The 2025 registration process for the Abbot Fletcher Sailing School has begun with the acceptance of applications beginning January 1st.

Our program enrolls youth from ages 8 through 18 for either one- or two-week sessions, described below. Dates of these sessions are shown on the application form. Instructors and staff work closely with student sailors through all aspects of the programs for instruction, coaching, and safety.

Beginner: Students attending this session will learn the basics of sailing, both in the classroom and on the water. Topics covered include sailing terminology; basic sail trim and points of sail; steering and adjustments; tacking and jibing; safe and proper maneuvering around other boats; approaching and sailing away from docks; and basic knots and tie-downs. Beginners generally get into their sailboats (Optis) on Day 2.
Maximum class size: 12

Intermediate: The Intermediate sessions pick up where the Beginner sessions leave oK. The goals are to help student sailors gain a level of skill and self-confidence necessary to
sail independently. The emphasis is on good and safe boat-handling achieved by adapting the skills learned as a beginner and applying them to the higher wind speeds typical of afternoon. This requires practice and developing sailing judgment, with a greater awareness of one’s surroundings while on the water. Optis and 420 sailboats are used.
Intermediate sessions are intended to prepare any student to enter a full-time racing program if they want to do so, or to continue to sail and perfect their skills in a non- competitive setting.
Maximum class size: 12

Racing: The racing program is designed for students who are ready to further develop their boat-handling and tactical skills, such as roll-tacking, the use of spinnakers, eficient steering and buoy-rounding, basic rights-of-way, and an understanding of wind shifts. Racing also fosters improved teamwork. Two 2-week sessions will be oKered from July 7 – July 18 and July 21 – August 1, with classes taking place in the afternoon. Students in each session will be able to attend one local Wednesday MIRC (Maine Interclub Racing Circuit) race. This provides an opportunity for racers to sail outside of our Sound, meet other racers, and have some fun with a competitive spirit!
Maximum class size: 6 per session

TO APPLY:
Please click here for the 2025 Student Enrollment Form.
Print and complete the form (one per student, please), and mail it with your deposit check of $100, payable to Orr’s-Bailey Yacht Club, and mailed to:

OBYC
PO Box 94
Orr’s Island, ME 04066.

You will receive an acknowledgement via email. The balance will be invoiced to you, with on-line payment available. Payment of the balance is due by May 15. For applications mailed after May 15, payment in full is required. The AFSS refund policy can be found by clicking here.

If you have questions about our program, please contact Sue Baker at 207-833-7745 or
stbaker42@comcast.net.

We look forward to having your student(s) at AFSS in 2025.

AFSS Executive Committee,
Sue Baker, Max Fletcher, Bob Gill, Lew Incze, Chris Nichols, Nick Nichols