Whats Up at Luperon Sailing School?

Classes start at 8:30 am Saturdays and Sundays at the Puerto Blanco Yacht Club and Restaurant. 

Classes are getting pretty full and we are considering offering a class on Wednesday as well, so stay tuned for updates as we adjust our scheduling...

We group the classes by achievement level and student schedules - we try to offer classes at different times, so that students that have to earn money for their families or go to other classes can participate as well.

Despite the sometimes frenetic pace, we have managed to give lessons on time, every week, since the beginning in February - a remarkable accomplishment here in the DR!

Lessons normally start with a "theory" class, which is given in the Puerto Blanco restaurant prior to towing the boats to the beach. Periodically, knowledge assessments are given to the children to evaluate their progress and point out anything they might need help with.

Theory vs practice...

Once the "classwork" is done, it's off to the beach to rig the boats and get the days briefings for the exercises and practice maneuvers. Sometimes weather changes our plans, but there is always something to learn and practice, fair weather or foul.

Getting ready to SAIL!!!

After a few hours of practice,, it's time for regatta, where everyone will have a chance to show their skill. Starting orders are reversed from last weeks winners, so everyone gets a fair chance, and the kids are always looking forward to this part of the class!

After regatta, we debrief on the finer points of strategy, skill, and lessons learned, and briefly introduce the next weeks topics.

When class is over, we have the more skilled students sail the boats back to puerto Blanco, and the newer ones ride back in the dinghy. The students disassemble the boats, put the equipment away, and head home, anticipating their next navigational adventure.






Theory at Puerto Blanco

The Do's and Dont's...

...Points of sail

Test Time!!

A helping hand...

Rigging...

The children learn how to rig and un-rig their sailboats. It's not always easy to start with, but with a little encouragement from the instructors and the anticipation of getting on the water, it gets done !

Securing the mast

'La Percha'

Practicing knots, and checking the equipment carefully

Ships of the line...

On the water....

Concentration...

Bow Heavy!

Got it!

Clearing for the turn...

... And regatta!

Cuatro.....Tres....Dos....Uno....VA!!!

Jockeying for the first tack...

A Choice of tacks....

Rounding number three...

And then...


Maintenance and repairs...

Participation in maintenance and repairs is fundamental to seamanship skills, and helps to teach responsibility and accountable behavior.

lacing the sail...

And again...

The passing on of knowledge...

Promoting the school...

Every Sunday at the Puerto Blanco flea market, our dedicated members inform people about the school, do fundraising, and find new students. Fred and Margie (see below) are among the most dedicated of our volunteers, and have been instrumental in our fund-raising successes.

But wait, thats not all....

Fred and Margie...

Keeping the school running is a big job, but thanks to our hard working volunteer staff, we put on a winning performance every week - A big thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and especially to Nathalie from Ocean Reach France, who works tirelessly week in and week out to keep the school running!