Check back April 1st for the Summer 2023 Schedule!
Overview
The Shinnecock Yacht Club Sailing Program provides all levels of instruction to children ages 5 – 18 as well as private lessons for children and adults. Our Junior Sailing Program exists for one purpose; to teach our participants to love to sail. We offer a recreational sailing program and a racing program. Neither is above the other, rather it seeks to address the realization that some sailors prefer to sail without racing while others prefer competition.
The program is open to members and non-members alike and runs from June 26 – August 18, 2023. Please note that there will be no refunds in the rare event that we have to cancel classes due to inclement weather.
Recreational Sailing Programs:
Sea Squirt Level (Ages 5 -7): Designed as a friendly and relaxed introduction to water and sailing culture for children 5 to 7 years of age. A fun and safe orientation to water sports and sailing with the intent of preparing children for our Level 1 sailing class. No experience is required, only that they need to be able to swim and float with a life jacket on.
The Sea Squirt program is a one-week class, offered half days:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD
Session 3: TBD
Session 4: TBD
1-week tuition: TBD
Opti Level 1 (Ages 8-15, must be under 120 lb): Geared towards those with no experience in a boat on their own. After completing the session, they will be able to identify the parts of a boat, rig the boat, leave a dock, identify the wind, and handle the basic functions of the boat.
Level 1 is a 2-week session, offered half days:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD
Session 3: TBD
Session 4: TBD
2-week tuition: TBD
Opti Level 2 (Ages 8-15, must be under 120 lb): Participants should have basic knowledge of sailboats (ok to be VERY rusty from the previous summer) and they will progress to better boat maneuvering, adjusting/trimming of sails to advanced maneuvers. It is usual for a sailor to enroll in this level twice before mastery of the skills is acquired to move to the next level.
Level 2 is a 2-week session, offered half days:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD
Session 3: TBD
Session 4: TBD
2-week tuition: TBD
Opti Level 3 (Ages 8-15, must be under 120 lb): More advanced sailing skills and seamanship tailored to an individual’s skill levels. It is usual for a sailor to enroll in this level multiple times before mastery of the skills is acquired.
Level 3 is a 2-week session, offered half days:
Session 2: TBD
Session 3: TBD
Session 4: TBD
2-week tuition: TBD
JY 15/Quest – Level 2/3 (Ages 12-18, must be above 95 lb): This is a transition program for our Opti sailors who are ready to sail together with another person in a bigger boat. We focus on more advanced sailing skills and seamanship tailored to an individual’s skill levels. It is usual for a sailor to enroll in this level multiple times before mastery of the skills is acquired.
JY 15/Quest is a 2 week session, offered half days:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD
Session 3: TBD
Session 4: TBD
2-week tuition: TBD
Racing Programs:
OPTI Racing (Ages 8-15, must be under 120 lbs by summer): The sailor needs to have completed one session of level 3 (or equivalent elsewhere), no prior racing experience is needed. This group will focus on making Sailboat racing one thing: FUN! The coach will be on the lookout for some experienced racers, but we are really looking for those who are new to racing and just want to try it. The coach will be taking them to some exciting regattas and sailors will gain experiences they will remember long into their adult years.
420 Racing (13-18 years old AND over 112 lbs by summer): Same idea as the Opti Team….to have FUN racing sailboats and meeting sailors from all over. We are seeking both those who have raced before AND those who are new to racing. The age/size limit is addressing the principle that these are larger boats that requires more size and strength to safely handle on their own. Opportunities to travel to numerous regattas from Orient Yacht Club to Westhampton Yacht Squadron! One session of Level 3 (or equivalent elsewhere) should be completed before enrolling.
Opti and 420 Racing programs are 4 week sessions offered, offered afternoons:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD
Tuition per 4-week session: TBD
Tuition for 8 weeks: TBD
A boat is required for participation. Each sailor must charter a racing boat from SYC or provide their own. Boat charter fees for either an Optimist or a 420 are as follows :
Charter for a 4-week session: TBD
Charter for all 8 weeks: TBD
Please note: There are a very limited number of boats for chartering. SYC strongly encourages boat ownership for racing.
Private Lessons:
We offer private lessons for children and adults, minimum of 2 hours per lesson. We typically accommodate private lessons after our program ends, but we might also have some slots available during the day. To schedule a private lesson, either use our online registration system or contact Junior Sailing Program Manager. The pricing is per session (not per participant!) is as follows:
1-2 participants: TBD
3 participants: TBD