River Rats has four Loaner Boats that members may borrow throughout the sailing season, a 15' Harpoon 4.6, a 18' Harpoon 5.2, an 18' Sanderling (Bluebelle), and a JY15.
The Harpoon 4.6 is an excellent boat for new sailors to hone their skills, yet challenging for experienced sailors who may want to sail more aggressively. River Rats uses the boat in the adult sailing class, allowing class participants to practice their new skills in boats that they may use after the class ends.
The Harpoon 5.2 is a larger version of the Harpoons. It has similar characteristics as the Harpoon 4.6, but is bigger with a little cabin and has more room for the whole family. As with the Sanderling, the Harpoon 5.2 is great boat for the family, but is simpler to sail than the Sanderling.
Bluebelle is an 18' Marshal Sanderling. She is in excellent condition and a beautiful sailing machine designed specifically for our shallow estuaries. She is an ideal boat for families and single handers.
The JY15 is a fun performance boat with a clean open cockpit. It is more challenging to sail, but is fairly easy to get up on a plane.
Members reserve the loaner boats through the Loaner Boat Signup.
Members who use the loaner boats assist in getting the boats ready for launching in the Spring and in stowing the boats in the Fall. Many hands make light work, and each member’s individual work on the loaner boats is much less than owning a boat by yourself.
New members must complete a basic procedures class covering where the sails are kept, how to get to the boats, etc. The boats are available to first year members without charge and for a small charge after the first year to cover any miscellaneous maintenance expenses that may arise.
For more information about River Rats' Loaner Boat program, you can email Tim Ross at adult_training@riverratssailing.org.
The loaner boat program includes the use of several kayaks and the sunfishes (when the junior training is not in session). Contact Tim Ross at exec_officer@riverratssailing.org for details.