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International
Sailing School |
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AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION FACILITY |
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International
Sailing School |
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AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION FACILITY |
| Welcome to the International Sailing
School! |
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General Information |
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What are your Sailing
Goals?
Are you a new or potential boat owner? Do you want to
enjoy a Caribbean Island Charter next winter? Do you like to sail your new weekend cruiser
to remote anchorages along a nearby coast or inland lake? Do you dream of extended
cruising on a 30-40' offshore boat, anchoring some nights, docking for dinner at
waterfront restaurants or perhaps sailing all night under a bright moon and making an
exciting night landfall?
Or is it: Day sailing with friends and family in a smaller boat? Piloting the family Sunfish with a new confidence? Winning trophies in evening or weekend club racing? Out sailing a larger "faster" boat owned by a friend? Sailing for fun when strong winds hold other sailors in the harbor? Crewing or skippering an off shore passage of hundreds of miles? Taking a year or two and sailing before the trade winds, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, even the South Pacific? Your sailing goals and dreams can become reality and the learning process can be fun, safe and quick. An intense, compact ISS program will give you hours of direct "hands on" practice, under professional guidance, and the confidence to take charge and set sail on your own. Past ISS students are fulfilling their dreams today — you can too.
"In my research of various schools I found ISS most professional. The instructors were enthusiastic, yet easy going and most of all, patient."----Richard & Joanne Imperatori, Westmount, Canada
The
Vacation/Education Concept
ISS programs are based on the proven concept of
intensive format within a fun vacation atmosphere. Professional, certified instructors
quickly dispel fears and rapidly build confidence and skills. Because our programs are
active and offer unmatched practice time — your vacation time becomes exceptionally
rewarding. In a relaxed and friendly environment, the ISS staff shares its experience and
its enthusiasm for sailing.
We've learned to pattern ISS programs to your goals, to guide you in rewarding sailing
experiences and even in choosing the "right" boat. Our programs are both serious
and fun. Our high student repeat and referral rate indicates that our students are
achieving their goals. Team up with us to fulfill yours.
"My instructor was very patient, kind & gentle, considering how many times he had to repeat himself, as well as obviously being superbly qualified himself. Thanks for opening up a new Pandora's box..." —
Bess Muhlstock, Montreal, Canada
The ISS Staff
ISS Vermont programs are managed effectively by owner/director Robin Doyle. Originally
from Essex, CT, Robin grew up in the Long Island Sound racing environment. An avid
one-design racer and blue water cruiser; Robin has logged thousands of hours and miles of
sailing and teaching experience. Her degree in education from the University of Vermont
and life-long obsession for the sport of sailing reflects the challenging curriculum, the
exceptionally high level of instructor ability, and her welcoming enthusiasm for the new
or experienced sailor.
"Everyone at ISS was helpful, accommodating and seemed genuinely interested in our success. Thanks!!"— Diane Johnstone, Milton, VT
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| 27' Soling---Fast & responsive |
ISS "Learn to Sail" and "Intermediate Sailing" programs are taught on our 27' Solings. The Soling is a stable fast keelboat well adapted to teaching. With a maximum class size of three students, sailing a Soling is a joy most students return to experience, either in a further course or in our daily rental program. With only two other participants per boat you'll benefit with plenty of "hands on" practice time and individual coaching.
"A Soling is a great learning vessel—very responsive. My instructor was very supportive and had a great teaching style—enthusiastic guided discovery. Thank you for an excellent experience!!"—Guy Belliveau / Josee Charbonneau, Montreal, Canada
ISS "Bareboat Certification Clinics" and "Live-aboard Cruising Courses" are held on the ISS fleet of auxiliary powered cruising boats. Modern and constantly updated and maintained, the ISS fleet currently includes a Tartan 30' & an O'Day 32'.' See Picture
All have fully enclosed heads, berths for five adults, full galleys, stern rail barbecues, reliable auxiliary engines, full instrumentation, ship-to-shore radios and off shore safety equipment. The maximum number of students per cruising boat is four, which means active practice and experience in the operation of all the boat's equipment.
"...your course taught me much more that I expected, but mostly it gave me the confidence in handling my sailboat." —Dr. Driss Hassam, Plattsburgh, NY
Learn to Sail / ASA Basic Keelboat - 101
***PLEASE NOTE***NEW FOR 2008***An
additional $39 fee will be required for those students interested in starting
the ASA certification ladder process. This is a ONE TIME ASA CERTIFICATION
FEE to set you up in their database
and also includes ASA membership. No future fees will be required for
advanced levels or other courses such as
small boat or multihull. Also; ASA will not require students to renew their ASA
membership at the end of the year
to keep your student certification current. ISS chose not to raise their
rates to include this fee as some clients
prefer not to get the ASA certification. This fee will be collected when
you pass the written keelboat exam.
Learn to Sail is a comprehensive course for beginners and those with a little experience.
After a brief on-shore introduction to basic sailing techniques and theory, you'll soon
learn to apply your land based learning to on-board practice. The Learn to Sail program
will qualify you to properly rig and sail a boat in normal wind conditions. This program
is intense, exciting, a lot of fun and exceptionally rewarding.
What You'll Do:
Under the patient guidance of a veteran ISS instructor, you'll rig your 27' Soling and
sail for 3 1/2 hours each session with only two other participants per boat. This is the
lowest class size in the country and affords the opportunity for maximum personal
attention, You'll rotate crew positions and alternate trimming sails, taking the helm,
practicing basic maneuvers such as tacking, jibing and steering a constant course and
coordinating steering with sail trim.
What You'll Learn: In theory sessions, you'll cover fundamental principals, boat parts and terminology. You'll learn about the wind and understand the points of sail. On board, you'll learn the rigging and its use, how to hoist sails, get underway, steer a constant course and adjust your point of sail. You'll learn to tack and jibe with an understanding few sailors attain. You'll learn to stop the boat accurately and to get sailing again quickly. You'll learn to reduce sails by reefing in heavy wind and how to trim them to maximize performance. You'll gain confidence in how to recover an object lost overboard and how to avoid emergencies and problems. You'll learn knots important to the sailor and how to use them. You'll understand the nautical "rules of the road." In your shoreside chart session, you'll be introduced to nautical charts, their symbols and abbreviations and how to use the compass. ASA basic keelboat certification included
(w/ $39 one time ASA administrative fee) — not guaranteed with two day course.Course #1 Two day Learn to Sail... 4
sessions... 14 hours...
Course #2 Five day Learn to Sail...
5 sessions... 17.5 hours
Check out the ASA Keelboat Standard in detail
"I participated in the two day Learn-To-Sail course due to recommendations of other graduates. I heard Malletts Bay was very pretty — GREAT SAILING! I learned all I expected and more. It was very rewarding!" —Dr. Richard Romer, Niskayuna, NY
Intermediate
Sailing
A
Five Day and a
Two Day course for those who already understand sailing, this program will refine your
skills and make you a more proficient sailor. A perfect refresher for the ex-sailor. The
intermediate course graduate will be able to coordinate advanced trim principals with wind
conditions, be confident with the spinnaker and handle a boat with ease in a variety of
wind conditions. This programs is exacting, demanding and exhilarating.
What You'll Do:
You'll sail in 3 1/2 hour sessions with your instructor and a maximum of two other
students, sharing all sailing tasks and receiving personalized attention. You'll review
basic maneuvers and build an increased sailing sense and awareness through exciting drills
and challenges.
What You'll Learn: You'll gain an understanding of sail trim and weight for maximum boat speed and comfort. You'll learn the art of sailing upwind and the technique of beating to leeward. You'll learn to tune your boat through the proper use of the traveler, vang and barberhaulers. You'll become confident in maneuvering your boat in tight quarters. You'll learn how to moor and dock with accuracy, how to sail without the tiller and how to sail backwards. You'll be able to spot windshifts, recognize lifts and headers and use them to your advantage. You'll practice the principles of dead reckoning, and using the compass to find your position. You'll review common emergencies such as grounding, dismasting... how to prevent them and how to deal effectively with common problems You'll practice rigging and using the spinnaker to build your confidence in using this most exciting and colorful of sails. A daily wrap-up and critique will solidify your understanding and prepare you for the next session of drills. An Intermediate Sailing program will give you years of sailing sense and understanding in a short, exciting vacation program.
Course #3 Two day Intermediate Sailing
Course, 4 sessions... 14 hours
Course #4 Five day Intermediate Sailing
Course, 5 sessions... 17.5 hours
"My instructor was terrific! Their
love of sailing was conveyed effectively and with humor. I felt ours ( and what I observed
of others) made a real investment in teaching us to sail." —Donna Carlson, S. Burlington, Vt. Basic Coastal
Cruising Clinics
A five day or two day course for our Learn-to-Sail graduates who have achieved the ASA
Basic Keelboat Sailing Standard. This program is designed to introduce sailors to small
cruising boats 21-26'. Candidates should be able to skipper centerboard boats and small
keelboats safely and competently to qualify for this course
What You'll Do:
Repetitious, "hands-on drilling" will be the norm. You'll review points of sail
and sail trim principles, mooring approaches and man-overboard procedures. This will
illustrate how cruising boats respond and maneuver differently depending on design and
wind conditions. You'll become proficient with the use of an outboard motor and perform
drills in forward and reverse. You'll practice approaching a dock under power and secure
vessel with fenders, bow, stern and spring lines.
What You'll Learn:
You'll learn how to anchor a boat safely. How much scope to use—the ingredients of a good anchorage and appropriate ground tackle to utilize. You'll become proficient with the rules of the road under sail and power. You'll learn basic navigation and weather principals such as: federally required lights on boats, buoy identification, chart symbols, how to handle foggy conditions and to safely navigate in channels. You'll learn about different sail inventories and when to use them. Countless safety and seamanship issues such as jack lines, lee shores, hypothermia, proper winch usage, required safety equipment and how to handle common emergencies.
The ISS Basic Coastal Cruising Clinic will effectively prepare you to handle a small cruiser for a long daysail or an overnight adventure. ASA Basic Coastal Cruising Certification included.
Course #5 Two day Basic Coastal Cruising
Clinic... 4 sessions... 14 hours
Course #6 Five day Basic Coastal Cruising
Clinic... 5 sessions... 17.5 hours
Check out the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising Standard in detail
"I learned more than I expected....I plan to take other courses and am interested in joining the sailing club. My instructor was excellent and their enthusiasm added much to the course! —
Mike Smith, Shelburne, Vt.
Bareboat
Chartering Certification Clinics / ASA Bareboat Chartering
Standard - 104
For sailors with intermediate sailing skills & cruising experience, this intense
program is targeted to build the skills necessary to skipper a large auxiliary charter
boat with a wheel. Pre-requisites are the ASA Basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal Cruising
Standards. Graduates receive a certificate and a personal letter of evaluation and
recommendations suitable for presentation to charter companies.
To qualify for the BBCC you should have a good understanding of sailing, be able to rig and handle a keelboat with confidence, understand wind direction and basic maneuvers and have some familiarity with nautical charts. If its been a while since you've sailed or if you've sailed as crew, not as skipper, a two or five day "Learn to Sail" or "Basic Coastal Cruising" program is suggested prior to taking a Bareboat Chartering Certification Clinic.
What You'll Do:
Under the guidance of a patient ISS instructor you'll practice and become familiar with
every aspect of the boat's equipment from diesel engine to rigging including electrical
system, marine head, ship-to-shore radio, pumps, seacocks, and navigation equipment.
You'll review sailing maneuvers, practice anchoring, navigation and piloting. You will
live aboard one evening only and navigate into an unfamiliar harbor. Provisions for
overnight will be selected and purchased as a team. (Food expense is split among students
and sleeping bag/pillow should be included with gear) You'll spend a considerable amount
of time under power, in both forward and reverse and become able to predict and control
the boats motion near a dock with accuracy. You'll practice sailing without the rudder and
learn to handle common emergencies including running aground.
What You'll Learn:
You'll learn how to leave and approach the dock gracefully using wind, current and lines
to make you look and feel like a pro. You'll learn how to handle larger sails with
techniques that eliminate anxiety, screaming and a lot of unnecessary work. You'll learn
where to anchor, how to properly raise and lower anchors, how to tell if your anchor is
holding, and what to do if it's not, and how to anchor in special situations. You'll learn
how to recover a man (or object) lost overboard. You'll gain confidence in reefing and
jibing. You'll learn to plot your position with accuracy using advanced piloting
techniques. You'll learn to confidently handle and understand a cruising auxiliary so that
your next charter or your new boat is a safe, enjoyable rewarding experience.
The ISS Bareboat Chartering Certification Clinic is hard work. It's a lot of fun and an exceptional vacation education experience. ASA certification included.
Course #7 Two day Bareboat Certification
Clinic... 4 sessions... 14 hours
Course #8 Five day Bareboat Certification
Clinic... 5 sessions... 17.5 hours
Check out the
ASA Bareboat Chartering Standard in detail"I took a course at ISS due to glowing recommendations from alumni. My instructor was very thorough and professional. He was well polished and impassioned about the sport." —Chuck Osler, Jeffersonville, VT
"The International Sailing School is extraordinary. The instructor was truly superb. ISS is a credit to the profession and the American Sailing Association!" —Dr. Burt Sobel, Colchester, VT
Learn how to fly this colorful kite and enhance that downwind boat speed. A full day clinic will help you master sets, douses and jibes. Proper pole placement, trimming the chute while reaching & running, go- fast helmsmanship techniques are just a sampling of the topics we will cover. Every workshop is tailored & customized to the sailor's skill level. Reading wind patterns, crew positions & responsibilities.....we'll make you sail as a team---shifting gears smoothly with the ever changing wind direction. Get on the fast track with a full day Spinnaker workshop!!!!
Course #9 One day... 7
hours
Kids Courses What You'll Do: A veteran ISS instructor will be on board to coach and critique your
child through every maneuver providing valuable one-to-one interaction. Repetitious
"hands-on" drills and games will be the norm and 95% of the course is
on-the-water. What You'll Learn: Course #10 Five day Kids Course... 5
sessions... 17.5 hours
Check out the
A five day or two day
program fro children ages 9-17. These courses are available for the beginner, intermediate
or advanced sailor. Kids are "teamed up according to age and skill level. A wide
variety of boats are utilized to enhance curriculum comprehension and attention
spans.
Laser I & II (daggerboard boats), 420 (centerboard boat), Solings (keelboat) and small
cruiser 21-22' are available. Kids decide which boats they enjoy sailing the most
—"An effective and proven teaching strategy!!"
Curriculum will be tailored and customized to create a fun environment. Please see our
"Learn To Sail" and "Intermediate" course descriptions for details on
skill development. Study materials and T-shirt included. ASA certification and free week
of sailing privileges possible depending on age and skill level
Course #11 Two day Kids Course... 4
sessions... 14 hours
Course #12 Three evenings... 12 hours
You've seen them... zipping along, with spray flying and sailors hanging on the edge.. and wondered "what would it be like to do that?" You may not have experienced the fun of lying on a soft, level deck as you swiftly sail to sparkling, distant beaches. We can show you how!
What You'll Do:
In your catamaran clinic aboard a Hobie 16', 18' or Nacra 5.8; we'll coach you to sail at
higher speeds, read apparent wind changes and maneuver better. You'll start on shore,
learn the rigging procedures, launch off the beach, position your rudders and boards, sail
the cat in both crew and skipper position as you execute drills that give you the skills.
What You'll Learn:
You'll learn strategies to avoid capsize and techniques to quickly right the boat after
you say "oops". We'll show you how to use the trapeze - "the most
exhilarating part of cat sailing." Multihulls can tack and jibe quickly, we'll show
you how to turn smoothly, with speed. Plan to get wet during this course. We may go
swimming, but bring clothing to keep you as dry as possible. Water/wind resistant pants
and jacket are recommended. Water shoes or sneakers that can be soaked are essential.
Other recommended items are sunscreen, sunglasses with retention cord and previous sailing
experience.
Course #13 One day... 6 hours
Join us for a challenging "hands-on" approach to the tactics and strategies of round-the-buoys racing. You'll practice starts, mark roundings, upwind and downwind tactics, spinnaker handling and plenty of customized, tailored instruction to meet your personal needs.
In the afternoon you'll go through intensive drills and practice sessions to prepare you for an evening of short course racing. Our Wednesday Night Racing Series will provide the perfect opportunity to transfer your newly acquired skills and apply them directly to the race course. You'll compete against six or eight other teams in up to five races dependent on wind conditions. Your instructor will be right on board to critique and coach you through every leg. Whether you're a novice sailor or seasoned salt; this clinic will provide you with a wealth of racing knowledge in an intensive, action-packed seminar.
Course #14 One Day... 8 hours
Liveaboard Cruising
Course
This six day program is the perfect combination of a relaxed vacation, a dream cruise and
a confidence-building professional sailing course to prepare you to charter and cruise
safely and enjoyably. You'll spend the week living onboard our modern, well equipped
cruiser, sharing sailing and shipboard tasks and traveling from port to port learning
important cruising skills.
What You'll Do:
You'll arrive on Sunday and move aboard to meet your instructor and shipmates (maximum
four students per boat). On Monday you'll review sailing maneuvers and become familiar
with all aspects of the boat's operational and safety equipment. You'll sail most of the
day, drilling and becoming at home with your boat. Back at your home port you'll take a
dip, discuss cruise plans and check last minute supplies. Tuesday, you'll plot a course
and leave for your cruise. Daily sails will vary between 20 and 30 miles and each
evening's destination will be a fitting reward to the day's efforts—either a quiet
anchorage for swimming and a toast to the sunset or a unique local marina and restaurant
suited to your tastes. Your cruise plans will be a function of the winds and your wishes.
On Friday, you'll return to home port for a swim and the presentation of certificates.
You'll disembark on Saturday, relaxed, prepared and eager for your next cruising
experience.
What You'll Learn: You'll learn to handle your cruiser under power and sail, to handle larger sails with ease, to tack and jibe with confidence. You'll become thoroughly familiar with systems common to all cruising boats: engine, electrical, radio, water and waste equipment as well as with all safety gear and its use. You'll gain confidence in reefing and changing sails underway, proper anchoring and docking. You'll practice navigation and piloting, using parallel rules, course plotters, and dividers and become expert with the hand bearing compass. You'll spend time docking and learn to handle the boat like a pro in tight situations. You'll drill or discuss running aground, rudderless sailing and other emergency situations.
What is Included:
Your six day program includes ASA certification, on board accommodations for six nights
and all provisions except three dinners which you'll enjoy in harbor front restaurants.
To Qualify:
You should have basic sailing skills and some experience in skippering smaller boats. In
the case of couples, only one person needs to have the required experience, even the
newest sailors will learn to enjoy cruising in the six day program.
The six day Liveaboard Cruising Program will give you a rewarding educational experience and wonderful vacation in the same relaxing week.
Course #1c Six day/six night Cruising Course... 13 shipboard meals
Couples Cruising
For the couple interested in bareboat chartering or in owning their own boat — this
course is designed for just the two of you. For an extra measure of privacy and individual
attention, the three day Couples Cruising Course offers you your own cruiser and your own
instructor. As you'll be alone with your instructor you can plan your own course and
drills to best suit your objectives, and the course program includes the same elements as
our Six Day Liveaboard Cruising Course. Your boat will be fully provisioned when you
arrive to maximize your on board training. Some nights will be spent away form your home
port. All meals are provided in the per couple price. Include ASA certification.
Course #2c Three day/two night Couples
Cruising Course... 6 on-board meals
Course #3c Six day/five night Couples
Cruising Course... 13 on board meals
What to Bring To be comfortable on board during your course you should have non-skid shoes without black soles; loose, comfortable clothing and some type of foul weather (rain) gear. Sunglasses or a visor and suntan lotion or sunscreen are a must. Your clothing and other gear is best carried in a collapsible bag or duffel.
Private Lessons
If your schedule can't meet ours, if your objectives are specific or if you require a
private individual coaching situation to fine tune your skills, we have the answer: A
series of private lessons on our 27' Solings, one of our cruising boats or on your own
boat can be designed to attain your specific sailing goals... individually or with your
family and crew. Our experienced ISS instructors can custom tailor a course of instruction
to meet your needs. Private Lessons are available by the day or half-day sessions.
Dinghies (Daggerboard & Centerboard Boats)---$40 per hour----single participant / $20 per hour for 2nd or 3rd participant per person.
Keelboats (Outboard or Wind Propulsion)---$50 per hour---single participant / $30 per hour for 2nd or 3rd participant per person.
Keelboats (Inboard Diesel/Gas Propulsion)---$60 per hour per person
***The above rates apply to ISS vessels or privately owned vessels***Travel expense for instructor is in addition depending on boat's location***
Accommodations
The ISS office can help with suggestions, rate and reservation information. A
wide variety of options are available such as: campgrounds, waterfront cottages,
the Motel 6 and countless other lodging facilities. Check out
ISS is minutes away from downtown Burlington and the Burlington International Airport. The Lake Champlain region is a thriving microcosm of cultural diversity with plenty of unique dining and shopping experiences. The appreciation for aesthetic value that abounds in the Green Mountain State will make your stay even more pleasurable.
How to Enroll
To enroll, simply call ISS between 8am—6pm seven days a week . We'll check our
schedule and confirm your sailing course immediately. To hold your reservation, we require
a non-refundable 50% deposit. You may use your Visa or Mastercard to make your deposit by
phone or you may wish to send your personal check. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will
send a written confirmation of your course, accommodations and your course materials. If
you must cancel prior to 15 days before your program begins, we will credit your deposit
to an alternate date and program. Fee Balances are due the day you begin. Rain or bad
weather make-up sessions guarantee your on-board time.
From the north on I-89
Take exit 17---Milton/Lake Champlain Islands. Take a left off the ramp, proceed over interstate and you will come to stoplight where you bisect Rt. 7. Take a right and proceed south on Route 7 for approximately 2 miles. You will travel thru marsh and farmland. Continue straight until you go down small hill w/ Mobil gas station on left. You will take right across from Mobil onto Bay Road. Follow for about 3 miles. This road will bring you around the southern edge of Malletts Bay. Continue until you come to stoplight. Take a right onto West Lakeshore Drive. We will be 1/4 of a mile up road on left or landward side of road. Look for a small yellow building and the sign out front says International Sailing Center.
From the south on I-89
Sailors traveling north on Rt. 7 should get up on I-89 in South Burlington. This way you will bypass traffic in Burlington & Winooski.
Once you are traveling north on I-89 you want to get off Exit 16. Winooski/Colchester exit. Take a right at end of ramp. You will go thru series of lights---continue straight on Rt. 7 north. You will enter ravine area w/ no development----at top of hill you will come to four way intersection with a light. Take a left onto Blakely Road. This brings you right into Malletts Bay. Follow for about a 1 1/2 miles---when you see water continue straight through light. We will be 1/4 of a mile up road on left or landward side of road. Look for small yellow building and the sign out front says International Sailing Center.
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Questions? International Sailing
School & Club
511 West Lakeshore Drive
Colchester, VT 05446
802-864-9065
Fax 802-863-4016
In Montreal - Call Karen 514-486-6097
