Frequently Asked Questions
Q- What is VIMS?
A- The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and School or Marine
Science is a branch of W&M dedicated to studying the ocean. People get MS
and PhD's here, and they sometimes have classes and summer opportunities for
undergrads. VIMS is on a separate campus next to
Chesapeake Bay, about 20 minutes from
Q- How do you get to VIMS?
A- VIMS is
15 miles from the W&M main campus, and people drive, carpool, or take a
W&M van to get here. Carpool leaders do not have to pay club dues. Here are
detailed directions from
1. Get
on the
2. Exit to the right at the sign for US ROUTE 17.
3. Turn
right at the end of the ramp to merge onto US-17 N. This will take you over the
4. Turn
right at the first stoplight after the toll (
5. Turn
right at the T onto
6. Continue past the VIMS campus and down the hill towards the water. At the bottom of the hill, turn right to go under the bridge. You will come to a big gate, which is the entrance to the VIMS boat basin, where our research vessels are stored.
7.
Someone will meet you at the gate to take you through
the boat basin to “
Here’s a VIMS campus map: http://www.vims.edu/welcome/images/campus_map.jpg
Q- What boats do you have?
A- 1 kayak, 2 canoes, 2 dinghys (Laser, Shark), 4 windsurfs, 1 foam surfboard, a 21' O'day Sailboat with an engine, and a broken hobie cat.
Q- Is it ok if I don't have much / any experience in sailing or windsurfing?
A- Yes. Most people don't have any until the join the club, but we teach you.
Q- Can I check out boats and windsurfers on my own?
A- Yes, but only after a club officer has seen that you are proficient and you know the safety rules.
Q- How do I check out a boat?
A- Instructions are here
Q- Is windsurfing hard?
A- No. It feels weird at first, but most people can learn the basics in about an hour. However, it does take a while to learn how to go fast and do tricks.
Q- How long is your club active?
A- Bathing suit weather lasts through the middle of October, and starts up again sometime in April. Between those times you can still go canoeing or kayaking, or sail the big boat, but you need a wetsuit for the windsurfs and dinghys. We are also active during summer break, so you can do stuff then if you are around.
Q- What should I bring to a Saturday sailing / windsurfing lesson?
A- Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and water shoes that will stay on your feet. Wetsuit booties are best, "aqua-socks" or old sneakers are good. Teva sandals are acceptable. Flip flops or bare feet are unacceptable.
Q- Can I bring a friend who is not in the club?
A- Yes, but they will have to join the club if they want to do anything besides sit on the beach.
Q- Is there any way I can get out of the $15 dues?
A- Yes, you can be a carpool leader or arrange to do some repairs or maintenance on our boats.
Q- I want to take out the big 21' O'day sailboat, what do I have to do?
A- Email J.P. Richardson ( jprichar@vims.edu ). He is in charge of the O'day. You don't have to do anything special to ride on it, but to take it out on your own you have to take a coast guard boating safety class and do some training with the experienced O'day sailors.
Q- I like crewing on big sailboats that race, can you hook me up?
A- Yes. VIMS is right next to the York River Yacht Club, which has Wednesday night races throughout the fall. The boat captains are often looking for people to crew for them. Email Rachael Blake ( reblake@vims.edu ) for more info.
Q- I want to be a club officer. When are elections?
A- January. Unless someone quits and we need to replace them another time.
Q- I have a boat or windsurf. Can I store it at VIMS?
A- Depends. Not if it's a big boat, but if it's a small dinghy or windsurf and you are willing to let other people use it, it might be ok.
