Learn to Sail Event

The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin invites you to join Green Bay Sail & Paddle (GBSP) to experience the joy of sailing on Monday, August 5, 2024. Their mission is to help people with all abilities build confidence and a sense of freedom through empowering on-water experiences.

This program is specifically designed for individuals with diverse abilities, aiming to impart essential water safety and sailing skills while enriching lives. Participants can take charge of a boat on their own or sail with friends and family. This fun, introductory sailing session uses a “quick-start” method to teach sailing on Hobie® Wave catamarans.

The three-hour session covers crucial topics such as safety guidelines, operating safety boats, steering with the tiller, and positioning on the boat. Participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience on the water, with guidance and support from our instructors throughout.

Registration is required. Tickets are $25 per pair which includes an Autistic individual and their caregiver.

*Participants are not required to know how to swim. Children must be at least 8 years old.

Skills taught include:

• Understanding Green Bay sail & Paddle’s safety rules and emergency procedures
• Proper fitting and adjustment of a Personal Floatation Device (PDF)
• Staying protected from the sun
• Appropriate use of safety whistle
• Signal to return to beach
• Understanding hazards to avoid in the instruction area
• Wind direction and sailing angles to the wind
• Understanding how buoys will be used during instruction
• Weight placement – where to sit on the boat
• Leaving the beach
• Steering with the tiller
• Sailing upwind, on a reach
• Gybing and tacking
• Sailing a figure eight
• Recovering from irons
• Sailing between two (2) buoys upwind doing multiple tacks
• Avoiding collisions
• Sailing back to beach
• Enjoying sailing with others!!!

What to bring:

• Old tennis shoes or water shoes are required to be worn at all times to protect your feet.
• A completed & signed waiver
• Eyeglasses or sunglasses – with strap
• Sunscreen
• Swimming suit
• Towel
• Dry clothes
• Water bottle full of water/ beverage
• Snack
• We provide life jackets

For more details and to register click here: https://76148.blackbaudhosting.com/76148/Green-Bay-Sail–Paddle-Event