Deer Isle Yacht Club

Lessons Safety

Swim test for sailing lessons

To participate in DIYC core program (8-12 years old, taught in Optis) lessons, students must complete a swim test at Sylvester’s Cove. They are required to enter the water wearing a life jacket at one end of the DIYC float, swim the entire length of the DIYC float without assistance staying at least 6’ (2m) away from the float, and exit without assistance at the other end.

The reason we do the swim test this way is (less importantly) so we know students can not only swim, but swim in the waters of Sylvester’s Cove and (more importantly) so students themselves know they can not only swim, but swim in the waters of Sylvester’s Cove giving them the confidence they need to set out in their small sailboats.

Students can complete the swim test immediately before their first lesson (arrive 15 minutes early) or at any other mutually convenient time by appointment.

Life jackets for sailing lessons

US Coast Guard-approved life jackets suitable for small boat sailing with a safety whistle attached are required for all program participants of all ages including students and instructors at all times on boats, on floats, on the dock, and in the water - any time participants are not on the land. The Club has a few spares but program participants will almost certainly be more comfortable in their own jackets and are therefore strongly encouraged to bring and wear their own Type III Inherently Buoyant life jacket. Students ages 16+ may choose instead to wear a Type III Inflatable life jacket; there are no Coast Guard-approved inflatable life jackets for kids 15 and under.

Useful Links

General sailing lessons information (public)

Additional information for DIYC members (login required)

Program contacts

Spencer Dickinson III, Rear Commodore (responsible for club programs including lessons and racing)

Sarah Dickinson, Instruction Committee Chair