JUNIOR SAILING

SSYC Junior Sailing at SSYC

SSYC Junior Sailor who want to participate in racing are invited to race with us on Sundays. For more informtion contact optifleet@ssyc.us

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 2024 season.   Click on the sign-up button below.

For information on the 2024 program classes and fees click here.

Additional Information on the 2024 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 - 2024 SEASON

• SSYC Member Registration Opens - February 15th
• Non-member Registration Opens - March 1st
• Mini Camp - June 24th-28th
• Mini Camp BBQ - June 28th (for camp participants & families)
• Junior Sailing Summer Program Classes - July 1st - August 16th. (No classes on July 4th & 5th or August 5th-9th)
• Junior Sweeps Regatta - August 5th-9th
• Junior Fundraiser Auction - July 28th.

Junior Sailing Program Information

• Our Staff
  Many of our staff are former graduates of our program. Safety is first and foremost on ourminds and all staff are US Sailing Level 1 certified or higher, as well as CPR/First Aid and Safesport Certified.

• Our Boats
  We have a range of boats available for students to sail. Some are singlehanded, doublehanded,and triplehanded. Each boat lends itself to diff erent sizes, skills and abilities. We teach sailing in Optis, 420s, and Flying Scots. Coaches will determine skipper crew combos to maximize performance and learning. Your sailor can expect to sail many diff erent positions on the boat and will have turns teaming up with everyone in the class. This is the best way to develop not only as a sailor, but also interpersonally. If you do not own an Opti or 420, club boats are available for charter from SSYC for use in SSYC class. Part of our program is developing seamanship, which includes a responsibility and respect for the equipment we’re using and the environment around us. Sailors will be taught to maintain the boats and will be expected to care for boats and equipment used.

• Boat Charters
  If you do not own an Opti or 420, club boats are available for charter from SSYC for the season.

• Class Placement
  We do not make exceptions for our program age requirements. While there are certainly children who do very well at sailing camp younger than 8, we have found this to be the most successful age to begin our program. Given program demand, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for this rule. After your child has completed a season in our beginner program, staff will determine their most appropriate placement for the following summer. Many factors go into this decision including size, focus, skill level, and goals (cruising vs racing). Sailing challenges sailors mentally and physically. Every sailor progresses at their own pace. It’s common for sailors to stay in our beginner course for multiple seasons before proceeding to intermediate. This is normal - don’t worry! There’s plenty to work on within each level class. If you are not sure which class your child should be in, please reach out. We are happy to discuss your child’s progress with you at any time.

• Proficient Swimming
  All sailors who participate must pass a swim check which will be held at the start of each session. The check involves a swim of 20 yards, treading water for 2 minutes. Even after passing the swim test, sailors are required to wear the proper Coast Guard Certified life jackets fastened properly when they are in or around the water.

• Inclement Weather
  Class runs rain or shine. We will not go on the water in thunder and lightning, and have covered space to do land-based activities. If extreme weather is forecast, we will email at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time to cancel. Weather cancellations are accounted for in our pricing.

• Sunday Racing
  We invite all junior sailors who are members or involved with our junior program to come race with us on Sundays. Please check our calendar for dates. Optis race on their own course and 420s and Lasers race on our senior course. All races are volunteer run, so we ask if your child is racing that you volunteer to help out a few days - no sailing experience needed!

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 out 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!

• Navigators (Opti Beginner Learn to Sail)
  This is our beginner sailing class and is taught in Optimists. Navigators 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.

• Sea Dogs (Opti Intermediate)
  Sea Dogs focuses on more performance boat-handling skills and also introduces sailors to racing.

• Opti Advanced
  Opti A is the next step for Optimist sailors after completing Sea Dogs. In Opti A, sailors will fine tune their boat-handling and start working on racing technique

• Opti Race Team
  The Opti Race team is the most advanced program for young Optimist sailors. Members are invited to participate by the race team coaches. The team is reserved for those sailors who want to really improve their racing skills.

• Teen Green (Beginner 420)
  This class is for sailors who have outgrown the Opti, or for teens who are learning how to sail.

• 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.

• Puddleducks (ages 5-7)
  This is an intro class for our littlest sailors. There is a big focus on safety and building comfort on the water.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US!

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