JUNIOR SAILING

SSYC Junior Sailing Program

Junior Sailing at SSYC has a rich tradition of junior sailing. We're happy to welcome your child to our program. Our summer program is for children ages 8-16. No experience is necessary, but comfort in the water and proficient swimming are required. At SSYC we focus on providing a nurturing and fun environment for sailors to grow and learn whether they wish to pursue sailing competitively or recreationally. We have a strong emphasis on safety and seamanship.

SSYC Junior Program Registration is open for the 2025 season.   Click on the sign-up button below.

For information on the 2025 program classes and fees click here.

Additional Information on the 2025 Jr. Sailing Program

You do not need to be a member of SSYC to enroll your children in the Jr. Program. For additional details on our Junior Programs, please see our download.
Link: Junior Program Additional Info (download).

IMPORTANT DATES - 2025 SEASON

• SSYC Member Registration Opens - February 1st
• Non-member Registration Opens - February 15th
• Mini Camp - June 23rd-27th
• Junior Sailing Summer Program Classes - Session I - June 30th - July 18th. (No classes on July 4th)
• Junior Sailing Summer Program Classes - Session II - July 21st - August 15th. (No classes August 6th-10th)

Junior Sailing Program Classes

• Mini Camp
  The SSYC Mini Camp is a 5 day introductory course that takes place the first week of the sailing summer and is designed to give your child a taste of what it is like to be on the water. Sailors will experience a variety of boats with three to four other children and one instructor, play games, go on “ treasure hunts,” and enjoy lots of fun with new friends! The program is a fun introduction to sailing with the goal of having students become comfortable in small boats. Specific skills include basic concepts of sail trim, steering and overall safety.

• Navigators (Opti Beginner Learn to Sail)
  This is our beginner sailing class and is taught in Optimists. The Navigators class is designed to give sailors a strong fundamental base of sailing skills such as rigging, tacking, gybing, sail trim, hiking, and successfully maneuvering at all points of sail. The overall goal is to have the sailor be comfortable on the water in varying conditions, while eventually becoming proficient sailing alone in the Opti. It's customary to take several seasons to move through all the skills and graduate to our intermediate class.

• Sea Dogs (Opti Intermediate)
  Sea Dogs focuses on more performance boat-handling skills and also introduces sailors to racing. Specific skills include the basics of upwind sailing, performance boat-handling, and the introduction of basic racing techniques.

• 420 Green (Beginner 420)
  This class is for sailors who have outgrown the Opti, or for teens who are learning how to sail. This class is primarily in Club 420s, but Flying Scots may also be used based on the skill level of the participants and the weather on any given day. This class focuses on boat-handling, including tacking, acceleration, and general sail trim on all points of sail. Sailors will be introducedto basic concepts for racing, but the primary focus will be to establish the fundamentals of boat-handling, seaman-ship, and general proficiency on the water while developing interpersonal skills and having fun.
  
  The boats used in this course are sailed by multiple people. Sailors will certainly have the opportunity to sail with friends, but should be prepared to switch crew. Coaches will decide crew pairings daily based on conditions, goals, and skills being practiced.

• 420 Blue (Advanced 420)
  420 Blue is the first step in our 420 Racing track. Participants are typically invited from Teen Green, Sea Dogs, and Opti Race. 420 Blue is a great option for kids who are beginning their journey in racing, or for older kids who want to keep developing their racing skills. Sailors are taught the fundamentals of sailboat racing, boat speed, boat handling, strategy and tactics, and team racing. 420 Blue sailors who are interested will have opportunity to attend regattas. parents are asked to aid intransportation, including trailering boats to and from the regattas.
  
  Please note that coaches will determine skipper crew combosto maximize performance and learning. Your sailor can expect to sail many different positions on the boat and will have opportunity to team up with everyone in the class.

• Opti Race Team
  The Opti Race team is the most advanced program for young Optimist sailors. Sailors are invited to participate by the race team coaches. The team is reserved for those sailors who want to really improve their racing skills. Skills include performance boat-handling, intricacies of rigging and tuning, and advanced racing topics such as starting, strategy, and tactics. The Race Team is a travel team and participates in numerous regattas throughout the summer.
  
  THERE IS MANDATORY PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN RACE TEAM. We are a volunteer run program with summer staff. Parents are asked to aid in transportation, including trailering boats to and from the regattas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US!

For information about the program contact the Jr. Program Chair through the following link: