Below are your questions and our answers
Q: Can members skipper the Catalina 22, or are sails always led by a club skipper?
A: Any skipper that has demonstrated their proficiency and been vetted by the Steering committee can then set up sails.
Q: Is there a checkout process for experienced sailors?
A: Yes – Provide proof of certification in both recommended Boating Safety course AND CPR. A record will be kept by the OCSC Steering Committee. Note: Proof of Boating Safety course must be carried by members at all times while onboard sailboat
Vetting process:
– Sign up for sail with previously vetted Skipper(s)
– Demonstrate abilities listed below:
1. Physical capacity to row dinghy to sailboat mooring.
2. Understanding of the parts of a sailboat, equipment and their function.
3. Knowledge of how to rig the sails properly.
4. Knowledge of use of basic knots used in sailing, such as the bowline, figure 8 and cleat hitch.
5. Proficiency with the use of the outboard motor and oars.
6. Knowledge of points of sail and how to navigate them.
7. Mastery of techniques for tacking and jibing considering wind and river conditions.
8. Ability to read wind direction and adjust sails accordingly.
9. Understanding of safety procedures and equipment on board.
10. Effective responses to rescue a “person overboard” scenario.
11. Docking and undocking maneuvers.
12. Mooring and unmooring maneuvers.
13. Understanding of the rules of the road for sailing and sailing etiquette.
14. Knowledge of basic weather patterns and their impact on sailing conditions.
Q: Does the boat have an engine?
A: Yes, it is a propane engine.
Q: Is the boat available daily or only during scheduled sails?
A: Any vetted Skipper can initiate a sail at any time. They need to have one additional experienced sailor onboard.
Q: How are sails scheduled — reservations or group sign-ups?
A: The Skipper first secures another experienced sailor and then emails the general membership with date and time. The boat holds a maximum of 5 people, so first comes, first served.
Q: How long is a typical sail?
A: That really depends on the time of day. Usually about 3 hours. On occasion, the whole day. We have sailed to Nyack and back a few times.
Q: Are non-member guests allowed aboard?
A: Yes. Non-members can sail two times per season as guests. Before their departure, they must fill out a form that has been approved by the Town of Ossining (which owns the boat). After that, they would need to register with the Rec Center.
Please note that all passengers must be 18 or older to sail.
When you are ready, registration is done through the Rec Center.
Rec Center registration for Residents($20): https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?s=&t=&season_id=18796&program_id=840660–
Rec Center registration for Non-residents($40): https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?s=&t=&season_id=18796&program_id=840670–
OCSC Membership($100): https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_class_detail.cfm?s=&t=&season_id=18796&program_id=1017087&family_mbr_str=