As sailing season approaches, some important dates have been set by NTS and Chicago Yacht Club. Here is some key information about fall tryouts and schedule:
Pre-season practice, with an emphasis on team racing, for last year’s varsity sailors: August 23-26, 4:00-7:00 p.m. These sessions are optional, and there is no additional charge for them.
Tryouts – August 31 and September 1, 4-7 p.m.
First day of school – August 23
First day of practice – September 7
Tryouts will be held at the Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Station. This is on the south side of Belmont Harbor in the City. You need to provide your own transportation to and from tryouts.
Arrive at Belmont for tryouts ready to sail. For health reasons sailors will not have access to changing rooms. All sailors must wear a face mask, closed-toed shoes, and a life jacket. Sailors should also bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a snack. Please bring all of these items with you, as you will not be able to borrow them from other sailors and CYC will not provide them.
While tryouts have historically been required for team participation, we expect sailors to follow IDPH guidelines and the City of Chicago Emergency Travel Order and not attend tryouts if you have been in a listed state inside of the 14-day window, are ill, or are known to have been exposed to COVID-19.
Sailors who are unable to attend tryouts (for any reason) will be placed on JV unless NTS and its coaches are aware of distinguished past performance at the varsity level or a sailor’s recently demonstrated competitive sailing accomplishment meriting consideration for varsity placement. Such consideration will be made on an as-needed basis in the context of evolving constraints imposed by the pandemic and local health guidelines and governance. If you will be unable to attend tryouts, please send the details of your situation as soon as possible to newtriersailing@gmail.com.
Kickoff Meetings (Varsity and JV) for sailors and parents will be scheduled for shortly after rosters are set. Attendance will be mandatory. The date will be announced shortly.
In addition, Chicago Yacht Club plans to host its High School Pipeline program from August 9-13. This is not mandatory, but highly recommended for sailors without prior race experience, without experience in the 420 sailboats we use, or who need a few days to brush up their skills.
Prospective sailors who have not previously been on the team should express interest so we can update you on details or changes to the schedule.