Press release from River Rats Sailing

Spring has arrived, and now is the time for parents to enroll their youngsters in summer programs. Learn more about a long time favorite, River Rats Sail Training, at the River Rats Open House on Sunday, April 17.

Scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fair Haven Community Center on 35 Fisk Street, the event 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 April 12 Open House.

The River Rats organization has been teaching sailing to youngsters ages 9 to 16, for more than 50 years from its home on the Navesink River.  River Rats trains 90 youngsters each summer in two sessions, with June training sessions also offered for adults who want to learn how to sail or refresh their sailing skills. The instruction for both programs is affordable and high quality, and all instruction is on the Navesink River.

River Rats offers 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.

Skipper Tim Ross extends a special invitation to anyone who is interested in joining River Rats or learning more about it, to attend the April 17 Open House.  Registration information, fees and session dates for both children and adults are also available here, and registrations can be returned by mail. Membership questions can also be directed to membership@riverratssailing.org.