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www.ussailing.org The National Standard for Quality Sailing Instruction Junior Big Boat Program Guide

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Page 1: Junior Big Boat Sailing Guide Preview

www.ussailing.org

The National Standard for Quality Sailing Instruction

Junior Big Boat Program Guide

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membership.ussailing.org or call 800.877.2451

This is not your ordinary piece of plastic. With it you are provided resources and benefits for every aspect of the sport. From sailors like you to the world championship sailor, your US Sailing membership enhances your experiences.

You have officially gotten your feet wet...

Join the organization that was with you from the start.

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MEMBER ID: 686339JVALID THRU: 12/31/2014

Stephen CookIndividual

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PROGRAM GUIDELINE Lesson Plans, Curriculums & Resources

The national standard for quality sailing instruction

Published by the United States Sailing Association Copyright © 2014 by the United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission from the United States Sailing Association.

ISBN 978-1-938915-25-3 Printed in the United States of America. United States Sailing Association P.O. Box 1260, 15 Maritime Drive, Portsmouth, RI 02871-0907 www.ussailing.org

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We would ask that you provide feedback to US Sailing at [email protected] so that we can take your suggestions and improve the program as a whole.

Acknowledgements

The Junior Big Boat Sailing Program and this Guide are the result of many years of hard work and dedication by a talented group of individuals.

Don Glassell has been the lead volunteer on this project for many years. He crafted the general structure for the program and is the author of the “Cue Cards” which provide positional guidance for the sailors. Don has previously served on the US Sailing Board of Directors, held the position of Area K Regional Training Director and has been a member of the US Sailing Training Committee since its inception. Don was also Chairman of the working party that developed the very successful “Join the Race Committee” pamphlet.

Doug Sharp provided content for the program including the initial outline for the lessons plans.

Jahn Tihansky contributed his expertise from having instructed at J/World Annapolis.

Janine Connelly, as US Sailing’s former Training Director, worked for many years to develop a sustainable product mix for JBBS and coalesce everyone’s ideas into the current product.

Jim Lubeck developed and named the hugely successful Junior Big Boat Program at the Black Rock Yacht Club, which served as the inspiration for US Sailing’s program.

Jim Muldoon the former President of US Sailing, has been an incredible advocate for education and training and was a vital contributor to the program, helping secure the U.S. Coast Guard exemption allowing for Level 1 Instructors to participate in the program.

Rich Jepsen has served as a fierce advocate for education and training. As the Chair of US Sailing’s Training Committee, Rich was the driving force that helped secure funding and donations for the Junior Big Boat Sailing program and also was instrumental in working with the U.S. Coast Guard to secure approval for unlicensed instructors to coach kids on loaned boats.

In addition, US Sailing would like to extend its gratitude to Kurt Thomsen, Emlie Veinot, Todd Fedezyn, Kevin Broome and Bob Whittredge who provided feedback and support for the final stages of the program. US Sailing staff members Bradley Schoch and Stu Gilfillen also contributed to the development of this Guide.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................6

What exactly is the Junior Big Boat Sailing Program? .............................................................................6

How do I get involved? ............................................................................................................................7

Ten Guidelines for Running the Junior Big Boat Program ...........................................................................8

Setting up the Program ................................................................................................................................9

The General Requirements ......................................................................................................................9

Pre-Course Set Up ....................................................................................................................................9

1. Assign a Volunteer Leader............................................................................................................9

2. Find a Boat and (willing) Owner .................................................................................................10

3. Assign and Train your Staff .........................................................................................................11

4. Meet with the Owner .................................................................................................................11

5. Hold an open house for parents ................................................................................................12

Club Owned Boats & Commercial Schools ............................................................................................12

Additional Sailing Opportunities- Local Fleets ......................................................................................12

Junior Saftey at Sea ................................................................................................................................13

Outlines and Lesson Plans ..........................................................................................................................14

Outline for: Basic Class #1 .....................................................................................................................14

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #1 ...............................................................................................................17

Outline for: Basic Class #2 .....................................................................................................................18

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #2 ...............................................................................................................21

Outline for: Basic Class #3 .....................................................................................................................22

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #3 ...............................................................................................................24

Outline for: Basic Class #4 .....................................................................................................................25

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #4 ...............................................................................................................26

Outline for: Basic Class #5 .....................................................................................................................27

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #5 ...............................................................................................................29

Outline for: Basic Class #6 .....................................................................................................................30

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #6 ...............................................................................................................31

Outline for: Basic Class #7 .....................................................................................................................32

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #7 ...............................................................................................................34

Outline for: Basic Class #8 .....................................................................................................................35

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #8 ...............................................................................................................36

Resources ...................................................................................................................................................38

Bad Weather/No Boat Activities ............................................................................................................38

Owners meeting checklist ..................................................................................................................39

Junior Big Boat Sailing Coast Guard Documentation ............................................................................40

Student Cue Cards .....................................................................................................................................43

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6

Introduction

Congratulations! You have taken on an exciting challenge that can provide a great future for our sport by offering an opportunity for teenagers to learn how to sail a big boat. As you are aware, keeping teens in sailing has been a significant challenge to every sail training facility. This program addresses that challenge, and this guide has been prepared to help you in that effort. It may cover things you already know and it certainly can be modified as needed for your local situation. However, it provides a suggested outline of topics and procedures that may be helpful as well as refresh what you already know.

If your background is in sailing instruction you’ll find that coaching a team is a bit different. You need to teach and coach each person individually, but spend more time coaching the entire team to work together as a unit. The success of this JBBS program is highly dependent on the Coach to help the crew work together in learning big boat skills. That means identifying every individual’s strengths and weaknesses while working on timing and coordination of crew work. If you do your job well, you’ll see smooth maneuvers, a sense of team and good communication skills among the teens.

What exactly is the Junior Big Boat Sailing Program?

The Junior Big Boat Sailing (JBBS) Program is an opportunity for teens to sail with an instructor, or coach, on 35-45 foot well-outfitted sailboats. The JBBS program is structured around the use of a volunteered big boat lent for use to the program by a club member, owner, or volunteer who receives no compensation for the use of the boat or its equipment. The program allows new sailors to learn the ropes on a big boat platform - or experienced junior sailors can apply their small boat sailing skills to a new challenge. The JBBS program highlights fun, social and teamwork. With JBBS skills, teens can be valuable crew on cruising boats and club racers.

The program offers an introduction to Big Boat sailing through a framework of skills designed to provide teens with the resources to participate in overnight cruises or weekly race series. We’ve provided outlines, lesson plans, evaluations and additional resources which hopefully will be of use to you.

The Introductory course is focused on skill development and the social aspects of big boat sailing and is not intended to be a formal “lean-to-race” program. The Introductory group does not go beyond the use of an asymmetrical spinnaker or practice on racing techniques, but rather prepares the individual to be crew on a cruising type offshore boat.

To supplement the primary curriculums, the program also works with the Junior Safety at Sea Program from the Storm Trysail Club. We have outlined how you can connect with that organization in this material.

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How do I get involved?

Before beginning, here are a few things we suggest you review and consider:

1. How the program complies with U.S. Coast Guard passenger carrying regulations and what protocols the program must follow to comply

2. Legal issues – proper waivers, background checks on all adults who will be in contact with the teenagers

3. Marketing – how to properly reach out to teens and their parents; using the social media tools of teens; find, inspire and prompt ‘promoters’ from within the teen community

4. Pricing – options for recouping the expenses of the program

5. Attracting a volunteered, privately owned boat

6. Hiring the right coach

7. Developing and providing enough detailed instructions for your volunteer boat owner and your coach on properly training teens on sailing a large keelboat

8. Teaching and coaching techniques that work best for a team of teens

9. Specific job assignments for each position on a normal 35-45’ Cruiser/Racer using a symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnaker

10. Training teens at different levels of skill and knowledge on the boat at the same time

If you feel comfortable with all aspects of the program then JBBS is the right fit for you!

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Ten Guidelines for Running the Junior Big Boat Program

As you begin a Junior Big Boat Program, keep in mind that you are dealing with a young, energetic crew. The following guidelines will help keep- the crew engaged during the on the water training:

1. Make sure –each of the JBB candidates stay busy and are engaged.

2. Keep the boat moving and in full “Trim” mode at all times. Picture yourself preparing for a start of a race in a class with many boats vying for optimum starting position.

3. Allow each student to work a single position thru four (4) complete maneuvers. For instance if demonstrating taking from a close hauled position have each person complete four (4) tacks.

4. Make sure that before a position change is made, the person filling a certain role on the boat explains to his/her peers what they were doing, why, and how to do it. This will help create a sense of ownership for the position, allowing the student to assume the role of “teacher” thus solidifying the learning and creating the additional sense of team. Periodically have them review their Cue Cards as a reminder of their responsibilities.

5. After each maneuver score it, explain what went well, single out good performances in a short debrief for the team. Young people thrive on instant and positive feedback.

6. Remember that while the training is important, it is just as important that the crew have FUN while sailing.

7. Before the next maneuver is executed, and the position handoffs have taken place, pause and ask for questions.

8. Make sure that the crew remains hydrated and in good shape. Check often for any issues that may arise concerning your crew’s health and welfare.

9. Make it easy – young people excel when they sense a degree of success and job well done and they are also very open to honest and constructive feedback when things don’t go well.

10. Positive feedback is your best friend.

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Setting up the Program

The General RequirementsThe Junior Big Boat Sailing Program is a great way to help teens enter the sport of sailing or keep them involved in sailing at a time that they may be considering dropping out. To be a sustainable program, JBBS has several general requirements:

• Leaders of your organization must see the need for and benefit of the program;

• Parents and volunteers who are committed to providing logistical support;

• A US Sailing certified instructor with demonstrated skills in larger boats and the ability to work well with and teach teenagers;

• At least one dedicated, service-minded, boat owner willing to commit personal time, energy and his, or her, vessel for the training.

Pre-Course Set UpIn order to simplify the process we’ve provided a step by step walkthrough for implementation the program. With this document you’ll also find lesson plans and “Cue Cards, which are located in Section 5: “Additional Resources.”

1. Assign a Volunteer Leader

This person is best drawn from the leadership of the club so that the program’s needs as well as its impact on the club can be anticipated and well managed. More importantly, the Volunteer Leader must have a very educated and balanced understanding of the unique needs of teen sailors (and your junior program) as well as a good level of expertise with larger vessels. These qualities will be critical when difficult decisions about risk management or staffing need to be made.

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2. Find a Boat and (willing) Owner

The Boat Owner makes a huge commitment of time and money and, by Coast Guard law, is prevented from being compensated in any tangible way. He or she is usually an avid supporter of the club and is motivated by several things: desire to give back to the members of the club, interest in the health of the club’s membership, interest in working with teens; and/or hope to develop dependable crew for a racing/cruising program. Additionally, the Boat Owner will often also hold the ceremonial position of Assistant Coach.

Some very important attributes of a volunteer boat owner include:

• Full understanding and acceptance of the details of the JBBS program

• Demonstrated ability to handle the vessel in any conditions the program might experience (US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification or equivalent skills at minimum)

• Willingness to absorb the risks of the program and produce an insurance certificate stating the vessel insurance is valid for this sort of program (or the club has procured borrowed boat insurance from US Sailing)

• Ability and willingness to remain in his or her role as boat owner and safety officer and, in the coaching of the students, take direction from the coach.

A word about Proper Etiquette & Protocols for borrowed boats… Sailors and instructors must understand that they are “guests” aboard a borrowed boat during the training and must treat the owner and boat with respect. It is paramount that safety is always the primary concern. As long as the captain/owner feels the situation is safe, he or she will cooperate with the Coach’s instructions.

Plan to get together with the volunteer owner ahead of time. Tour the boat and perhaps sail together so you become familiar with the boat and the owner gets to know you. It’s also an opportunity to check out the boat to make sure it has all the necessary equipment and safety gear and clarify that the owner has cleared the participation with his insurance company or the club has the operation covered with US Sailing’s borrowed boat insurance. Be sure to discuss limiting factors such as wind and weather when training will not be held.

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3. Assign and Train your Staff

The Instructor (or Coach) is usually a paid employee who does the majority of training and has the closest interaction with the team of teenaged sailors. To follow the national training clearance given to this JBBS program from the Coast Guard, he or she as the Coach must be a certified US Sailing instructor in either the Small Boat or Keelboat training programs. Additionally, the selected Coach should have a good combination of the following skills:

• Experience and established competence teaching youth sailors;

• Experience and established competence with 35’+ performance cruisers (the most commonly used JBBS platform);

• Team oriented coaching approach (rather than a focus on individual instruction);

• Enthusiasm for working with teens;

• Loads of patience and flexibility;

• Ability to work well as a teammate of the volunteer boat owner;

If you are using a member of your youth training staff, much of this may already be known. If not, it is critical that any candidates go through a thorough evaluation of skills, personality and background screening. All volunteers involved with teenagers should undergo background screenin. US Sailing has partnered with National Center for Safety Initiatives to provide members access to the same comprehensive background screening programs that US Sailing utilizes at significantly reduced prices. Information can be found here: http://ussailing.org/safety/backgroundchecks

4. Meet with the Owner

Prior to launching the program the Volunteer Leader, Boat Owner and designated instructor/coach should get together to review the program and also tour the boat and subsequently increase familiarity of the teaching platform. It’s an opportunity to check and make sure the vessel has all the necessary equipment and safety gear and clarify that the owner has cleared the participation with his insurance company or the club has the operation covered with US Sailing’s borrowed boat insurance. Be sure to discuss limiting factors such as wind and weather when training will not be held. If time permits, it’s also advisable to take the boat for a sail.

Please reference the document “Owner meeting checklist” for information that should be specifically covered during that meeting.

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5. Hold an open house for parents

This is the opportunity to cover how the course will operate and what the students need to participate. If some are previous sailing school students, they will already know about life jackets, hats, sunscreen, boat shoes, etc. but since the course is open to teens new to sailing as well, this meeting is a good time to review everything and assume nothing of the teens or their parents. This is also a good time to explain your waiver policy, what it includes, and have the parent(s) sign on behalf of the student.

Use this meeting to cover safety aspects of the program and if convenient and possible to arrange a tour of the borrowed boat that will be used. It may even be possible to consider arranging an outing aboard the boat at the beginning and conclusion of the course for parents. The experience will allow the parents to experience the environment in which their children will be learning and, at the end of training, to see the sort of team the crew has formed.

Consider handing out the evaluations to attending parent(s) or other invited attendees if there are any questions about what the course will educationally accomplish.

Club Owned Boats & Commercial Schools

If your organization owns the boat, the JBBS training situation changes under the Coast Guard rules. The Coach will then be required to have a Coast Guard license to conduct classes on the boat, because a club owned boat is then classified as a commercial vessel under their rules and the students have paid a fee to be aboard. Again, a license is not required of the Coach with the use of a volunteered boat. (See Coast Guard letter in the Appendix).

If your organization is interested in running a program but does not have access to an appropriate boat, it might be beneficial to contact a local US Sailing Accredited Keelboat School. There may be additional costs associated with doing so, but these organizations are more prepared to handle “for hire” situations. Please visit www.sailingcertification.com for a listing of those schools.

Additional Sailing Opportunities- Local FleetsIt’s strongly recommended that the Volunteer Leader, Instructor/Coach or Program Director connect with your local fleet captain or weekly race organizer. Try to find a list of boats/captains that are looking for sailors. Situations where two or more sailors from the JBBS program can be on the same boat are ideal, but not required. It may take some initiative on your part to compile the list, but every time your students set foot on a boat, they’ll improve a little more.

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Junior Safety at Sea

Developed by the Storm Trysail Foundation in conjunction with US Sailing, the Junior Safety-at-Sea program is a one-day introduction to the safety aspects of big boat sailing for teenage junior sailors who have sailing experience in small boats. The junior sailors hear presentations from experienced adult sailors and practice with coaches and instructors aboard cruising and racing boats in the 30 to 50 foot range.

A Word about Safety…The loads on a big boat are far different than what your students may have experienced in small boats. The potential for injury will be new to them. Point out potential hazards so that they are aware of open hatches, loads on lines and winches, blocks, running halyards and lines. Everyone must wear a life jacket on the dock and whenever the boat is underway. Also emphasize the ‘one hand for yourself, one for the ship’ rule to your students. Draw from your own experience teaching to determine what students should have with them while on board in training.

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Sessions include intensive on-the-water practice of skills such as crew overboard recovery with onshore lectures and demonstrations. For young sailors with little or no big boat experience, Junior Safety-at-Sea provides an exciting and confidence-building introduction to the thrill of big boat sailing. It is recommended to coordinate one of these seminars in conjuction with running your Jr. Big Boat Program. More information is available at http://ussailing.org/education/safety-at-sea/jrsas

Outlines and Lesson Plans

In the next section you’ll find an outline and accompanying lesson plan for each class during the Introductory and Advanced levels. These serve as a guideline and it’s expected that as you put them into use, you’ll find ways to improve and update them.

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Outline for: Basic Class #1

The first lesson will involve orientation and coverage of nomenclature as the group gets familiar with a big boat and its equipment. While you and the students might be eager to get sailing, thoroughly cover boat orientation and the positions on the boat while the boat is at the dock or moored. This will make the first sail more enjoyable and help the communications between coach and students.

• Explain how the boat is tied up and why, bow/stern lines, spring lines.

• How to secure to a cleat or bollard on the dock. (practice)

• Point out fenders, where placed and how tied on to the boat with clove hitch. Have participants practice tying bumpers on boat.

• Explain how to board the boat. Preferably at shrouds (unless a gate) or holding on to a stanchion. Emphasize not pulling on life lines. (practice)

• On board, have group walk around the front of boat from cockpit and back with one hand on boat at all times. (practice)

• Explain the particular positions on the boat, how they will be rotated through the positions, and use of the Cue Cards

• Explain & show halyards and what they are for. Demonstrate how jam cleats and rope clutches work (practice) in all three positions

• Explain boom vang operation

• Explain how jack lines are rigged, why they are used and how to use them.

• Point out winches and demonstrate how to load a winch, (minimum 3 –4 turns) and how the winch handle must be secured and unsecured. (practice) Explain what tailing means in relationship to a winch.

• Explain operation of back stay tensioner and why it is used.

• Explain any other running rigging if on boat & operation. (back, check stays, Cunningham)

• Show where the fenders and dock lines get stowed and how to coil and crown lines for future use

• If there is a Life sling attached to stern pulpit, explain how used in a rescue operation.

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Move group to below deck cabin area and cover the following:

• Show where participants may stow and secure any personal gear that they may bring aboard such as bags, coats, shirts, etc.

• Point out where fire extinguishers, flares and extra life jackets are stowed.

• Demonstrate where lines, spare blocks, winch handles are stowed.

• Point out navigation table, instruments and the ship’s radio.

• Show ice box & stowage areas where liquids/snacks & sandwiches can be kept (NO glass aboard!)

• Carefully demonstrate how the head operates and what not to use it for

• Show where sails are stowed

• Open cabin sole and show bilge and bilge pumps. Show the students a thru hull fitting, valve operation, and discuss wooden plugs and how to install.

• Move group back up on deck.

• Point out the seven positions that are important on deck that will be rotated throughout the course of training. (Have handouts and cue cards ready after class for participants).

• Explain how the emergency steering operates and show location of rudder head and emergency tiller location. Demonstrate how it is installed.

• Have participants remove main sail cover (if there) fold and stow below. Remove any sail ties and properly stow where they belong.

• Review and practice, if possible, sail hoisting and lowering at the dock.

• Fully present the importance of winch manners and keeping fingers/clothing/hair away from the winch. Demonstrate how to lay on and off wraps and have each student practice it while the line is not under load. Be sure to explain the proper use of self tailing winches if the vessel is equipped with such.

• Review the starting of the engine and departure procedures. If time permits, do a short sail with the main only.

Note: A good training technique is to use copies of Chicago Yacht Club’s “Mackinac Safety Regulations” for monohulls and have students look for and identify items.

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• Fire extinguishers -

near galley and engine

compartment.

• Bilge pumps - (manual and

electrical) - cockpit, bilge.

• Seacocks - head, galley,

engine compartment.

• Master battery switch and

electrical panel - near

navigation station.

• Stove fuel shutoff - near the

stove and at the tank.

• Life jackets - various

locations.

• Flares

IMPORTANT ITEMS

PARTS OF THE INTERIOR

Forepeak A storage area in the bow which may contain a chain locker for the anchor.

Forward Cabin This area contains a vee-berth, a bed for two which narrows at the forward end.

Head The bathroom is called the head

and contains a sink and toilet. Some heads also have showers.

Saloon This seating area doubles as sleeping and eating spaces. A folding or drop-down table converts this area into a

sleeping space.

Galley Your on board kitchen includes a

gimballed stove, a sink, and icebox or refrigerator. Locker space (cup-boards) holds dishes, cookware,

utensils and provisions.

Navigation Station All equipment pertinent

to navigation and weather are stored in this area in or

near the chart table.

Quarter BerthThe aft berth is locat-

ed under the cockpit area adjacent to the

navigation station.

SoleThe floor of the cabin. Removable floorboards provide access to the bilge.

Engine CompartmentThe engine is located under the galley counter on this boat. Another boat may have the engine behind the compan-ionway steps.

Hanging LockerA small closet for clothes.

Settee BerthThis seat also serves as a berth.

You should always know where to find:

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DATE: ____________________

INSTRUCTOR: ____________________

# OF STUDENTS: ____________________

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: 1. Familiarize students with Nomenclature for boat

2. Orient student to boat being used including proper equipment storage procedures

3. Introduce seven (7) crew positions used during sailing

4. Review Safety Procedures & Regulations

MATERIALS: Cue Cards, Dry Erase white board & markers

CONTENT REVIEW: None

NEW METERIALS

TIME ACTIVITY METHOD15 min Introductions/Attendance

15 min Review Nomenclature Whiteboard

45 min Boat Orientation:

• Proper way to board/depart the boat

• Proper way to secure the boat

• Correct storage for both personal and boat equipment

30 min Basic overview of safety procedures Lecture

60 min Explain and walkthrough all seven positions on boat

15 min Review /Closure

STUDENT PREPERATION FOR NEXT CLASS: Review Cue Cards Read “Mackinac Safety Regulations”

RAINY DAY/NO WIND ACTIVITIES: Knots Review Safety (radio, EPIRB, Anchor)

ing)

LESSON NOTES/ INSTRUCTOR SELF-ASSESSMENT:

MEETING TIMES: _________________

VOLUNTEER LEADER: _________________

BOAT USED (& TYPE): _________________

Lesson Plan for: Basic Class #1