Is sailing safe? 

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Sailing, like all sports, has an amount of risk; however, student safety on the water is the Foundry’s top priority. Every student and coach are required to wear a PFD while on the docks and on the water. 

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Do I have to pass a safety swim test to sail at the Foundry? 

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A basic safety swim test is to be submitted upon registration. 

  

Please contact your local pool or aquatic center/instructor for information on how to complete the test. See SWIM TEST FAQ"S for further details on locations, testing and free swim lessons. 

  

How do I register for a Foundry sailing program?

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Registration for all Foundry programs are completed online. To register, please complete the steps on the registration page for your desired program. When registering, it is important that you accurately enter information. The email address submitted will be the Foundry’s primary communication channel with you. 

  

If help is required for registration, please contact foundrysailing@clevelandfoundry.org. Please include detailed and specific program information in your query. 

  

How do I know if a program has space? 

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Registrations will be accepted until a program is full or until registration is closed. If a program is full or if registration is closed, it will be noted on the Foundry web page as well as on registration. Registration is first-come, first-serve. 

  

What are your Refund/Transfer/Credit policies? 

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Sailing is an expensive sport; registrations received are quickly and irretrievably committed to cover the cost of the program’s fees to include instruction/coaching, insurance, boat repair and maintenance, facility costs, fuel and/or equipment.  Full refunds will only be made for canceled programs. Programs may be cancelled if the minimum enrollment is not met. Should an individual be unable to complete a program due to significant medical reasons, a prorated refund will be issued upon receipt of an acceptable written notification (medical excuse) from a licensed physician. 

  

Fees beyond the program fees such as transaction fees or credit card fees, will not be refunded at any time. There is no refund if a sailor is dismissed for his or her disruptive actions, attitudes or performance or failing to comply with the Foundry Policies and Expectations, and any amendments to those documents season to season. 

 

Student Drop Off and Pick Up 

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All students shall be dropped off and picked up in the far east parking lot next to the closed gate that leads out to the station. A coach/instructor will remain present at the drop off and pick up location until the last student is picked up by their parent or guardian.  

  

Weather 

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It’s raining, do we still come to the program? 

Yes. Foundry programs typically meet as scheduled, rain or shine. If severe lightning, wind, or storms are present, sailors will not be permitted on the water. In the event of severe weather (lightning, wind) or extreme cold, a program may be cancelled for that day.  Please be sure that it is safe for you to get to the Station before departing. If you feel it is unsafe for you to attend because of weather, please notify your coach/instructor as soon as possible. Sailors will not be penalized for making the safe choice. 

  

Attire 

What should I wear on the water? 

Always dress in LAYERS. Dress appropriately for the weather, including a windbreaker or a waterproof layer, if necessary. Make sure you can shed layers easily as you begin to warm up. 

  

Be prepared to be on the water or on land in case conditions are unfavorable. Pack the following in your bag: 

• ​Water Bottle (full) 

• Layers for a variety of weather conditions 

• Hat & Sunscreen 

• Sunglasses 

• Closed toe shoes 

• Change of clothes 

• Socks (extras are always good to have on hand) 

  

​Are there restrooms, showers/locker rooms? 

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At the Station, we do not have running water or electricity. We run off solar power. Port-o-Potties are available.