Junior Sailing Program Overview

Please click on the links below for more detailed information. 

Class Descriptions

Morning Opti Programs: This program is designed to teach children aged 8-11 how to sail Optis, a small, single-handed dinghy. Participants in this program meet Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm.  The program has three groups: Snappers, Barracudas and Dorados.  Participants must provide their own Opti. Must turn 8yrs old within the calendar year.

Afternoon Opti Programs: The afternoon Opti program provides a great opportunity for older Opti sailors. There are three groups: Beginner Afternoon Opti, Opti Development Team, and Opti Race Team. Afternoon Opti sailors must turn at least 9 years old by December 31 of the calendar year. To participate in our Development on Race teams sailors must have completed Dorados or have permission from the Sailing Director.

Adventure Sailing: New for 2024, we have two Adventure Sailing Class. One meets Tuesday and Thursday Mornings from 9am-12pm, the other meets Monday through Friday from 1pm-5pm. These programs will have an emphasis on the fun and adventurous side of sailing and serve as a fantastic introduction to double-handed sailing. These programs are designed for sailors who want to socialize and have a great time on the water while also honing their sailing skills. Our Adventure class will participate in Un-Regattas where the focus is not all about winning races, but instead the focus is on having the most fun possible while encouraging sportsmanship. Un-Regattas will feature activities such as limbo competitions, freestyle course racing, slalom, and much more! Participants will sail on O’Pen Skiffs and RS Fevas, and occasionally Hobie Waves and Ideal 18s! All boats used will be provided by RYC. This is an ideal class for sailors who wish to expand their sailing experience and have a fun day on the water with friends. Sailors will have the option to participate in JSA regattas in the Bic and Fevas, including local Un-Regattas.

Feva: Our Feva class is focused on double-handed boat-handling skills and having fun on the water. In addition to games and fun activities on the waters, practices will cover racing skills and strategy including asymmetrical spinnaker technique, racing tactics, boat speed, and the "Racing Rules of Sailing". Regatta travel encouraged. You must have your own boat and sailing partner for this program. Ages 12-17yrs or Sailing Director approval. Prerequisite: An afternoon sailing class or Sailing Director recommendation. This program runs Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 5:00pm. Participants in this program must provide their own Feva. Each participant requires a partner, but please do not let that discourage you from registering as we will work with you and other interested 420 sailors to find a partner.  

C420 Racing: Our C420 class is an advanced racing class focused on improving racing and double handed boat-handling skills. Practices will include spinnaker and trapeze techniques, tactics, starting strategies, and boat speed. Regatta travel encouraged. You must have your own boat and sailing partner for this program. Ages 14-17yrs or Sailing Director approval. Prerequisite: Feva, Laser, or Sailing Director recommendation. This program runs Monday to Friday, 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Participants in this program must provide their own C420. Each participant requires a partner, but please do not let that discourage you from registering as we will work with you and other interested C420 sailors to find a partner.  

Laser Racing: Our Laser class is designed for sailors who have completed their Opti career and who wish to continue sailing in a single-handed class. Practices will include racing tactics, starting strategies, and boat speed. Regatta travel encouraged. Participants in this program must provide their own Laser. Ages 14-17yrs or Sailing Director approval. Prerequisite: An afternoon sailing class or Sailing Director recommendation. This program runs Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 5:00pm. Participants in this program must provide their own Laser.

Recreational Sailing Program: This program is offered as 2-week, 4-week, or 7-week sessions, Mondays through Fridays from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. The class is open to 10-17 year olds with sailing experience or with Sailing Director approval. Participants will use Hobie Waves. Participants do not need to provide their own boat. Sailors will get ample time on the water and will come away with an appreciation for the social and recreational aspects of sailing.

We hold Junior Sailing on all scheduled program days. On no wind or stormy days, Junior Sailors will participate in sailing-related arts and crafts or games, swimming, and playing on the lawn or beach. On very hot days please be sure to send enough water and a reusable water bottle to be refilled throughout the day. Please be sure to check the weather daily and send any clothing or gear items you child may need. We do go sailing in the rain.

JSA