Learn to Sail with Confidence

Small-Boat Sailing combines practical seamanship, wind awareness, and hands-on boat handling. Scouts will learn how to prepare a sailboat, identify its major parts, adjust sails, and navigate a course using the wind.

This intensive, one-day class includes substantial time on Lake Allatoona. Scouts will sail small boats such as Aqua Fins, SunFish, or Phantoms while practicing steering, tacking, jibing, and safe sailing procedures.

Prepare Before Class

Scouts should read the Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge pamphlet and practice the following six knots before attending:

• Square (reef) knot
• Clove hitch
• Two half hitches
• Bowline
• Cleat hitch
• Figure-eight knot

The merit badge counselor may email additional prerequisites or discussion assignments approximately one and a half weeks before class.

Adult Assistance Appreciated

Adult volunteers are needed to help move sailboats to the waterfront at the beginning of the day and return them to the storage racks afterward. Adults may also have opportunities to sail with the instructors, subject to staffing and safety requirements.

Weather & Course Completion

Sailing depends on appropriate wind and weather conditions. Even well-prepared Scouts may be unable to complete every requirement if conditions are unfavorable. Safety and meaningful instruction always take priority over completing the merit badge in a single day.

Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety

Small-Boat Sailing requires swimming proficiency, physical participation, and careful attention to changing wind and water conditions. Scouts and parents should review these requirements before registering.

Annual Health and Medical Record

Every Scout must bring a printed, completed, and parent- or guardian-signed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B). Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required documentation.

Download the Annual Health and Medical Record

Swimmer Classification Required

Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge is not a learn-to-swim class. Before participating in sailing activities, Scouts must successfully complete the Scouting America Swim Classification Test and qualify as a Swimmer.

The Swimmer test includes:

• Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth and return to the surface.
• Swim 75 yards using one or more strong forward strokes, such as crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, or trudgen.
• Continue swimming for 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
• Complete the full 100 yards continuously, including at least one sharp turn.
• After completing the swim, demonstrate the ability to rest by floating.

Important: Scouts should be comfortable swimming in lake water, including areas where they cannot see the bottom. Dog paddling does not satisfy the required stroke standard. Scouts who cannot qualify as Swimmers will not be permitted to participate in sailing activities.

Required Footwear

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for everyone at Allatoona Aquatics Base, including Scouts, parents, and visitors. Flip-flops and sandals are not permitted. Closed-toed water shoes are recommended for sailing activities.

Capsize Recovery & Waterfront Safety

Small-Boat Sailing includes supervised capsize procedures and person-overboard rescue techniques. Scouts should be prepared to enter the water during these exercises.

Participants must wear properly fitted, approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) as directed, follow the buddy system, and observe all instructions from sailing staff and merit badge counselors.

Weather, heavy winds, and changing lake conditions may require activities to be delayed, modified, or canceled.

What to Bring

• Printed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
• Closed-toed water shoes suitable for sailing
• Appropriate swimwear and a towel
• Change of dry clothing
• Refillable water bottle and sunscreen
• Pre-made packed lunch and snacks — food is not sold at the base
• Hat and weather-appropriate clothing
• Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge pamphlet and completed prerequisites
• Personal supplies needed for the entire day at the waterfront

Lunch preparation: Bring a ready-to-eat lunch and take all necessary supplies to the waterfront at the beginning of the day. The class works through lunch to allow time for land-based requirements.

Check-In & Arrival

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at the Main Pavilion. Arrive on time with all required forms and supplies.

Allatoona Aquatics Base
200 Lovingood Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189

Follow posted camp directions, observe the 12 MPH speed limit, and remember that pets are not permitted.

Put Your Sailing Skills to the Test

Earning the Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge requires Scouts to demonstrate boat preparation, sailing techniques, knot tying, and safe responses to changing conditions on the water.

Scouts will practice sailing different points of sail, changing direction through tacking and jibing, recovering from a capsize, and responding to a person-overboard situation under counselor supervision.

Wind Conditions Matter

Unlike some other merit badges, sailing requires suitable wind conditions to demonstrate every skill. If the wind is too light, too strong, or otherwise unsafe, Scouts may not be able to complete all requirements during their scheduled class.

Scouts who complete only part of the merit badge can work with a counselor to finish their outstanding requirements later.

Prepare for Success

Practice the required knots, review sailing terminology, and become familiar with the points of sail before arriving. Preparation allows more class time for practicing skills on the water.

Registration & Important Policies

Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Review the current event schedule and registration instructions before selecting a class.

Class Changes & Cancellations

Under the published event policy, final payments and attendance numbers are due 10 days before the event. Substitutions and class changes are not permitted after this deadline.

Refund Policy

Cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class qualify for a full refund. Cancellations within 11 days of the event are not guaranteed a refund and are subject to Council discretion.

All class changes, cancellations, and refund requests must be submitted by email. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.

Email: aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com

Set Your Sights on the Water!

Learn to harness the wind, sharpen your sailing skills, and take the helm with confidence. Get ready to earn your Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge at Allatoona Aquatics Base!

Registration Contact

↑ Back to Top