Optimist dinghies rigged and ready at the MBJA sailing center

Ages 7–11

Opti Level 1

Beginner sailors seeking adventure.

Ages
7–11 years old · Completed 1st–4th grade
Sessions
One-week sessions starting June 8, 2026
Schedule
9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm, Monday through Friday
Cost
$300 per student

There are no Friday classes on June 19, July 10, 24, and 31. Pricing for those four-day weeks is adjusted accordingly.

Formerly known as Formerly PRAM Camp.

Who should take this course?

Beginner sailors ages 7–11 who have completed 1st through 4th grade. This class is for students who are not yet competent solo sailors — they will primarily be partner-sailing and learning the skills to advance to Level 2.

What will my child learn?

Our highly trained staff uses the US Sailing instructional system in an open learning environment. Classes begin with land-based discussions and demonstrations, followed by on-the-water instruction covering upwind sailing, downwind sailing, reaching, and docking.

When weather makes on-water activities unsafe, we head to the dunes, run indoor STEM learning, and play water-related games. As the class progresses, instructors introduce solo sailing.

We recommend two or more sessions for sailors who really want to improve. Signing up for multiple weeks is a great way to advance levels and grow confidence.

Doing a full day?

If you sign your child up for morning and afternoon sessions in the same week, please send a lunch. Staff supervise lunchtime games, and this group sails together all day, progressing over a full day instead of a half day.