Youth Summer Sailing Program
RYC is widely recognized as having one of the county’s
premier Youth Sailing Programs
Offering sailing classes for ages 6-18
RYC membership is not required to enjoy these classes
All sailing instructors are US Sailing, First Aid and CPR Certified
If you already know what class(es) you want: Register Here
Youth Sailing - Course Progression
For parents and students that are not familiar with Sailing Programs the following may seem confusing, hopefully you will find the 2011 information even easier to understand we have done our very best to streamline the information for you… please take a moment to scroll down and check out all your options. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jon Faudree: jonf@rochesteryc.com
The course sequence for students ages 6-18 follows a logical progression for all levels of sailing
Classes are broken down in 2 week sessions over an 8 week program, however one week classes are available.
Our underlying approach in all courses is to build the skills and confidence necessary to feel at home on the water, to ensure that students enjoy both the challenge and fun of sailing, and to instill in all the principles of sportsmanship, leadership, self reliance and a life long love for sailing.
Students typically take sailing multiple weeks each year and spend more than one session in a class prior to advancing to the next level.;
RYC staff is glad to assist with course selection
Swimming lessons are included with most sailing classes for youths under 12
2011 Youth Sailing Classes:
Dinghy Demons: 6-8 years old: Class Info: here
Learn to sail:
8-12 years old: Beginners and Intermediate, Class Info: here
13-18 years old: Beginners and Intermediate, Class Info: here
Learn to Race:
8-12 years old: Class Info: here
13-18 years old: Class Info: here
Crash Course:
All Ages: Child can only do ONE WEEK of sailing, Class Info: here
Race Team: Class Info: here
Sign-up for classes, view important information, and calendar: here
DINGHY DEMONS Ages 6 – 8
This one week class meets daily from 9 am to 1 pm
**Includes Red Cross Swim Lessons**
The Dinghy Demon class experience is designed to help young sailors feel comfortable on the water, and to experience the sport of sailing in the most positive way, with close and supportive instructor involvement. The program is a half-day introduction to sailing for six to eight year olds. Instruction includes on the water sailing in Optimist dinghies with an instructor on board or close alongside and shore based boating related activities. Each day’s class includes a 45 minute swim lesson in the RYC pool with Red Cross certified Swimming Instructors. Both safety and swimming skills are stressed.
Our goal is for every child to have a great time and feel comfortable on the water; promoting a life long love for sailing.
What is an Optimist Dinghy (Opti)? Info: here
LEARN TO SAIL for Ages 8-12 Register For This Class
This class meets daily from 9 am to 4 pm for a two-week session
**Includes Red Cross Swim Lessons**
It is geared to having fun on the water, while becoming a competent sailor! Students will skipper and crew on Optimist Dinghies, learning; water safety, sailing terminology, rigging, basic seamanship, small boat sailing and skipper-crew teamwork.
This class may include; long distance sails, picnics on the beach, river cruises.
Beginners will learn the skills and Intermediates will learn to perfect them!
Classes may include sailing on larger boats: Ideal 18’s, Sonar’s and 40’ sailboats.
Check out the summer calendar to pick which session works best for you!
Remember that you can also take this as a one week Crash Course
What is an Optimist Dinghy (Opti)? Info: here
LEARN TO SAIL for Ages 13-18 Register For This Class
This class meets daily from 9 am to 4 pm for a two-week session.
It is geared to having fun on the water, while becoming a competent sailor! Students will skipper and crew on 420 Dinghies, learning; water safety, sailing terminology, rigging, basic seamanship, small sloop sailing and skipper-crew teamwork.
This class may include; long distance sails, picnics on the beach, river cruises.
Seamanship skills: docking, anchoring, basic navigation/rules of the road, introduction to spinnaker and trapeze.
Beginners will learn the skills and Intermediates will learn to perfect them!
Classes may include sailing on larger boats: Ideal 18’s, Sonar’s and 40’ sailboats.
Check out the summer calendar to pick which session works best for you!
Remember that you can also take this as a one week Crash Course
What is a 420? info: here
LEARN TO RACE Ages 9 – 12 Register For This Class
This class meets daily from 9 am to 4 pm for a two-week session.
Students will be challenged to perfect their sailing techniques in the Optimist Dinghy and will be introduced to advanced boat-handling and basic racing techniques, tactics and strategy.
Opti LTR sailors will be able to use Club Boats at Regattas provided that it doesn’t interfere with other classes. Please see the Opti Race Team Schedule:
Check out the summer calendar to pick which session works best for you!
Remember that you can also take LTR as a one week crash course.
What is an Optimist Dinghy (Opti) Info: here
LEARN TO RACE Ages 13– 18 Register For This Class
This class meets daily from 9 am to 4 pm for a two-week session.
Students will be challenged to perfect their sailing techniques in the 420 and will be introduced to advanced boat-handling including; Trapeze and Spinnaker, and basic racing techniques, tactics and strategy.
Check out the summer calendar to pick which session works best for you!
Remember that you can also take LTR as a one week crash course.
What is a 420? info: here
CRASH COURSE Ages 8 – 18 Register For This Class
This one week class meets daily 9 am to 4 pm
It allows students to tailor their summer sailing around their schedule. RYC believes it takes two full weeks to get enough skills to learn how to sail; we also realize that people have busy summer schedules. Choose one or more of the 8 weeks that best works for you, or add a week on to either side of any other 2 week class. This class is open to any level of sailor, RYC’s experienced staff will look to place your sailor in the correct class.
Sailors 8-12 Includes Red Cross Swim Lessons
Sign up with your friends or make new ones on the water.
Check out the summer calendar to pick which week works best for you!