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2024 Junior Summer Sailing


The SDYC Junior Program is looking forward to an amazing Summer Program in 2024.

We offer classes that will satisfy the needs of all experience levels and ages 6-18, from beginning sailing to advanced racing, and non-racers in between. SDYC maintains a fleet of 26 sabots, 20 CFJs, 13 J22s and 13 C420s that are accessible to our program participants, along with robust fleets of privately held Lasers, Sabots, and 29ers.

These classes, coupled with traditional events like SDYC Family Nights, the famous Dutch Shoe Marathon, many regattas in Southern California and beyond, will make for a great summer to start or expand your adventures under sail! 

Those interested in getting young sailors involved should look at our morning classes, like Sea Urchins, Beginner Sabots, Intermediate Sabots, and Intro to Doublehanded Sailing.

Older and more experienced sailors should participate in our afternoon classes like Sabot Learn to Race, Sabot Racing Fleets, and Adventure Sailing.

We also offer Advanced Racing programs for single and double-handed boats. These offerings include ILCA 4,6(Laser 4.7/ Radial), CFJs, C420s, 29ers, and J22s. 

Check out the 2024 SDYC Junior Calendar to see all of the fun regattas and events that occurring in Southern California and beyond. There will also be many opportunities for sailors to travel north to Long Beach and Newport Beach for events. Several advanced racers may also opt to travel across the US and even internationally!

We look forward to working with you and your family for a fun and successful summer!


Class Descriptions

Click a class below to read the class description.

Ages:

For 6 - 8 year olds who have completed Kindergarten and can swim.

Description:

The class that's launched generations to a lifetime of sailing! Kids will sail with two or three of their peers and an instructor in a 14 foot dinghy and learn through demonstrations and practice. The game-inspired curriculum covers sailing terminology, finding wind direction, learning to steer with the tiller, and fundamental seamanship skills. The class familiarizes kids with water safety and dinghy sailing, while enabling them to feel comfortable around the club and on the water.

Since Sea Urchins may start two years before the minimum age for Beginner Sabots, it is very common and appropriate to repeat this class over one or more summers.

Take Sea Urchins if:

  • You like water sports and want to try sailing
  • You like working together as a team.
  • You like pirates!

Class Times:

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages:

Beginner Sabots is for 7-10 year olds who can swim and are comfortable on boats. 7-8 year olds should be Sea Urchins alumni, 9-10 year olds may take Beginner Sabots as a first class.

Description:

Beginner Sabots will teach students to sail solo in an SDYC Sabot, while deepening their understanding of rigging, boat handling, seamanship and safety. Each day we will meet as a large group to cover topics for the full class, and for fun with friends. On most days, we will split into smaller groups for drills, with groupings decided by our coaches, based on their observations of individual progress. On some days, especially Fridays, we will aim for full-group sailing adventures, for maximum fun with all classmates.

Skills covered will include launching, basic sail trim, body positioning, tacking and gybing, and navigating a course. And as always, the emphasis is on fun!

This first venture into solo sailing can often be a little scary, but as long as you are ready to learn and listen we are excited to help you reach your solo sailing goals. It is common and totally appropriate for many sailors to repeat Beginner Sabots over one or more summers until they feel they have mastered the necessary skills have the confidence to build on them. Coaches will help track skills and make future class recommendations for Summer and Afterschool Sailing at the conclusion of the session. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included.

Take Beginner Sabots if:

  • You've completed Sea Urchins, one or more times, and feel confident.
  • You're ready to fly solo!
  • You'd like to learn to skipper your own boat to Kellogg's Beach, get ready for Intermediate Sabots/Novice racing,  and have fun!

Class Times:

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages:

Intermediate Sabots is for 7-10 year olds who  can swim, and are comfortable on boats. All sailors should complete Beginning Sabots (or equivalent) before entering this class.

Description:

Intermediate Sabots will build on skilles learned in Beginning Sabots to improve boat handling, upwind sailing, and ensure that each student has a confident knowledge of sailing fundementals. Each session will begin with a brief review of Beginning Sabot curriculum and skills assessments before working on more advanced skills. On most days, we will split into smaller groups for drills, with groupings decided by our coaches, based on their observations of individual progress. On some days, especially Fridays, we will aim for full-group sailing adventures, for maximum fun with all classmates.

Skills covered will include a review of Beginning Sabot skills, parts of the boat, knots, introduction to sail controls, and up wind sailing. And of course, the emphasis is on fun!

It is common and totally appropriate for many sailors to repeat Intermediate Sabots over one or more summers (or for multiple sessions) until they feel they have mastered the necessary skills have the confidence to build on them. Coaches will help track skills and make future class recommendations for Summer and Afterschool Sailing at the conclusion of the session. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included.

Take Beginner Sabots if:

  • You've completed Beginning Sabots, one or more times, and feel confident.
  • You'd like to learn to improve on skills learned in Beginning Sabots and get ready for the Pre-C3: Learn To Race afternoon course. 

Class Times:

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages:

9 - 12 year olds

Description:

Intro to Doublehanded Sailing offers young sailors a chance to get into sailing with a partner in our Club Flying Juniors (FJs), during the typically gentler morning conditions. This also makes it a perfect opportunity for those who race Sabots in our afternoon!

Class Times:

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Eligibility Critirea: 

  • Ages 10+
  • Must have head coach approval.
  • Previous experience in C420 programming is required. 
  • Must have competed in local SDAYC Luff-In Regattas or SCYYRA Perry Series Regattas. 

Description: 

This group is ideal for current Sabot racers and sailors working towards competing C420 events. Sailors will be working on boat handling and teamwork as they strive to master their spinnaker work and confidently use the trapeze. Sailors must have prior experience sailing in C420s and demonstrated competence in previous sessions of this course or an equivalent course in another program.

Class Times: 

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Sessions: 

  • Session I: June 10 - 21
  • Session III: July 8 - 18

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Ages 12+ 
  • Sabot Racing fleets C1 or higher 
  • Experience in High School Sailing 
  • Experience in Novice Double Handed (with Jr Office approval) or C420 Spinnaker & Trapeze lessons. 
  • Please contact the Jr Office for special approval if you do not meet these criteria. 

Description: 

These sessions are designed to introduce junior sailors to the exciting world of Laser sailing. Guided by a team of seasoned coaches, you'll gain competency in rigging, foundational boat handling skills, and immerse yourself in extensive on-water sessions to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Unveil a world of possibilities that will shape your path in the sport, whether you're a skilled Sabot racer ready to chart a new course or a high school sailor eager to expand your racing horizons! 

Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at juniors@sdyc.org to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis. 

Class Times: 

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Sessions: 

  • Session II: June 24 - July 3
  • Session IV: July 22 - 26

Ages:

11 - 15 year olds

Description:

This class is all about having fun while spending time on the water and improving sailing skills. Adventure Sailing is designed for the pre-teen or young teenage sailor with little or no sailing experience, or those who would prefer to emphasize recreation and seamanship.

Sailors will cover all the basics while sailing doublehanded in Flying Junior dinghies, and occasional outings on other sorts of boats for fun and variety of experience. Topics and activities such as destination sails in the bay and ocean, navigation, and field trips to local sailing industries and attractions will keep participants engaged while promoting a broader knowledge of our sport.

Take Adventure Sailing if:

  • You like being outdoors with friends
  • You prefer the idea of sailing without competition
  • You want a ton of variety in your sailing experience

Class Times:

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Description:

In its new two-week format, this class aims to develop the next generation of Sabot Racers. Sailors will learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing, including starting sequences, mark rounding, boat handling, and introducing the Racing Rules of Sailing. Instructors will continue to develop boat handling skills in conjunction with racing concepts. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included. 

Eligibility:

  • Completed Intermediate Sabots during Spring or Summer programs, with coach recommendation
  • Repeating the class after Fall 2023, Winter 2024, or Spring 2024
  • Completed Pre-C3 or Intermediate Sabot Sailing During the Summer of 2023
  • Sailors should be able to rig and launch their own boat, and functionally travel on all points of sail. 
  • Privately owned sabots are not required, but are encouraged.

Sailors can be moved up into the racing classes upon coach recommendation. Tuition fees will be prorated accordingly.

Class Times:

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Eligibility Criteria:

For alumni of Pre-C3 Sabot Sailing, or equivalent with Junior Office approval.

Description:

Congratulations, you've made it to the big time! Sabot racers sail an available club charter boat, or their own. They practice for, and compete in regattas at the Club, around San Diego, and as far away as Newport Harbor and Long Beach. All Sabot racers begin competing in the C3 Fleet, and are promoted to C2, C1, B and A based on success, rather than age, which has proven over the years to be an outstanding system for developing skills and confidence. Sabot Racing Fleet registrants should indicate their current fleet, though practices will often combine adjacent fleets depending on attendance and topics being covered. While always keeping it fun, C3 sailors will be encouraged to finish every race, while A Fleeters will actively prepare to try and win the Sabot Nationals in August.

Class Times:

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Weekly Sessions:

Week I: June 10 - 14. Start the summer season off strong with a week of Sabot Racing. The Summer La Playa Regatta Series will kick off on Wednesday, June 12th.  

Week II: June 17 - 21. This will be an important week of training for the Summer Gold Cup Regatta at NHYC on June 22nd and 23rd. This regatta is a great opportunity for sailors to compete in large fleets and prepare for Nationals. Upper fleet sailors will begin preparing for the Dick Sweet Team Race, and C-fleeters will have an eye on the Sabot II Qualifier (under 12 regatta). 

Week III: June 24 - 28. Sailors will reflect on their performance at the Summer Gold Cup, take some time for fun team building experiences on the water, and continue their progress towards larger events in July. 

Week IV: July 1-3. Keeping up with the momentum. This short week will be a fun time on the water as summer comes into full swing.

Week V: July 8 - 12. Under 12 sailors will continue preparing for the Sabot II Qualifier at SDYC on July 11th. Select upper fleet sailors will kick off the Dick Sweet Team Race Series with their first regatta at LBYC on July 8th. 

Week VI: July 15 - 18. Sailors will prepare for the famous Dutch Shoe Marathon on Friday, July 19th. Summer will be in full swing!

Week VII: July 22 - 26. This week is a must for sailors preparing to compete at Nationals. SDYC will be hosting the 'SDAYC Sabot Nationals Prep Clinic' with junior sabot racers from MBYC, SWYC, and CYC joining us for an intense, clinic style week of preparations. 

Sabot Nationals at SDYC: July 29 - Aug 1– The biggest sabot event of the year is coming to SDYC for the first time in over 50 years! This will be an exciting and competitive regatta, so start planning now!

Veteran Nationals racers are often busy with other events before Junior Nationals, but still want the best support possible for their Sabot effort should sign up for this week of programming too!

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Have competed in Perry or Shadden Series events.
  • Has demonstrated competancy in C420 After School Sailing programs and received coach approval. 
  • Ages 13-17

Description: 

This class is ideal for sailors who have previous experience racing in C420's and want to level up their skills before select summer regattas. Sailors will work with a team of seasoned coaches who have extensive experience in the C420 fleet. This will be a great opportunity for sailors to train for SoCal area regattas, or prepare for larger events like the North American Championships. 

Class Times:

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Sessions: 

  • Week III: June 24 - 28, in preparation for the SDOCR at SDYC
  • Week V: July 8 - 12, in preparation for the C420 North Americans and/or Junior Olympics at NHYC

Time: 1:00PM to 6:00PM (unless noted otherwise)

Description:

The SDAYC ILCA Racing Co-Op is a collaborative programing between MBYC, CorYC, SWYC, and SDYC to create higher quality team practices than any club could create on their own. By consolidating our fleets, we can provide more coaching, better coaching, and a larger fleet for sailors to practice starts and speed testing. Every day of practice will feel like a high caliber clinic, with lots of ocean training and extended video debriefs, but at an affordable summer program price-point.

This program is divided into campaigns for specific events, rotating practice venues between SDYC and MBYC. This training program will promote the San Diego Area ILCA fleet at a national scale!

Sailors are expected to register through their home club’s Summer Program for all sessions of the Racing Co-Op.

Coaching:

The coaching team will be led by Doug Hart, who has decades of experience at the highest level of sailing. He is a world-renowned Laser and Snipe sailor and coach. Doug will work with coaches from local clubs and occasional guest coaches.

Eligibility:

Sailors MUST have experience in the ILCA Class before registering for this program.

Time: 1:00PM to 4:30PM

Dates: TBA

Eligibility:

  • Ages 12 and up
  • Sabot C1 fleet or higher
  • Completion of C420 Spinnaker and Trapeze Sailing course in after school sailing programs
  • Head Coach approval

Pricing: $315 Members, $340 Non-Members

Description:

This exhilarating five-day introductory 29er sailing program is designed to kickstart your journey into high performance sailing. Sailors will be guided by experienced and passionate instructors who will provide hands-on instruction to give you with a comprehensive understanding of the 29er, a two-person, high-performance skiff renowned for its speed, exciting maneuvers, and close relation to Olympic class boats.

Experienced racers from upper sabot fleets, C420’s, and CFJ’s will learn about rigging, fundamental boat handling skills, and important safety skills. By the end of this course, sailors will be equipped with foundational skills that will allow them to progress into future HPYS clinics and local 29er regattas.

2024 Junior Summer Sailing Class Schedule

Morning Classes (8:30 - 12:00 Mon-Fri)

SEA URCHINS (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 10 - 21 $695 / $795
Session II June 24 - July 3 $555 / $635
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $625 / $715
Session IV July 22 - 26 $350 / $400
BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE SABOTS (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 10 - 21 $625 / $690
Session II June 24 - July 3 $500 / $550
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $565 / $620
Session IV July 22 - 26 $315 / $345
C420 SAILING: SPINNAKER & TRAPEZE LESSONS (morning)
Session Dates Price
Session I June 10 - 21 $595 / $680
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $535 / $610
NOVICE DOUBLEHANDED SAILING (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 10 - 21 $595 / $680
Session II June 24 - July 3 $475 / $545
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $535 / $610
Session IV July 22 - 26 $300 / $340
LASER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (morning)
Sessions Dates Price
Session II June 24 - July 3 $475 / $540
Session IV July 22 - 26 $300 / $335

Afternoon Classes (1:00 - 4:30 Mon-Fri)

PRE-C3 SABOTS: LEARN TO RACE (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 10 - 21 $575 / $680
Session II June 24 - July 3 $460 / $545
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $515 / $610
Session IV July 22 - 26 $290 / $340
SABOT RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week I June 10 - 14 $275 / $325
Week II June 17 - 21 $275 / $325
Week III June 24 - 28 $275 / $325
Week IV July 1 - 3 $165 / $195
Week V July 8 - 12 $275 / $325
Week VI July 15 - 18 $220 / $260
Week VII July 22 - 26 $275 / $325
Nationals Coaching Only July 29 - August 1 $220 / $260
ADVENTURE SAILING (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 10 - 21 $595 / $680
Session II June 24 - July 3 $475 / $545
Session III July 8 - 18 (no July 19) $535 / $610
Session IV July 22 - 26 $300 / $340
C420 RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Regular)
Week III June 24 - 28 $275 / $325
Week V (C420) July 8 - 12 $275 / $325
SDAYC ILCA RACING CO-OP (1:00PM - 6:00PM)
Session Dates Price
TBA TBA TBA

2024 Registration Dates and Policies

  • Early Member Registration- Wed, March 6 at 1200 PDT. SDYC members receive exclusive early access to registration and discounted early-bird pricing (membership number required). SDYC Member prices apply to SDYC Members’ Children, Grandchildren, and Junior Members ONLY.
  • Open Registration / Regular Pricing - Wed, March 20 at 1200 PDT, Non-Members welcome!
  • CREATE A CLUBSPOT ACCOUNT
    We strongly recommend that you create an account on Clubspot BEFORE registration opens to save time and ensure a smooth registration process. Click here for additional instructions on how to set up your Clubspot account. 
  • CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES
    Email juniors@sdyc.org. Changes to registrations will be accommodated based on availability.
  • REFUND POLICY
    Cancellations prior to May 1, 2024 shall be granted a full refund, less all credit card processing fees. Cancellations on or after May 1 shall be granted a refund, with a $50 service charge. Cancellations on or after May 15 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made after June 1 shall not receive a refund. Thank you.
  • MEMBER CHARGES will be posted on your June 1st statement for all registrations made prior to May 15th. 
  • RACE TEAM BULK DISCOUNTS: Racers who sign up for 5 or more weeks will receive a 10% discount at checkout. Eligible classes include the Sabot Race Team, Sears Cup Campaign, and C420 Race Team (ILCA Co-Op is not eligible for discounts). The "E-Ticket" program is not available for Summer 2024. 

Tuesday Family Nights

Summer Tuesdays, 6:00 PM

Every Tuesday during the Summer Program we hold a Family Night Dinner in the Pavilion (by the pool) at 6:00pm. All participants are encouraged to attend these fun BYO social events. This is also a great chance to meet your child's instructors by signing up to host one or more for each Family Night.

Equipment Checklist

One of sailing's greatest lessons is learning the importance of being prepared and keeping checklists. Please review the recommended list below and make sure to label all that nice gear with your name!

PFD (lifejacket)
US Coast Guard Approved, Type III. Brands like Extrasport and Gill are the most popular and comfortable. Fit is important, so please choose the
appropriate size for THIS summer.


Sunscreen
Every sailor must have their own tube. The more protection the better. Ideally choose a waterproof variety that won’t hurt the eyes.


Hat
Even better sun protection.


Sunglasses
Important protection for the only eyes you have!


Bailer
"Every sailor brings a bailer" which can easily be fashioned by cutting the bottom off of a big OJ or laundry soap jug.


Waterproof Watch
With a countdown function for racing sailors.


Change of Clothes
Besides wearing clothes to get wet in, every sailor should have extra dry duds and a towel.


Water
Staying hydrated is imporant for a safe, fun, learning experience!


Lunch / Money
Please bring one or the other if you'll be here over the lunch break. SDYC's Snack Bar is famous for its great lunch! Unfortunately, we cannot offer refrigeration.


Good Attitude
Well rested, well fed, happy, and ready to HAVE FUN!
 

Participation Requirements

Every sailor will be required to:

  • Pass a relatively easy swim test on the first day of each session.
  • Wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering basic questions about the program from what to bring, rules on parent involvment, swim requirements, etc.

View Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Boat Descriptions

The Sabot is an 8 foot, kid-sized individual dinghy that is easy to manage and fun to sail. Sailor Weight range: 60-135 lbs. SDYC owns 26 Club Sabots that serve or beginner classes and are perfect for newer racers. Active racers generally own their own Sabot.

The CFJ (Club Flying Junior) is the high school doublehanded dinghy of choice. Can be sailed with or without a spinnaker. Weight range: 220-300 lbs combined. SDYC took delivery of 24 brand new CFJs from Zim Sailing in 2017!

The Laser is a fun, single-handed racing dinghy, and is the most internationally popular boat we sail. Weight range: 125-160 (Radial), 160-185 (Full). Teenagers are very encouraged to include Laser sailing in their path, however the competitive standard for equipment in typical Laser racing requires that sailors own their own boat.

Advanced sailors can learn to sail with a spinnaker and trapeze in the double-handed C420. Weight range: 220-300 combined.