Youth Learn to Sail Programs
Our youth sailing programs are designed for ages 6 to 18 and are divided based on skill level and experience. We offer both weekend and weekday programs.
Our 6+ Weekend Beginner program is primarily for beginning sailors starting at age 6 and runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on five Saturday mornings. A parent or guardian must remain on site for the duration of the class. This program includes 15 hours of supervised instruction and sailing (over the five-weekend period).
Our 9+ Weekday Beginner program is for novice sailors starting at age 9 and runs from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. These programs include 30 hours (per week) of supervised instruction and sailing.
Our 9+ Intermediate and Advanced Weekday programs are for experienced sailors starting at age 9 and run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. These programs include 30 hours (per week) of supervised instruction and sailing.
Our instructors are experienced dinghy sailors who have been through the rigorous US Sailing instructor course and are Level 1 instructor certified.
Beginning Sailors
These classes are for young sailors with little-to-no sailing experience. The program is designed to get young sailors familiar with the Optimist sailboat, an 8-foot single-handed pram that has been used to teach kids to sail since 1947. They will practice on land and, when comfortable, sail the boat themselves.
Students will learn the parts of the boat, how to rig and launch a boat, and some basic sailing skills. In addition, they will learn safety skills such as righting a capsized boat. Instructors will emphasize the importance of water safety and enforce rules, including proper use of their life jackets when near and on the water.
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6+ Saturday Morning Beginning Class -- 6 years old (by June 1) and a parent or guardian must be present for all 3 hours
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9+ Weekday Beginning Classes -- 9 years old (by June 1). Students may be dropped off but parents are also welcome to watch and spend the day at the lake
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Must be able to pass the 25-yard swim test
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Students attending the Saturday morning program must bring their own snack
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Students attending the weekday program must bring their own lunch
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Must bring a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket with an attached whistle, water bottle, hat with a brim or visor, close-toed shoes that can get wet, and sunscreen.
Beginners Saturday Sailing Program: 9:00AM to 12:00 PM (15 Hours)
June 14, 21, 28, July 12 and 19, 2025
Fees: AYC Member: $175, Non-member: $400.00
Beginners/Intermediate Weekday Sailing Program:
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (30 Hours)
July 7 – 11, 2025
July 14 - 18, 2025
July 21 - 25, 2025
Fees: AYC Member: $400.00, Non-member: $550.00