Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge

Course Overview

This is an intense one-day class with a lot of time spent out on the water. In order to complete the landside requirements, it is "IMPORTANT" that you have a pre-made lunch as we work through lunch. Please bring everything you will need down to the waterfront at the start of the day.

Adult help is needed at the start of the day to help get boats down and back in the racks at the end of the day. Adults are welcome to join the leaders for sailing in one of the day sailor's we use. The Scouts will be sailing Aqua Fin/ SunFish/ Phantoms all of which have the same Class of hull design.

Completion of this Merit Badge depends on favorable winds, but as an old sea captain once said, "Sailing takes a lifetime to really learn". The sailing staff is looking to ensure your Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge training is meaningful, safe and fun!

Please come prepared. The Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge pamphlet should be read. It is important that Scouts know how to tie square (reef) knot, clove hitch, two half hitches, bowline, cleat hitch, and figure-eight knot.

A scout will first need to classify as a “swimmer” using the BSA Swim Classification Test. As such, please note that this class is NOT for scouts who cannot swim.

Required items to bring for the Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge:

  • BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A&B) completely filled out and signed by parent or guardian. Incomplete forms will be returned to Scout to complete before starting class. A Scout cannot take the Merit Badge without a completed form.
  • Merit Badge Blue Card signed by Scoutmaster. Make sure all three parts are filled in with your personal information.
  • Closed Toed Shoes are required while walking in Camp. No flip flops or sandals allowed. Closed Toed Water Shoes are suggested.

The Merit Badge counselor will email you with any additional requirements, such as completing discussion questions, approximately 2 and a half weeks before class.

Class Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Due to the limited number of scouts that we can accommodate in each class, we kindly ask that you contact us as early as possible if a scout cannot attend a class.

Final payments and attendance numbers are due: 10 days prior to the event

No subtractions/substitutions/class changes to registration after this deadline. Substitutions are not allowed. If your Scout cannot attend a class, you should cancel their registration at least 12 days prior to the class for a full refund. We cannot substitute a friend or fellow scout for your Scout's spot.

Refund policy is as follows

  • 100% refund: When cancellation is made 12 days prior to registered weekend
  • No refund/refund at council discretion: When cancellation is made within 11 days of event.

All changes to a class (drop/add), cancellations and requests for refund must be submitted via email to aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com

Class changes, cancellations, and refund requests cannot be accepted over the phone.