of Northport. NYSS paid the bulk of the costs for enlarging the boat house in 2011. The village paid only for the incremental cost of putting on a metal roof (vs shingles). This was done so that it will match the new construction of the harbor master's quarters, the bath house and the public restroom.

Q: How can I make a donation to NYSS?
A: Please send a check payable to either 'NYSS' or 'Northport Youth Sailing School' to 'NYSS, 477 S. Shore, Northport, MI 49670.' The IRS recognizes the NYSS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which means that your donations are tax deductible.

Q: If I make a donation, how much money supports the school?
A: In 2011, we spent less than 1% of our budget on fundraising and less than 1% on office supplies. We spent just over 1% on advertising primarily because we hired a third instructor. That's less than 3% for things not directly related to sailing. Some money was used to expand the boathouse. The rest was for boats, supplies, repairs, training and scholarships. The only people receiving a salary were the instructors. Everyone else was an unpaid volunteer.

Q: What is the legal status of NYSS?
A: The NYSS is recognized by both the State of Michigan and the IRS as a non-profit corporation. Donations made to NYSS are deductible as charitable contributions on your federal tax return.