
Youth Learn to Sail Programs


We also offer our "Junior Week" of sailing and fun in early June. Juniors aged 9 to 18, of all skill levels, enjoy a week of camaraderie and learning to advance their sailing skills. Older and more advanced sailors will have the opportunity to mentor novice sailors. This program is primarily targeted to AYC members’ children and grandchildren with a few openings for guest juniors with sailing experience. Juniors 12 years and older have the opportunity to spend the night at Atlanta Yacht Club in chaperoned cabins for evening games and fellowship. The program continues to be successful because of the high level of volunteer engagement.
What students must bring to every class:
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Age and weight appropriate, US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket with whistle attached.
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Life Jackets and shoes are REQUIRED while on docks and in the boats.
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Water shoes (closed-toe or sandals are okay - NO FLIP FLOPS)
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Hat and/or sunglasses, towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen
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Water bottle
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Lunch for full-day programs
Our Junior Sailing Programs
Beginning Sailors
6-12 years*
This learn-to-sail program is intended for young sailors with little-to-no sailing experience. The program is designed to get children familiar with the Optimist sailboat. They will practice on land and, when comfortable, sail the boat themselves. On the first day of class, a supervised swim test will be given to all students. For safety reasons, all students must pass the swim test. Students will not be able to continue with sailing lessons until they have passed the swim test.
* Select programs are available for 6–9-year-olds. For the young children, a parent or guardian must remain on site for the duration of the lession.
Beginning to Intermediate Sailors
10-15 years
This sailing program is intended for children who have taken a basic learn-to-sail class and are ready to learn more sailing skills. The children will spend most of their time on the water in single-handed Optimist sailboats, and when ready, progress to two-person 420 sailboats. Our qualified instructors will match children to the appropriate boats and sailing partners. For safety reasons, all students must pass the swim test. Students will not be able to continue with sailing lessons until they have passed the swim test.
Advanced
12 - 18 years
Intermediate to Advanced Sailors
This sailing program is intended for young sailors who know how to sail and are ready to progress to two-person boats. This program is non-competitive but will introduce elements of racing. The students will use two-handed 420s and Flying Scot sailboats. For safety reasons, all students must pass the swim test. Students will not be able to continue with sailing lessons until they have passed the swim test.
All Skill Levels
9 - 18 years
Junior Week
Junior Week is for 9- to 18-year-old juniors and includes sailing instruction for all experience levels. Junior Camp Week is primarily for AYC member children and grandchildren. Space permitting and upon application and a sailing resume, guests to AYC may be accepted into the Junior Week Program. Juniors will use Optis, 420s, Flying Scots and their own Lasers and Sunfish. Advanced juniors will work on racing skills. Juniors 12 years and up have the option to stay overnight at the Atlanta Yacht Club.