River Rats Sail Training will hold an open house from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. April 17 at the Fair Haven Community Center, 35 Fisk Street. The River Rats organization has been teaching sailing to youngsters from ages 9 up to 16, for more than 50 years from its home on the Navesink River. River Rats also offer June training sessions for adults who want to learn how to sail or refresh their sailing skills. The instruction for both programs is affordable and high quality.
River Rats train 90 youngsters each summer in two sessions. Sail training is open to any child who can swim and who wants to learn how to sail. Classes are often fully subscribed early in the registration process so anyone interested in enrolling a child should plan to attend the open house. Registration information, fees and session dates for both children and adults are also available at www.riverratssailing.org and registrations can be returned by mail. All instruction is on the Navesink River.
River Rats offer beginning, intermediate and advanced level training for youngsters on the water. The training is provided by certified instructors with a special emphasis on water safety and an appreciation for the river environment. Beginner and intermediate classes focus on “hands on” sailing techniques. Advanced classes emphasize racing skills and strategies. The instruction utilizes River Rats and member boats so participants do not need to own their own boat to join the classes.
River Rats is a not-for-profit program dedicated to sailing, training and family fun. The club’s boats, docks and moorings are available for the use of members. In addition to sailing, River Rats offers racks for kayaks and welcomes kayakers, sail boarders and canoers to join them. River Rats, a member of the US Sailing Association and the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association, offers an active social program, as well as local races and invitational regattas with other sailing clubs. Membership questions can also be directed to membership@riverratssailing.org.
