Program Overview
Check back for 2025 Fall Sailing details. Information below is from the 2024 programs.
Cancelations outside of 7 days before the first scheduled day of class shall be granted a full refund, less a $50 service charge. Cancelations within 7 days of the first scheduled day of that class shall receive a 50% refund. Once a class starts, no refunds available.
If you have a conflict between desired racing classes, please email the Junior Sailing Director at [email protected] to discuss appropriate credits/refunds. Sailors are welcome to switch between racing classes that are scheduled on the same day with advanced notice.
Students enrolled in Sport programs will have access to coaching at any SDAYC / local regatta and any out-of-town SCYYRA regatta w/ five or more SDYC sailors registered to attend.
Sailors not enrolled in any SDYC Junior Sailing program classes may pay a $25 fee per day to support the cost of providing a coach.
If you are willing to tow a coach boat, your sailor will be automatically be allocated a spot on the trailer. Thereafter, the SDYC trailer will be reserved for SDYC member sailors attending regattas. Should there be an available spot for a nonmember sailor it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
All sailors are responsible for loading and unloading their own boats. In order to keep the trailers in shape and ready for the next travel event as soon as possible, all boats need to be unloaded at SDYC within 72 hours after arrival back at SDYC. If a sailor cannot do so themselves, or arrange help to unload, a fee of $20 for staff to unload may be assessed.
Boat insurance is strongly advised. SDYC is not liable for any damage incurred during loading/ unloading or transport. Please see the program waiver for details.
Towing Volunteer & Assignment Sheet
Parents who tow a trailer will automatically be allocated a spot on the trailer. Thereafter, the SDYC trailer space will be reserved on a first come, first served basis for SDYC member sailors who are registered for regattas. Should there be an available spot for a nonmember sailor it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
All sailors are responsible for loading and unloading their own boats. In order to keep the trailers in shape and ready for the next travel event as soon as possible, all boats need to be unloaded at SDYC within 72 hours after arrival back at SDYC. If a sailor cannot do so themselves, or arrange help to unload, a fee of $20 for staff to unload may be assessed.
Boat insurance is strongly advised. SDYC is not liable for any damage incurred during loading/ unloading or transport. Please see the program waiver for details.
Non Racing Classes
Non-Racing Classes
Wednesday Double-Handed Sailing Classes
- September 18 – November 20 (10 Sessions)
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- Classes will end at 5:45 PM after Nov 3rd for Standard Time.
- 10 sailors max
- Entry Fee: $495 Member / $580 Non-Member
This class is ideal for sailors who are new to double-handed sailing or want to continue working on their fundamentals in a CFJ. It is a great option for some of our experienced sabot racers, graduates from a summer or fall double-handed class, or older kids that are new to the sport. This class will focus on rigging, teamwork, the basics of boat handling, and introduce sailors to racing in CFJs.
- September 18 – November 20 (10 Sessions)
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- Classes will end at 5:45 PM after Nov 3rd for Standard Time.
- 12 sailors max
- Entry Fee: $495 Member / $580 Non-Member
This group is ideal for sailors who plan on building towards racing in a C420. They will be practicing spinnaker sailing and learning to use a trapeze harness. Sailors will be working on boat handling and teamwork as they strive to master these new skills. Sailors must have prior experience sailing, either in Sabots (C1 and up), or have demonstrated competency in the Intro to Double Handed Class.
Thursday Sabot Sailing Classes
- September 19 – October 31 (7 Sessions)
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- 8 sailors max
- Two Coaches
- Entry Fee: $495 Member / $580 Non-Member
- If your sailor is confirmed for Beginning Sabots and Sea Urchins, you will be asked to pick ONLY ONE of these classes, so long as there is a waiting list for these classes.
This class is ideal for new sailors that have little to no experience. They will be learning the fundamentals of sailing in a sabot including rigging, understanding wind direction, launching and docking, points of sail, and will be building comfort and competency on the water.
- September 19 – October 31 (7 Sessions)
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- 8 sailors max
- Two Coaches
- Entry Fee: $495 Member / $580 Non-Member
The Intermediate Sabot Sailing class is reserved for sailors that have already taken Beginning Sabots and have demonstrated comfort with the fundamentals of sailing. This class will build on skills developed in beginning sabots with focus on upwind sailing, boat handling, and aims to prepare sailors for the pre-C3 class where they will learn to race.
Friday Sabot Classes
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- Ages 6 to 8
- 8 sailors max.
- If your sailor is confirmed for Beginning Sabots and Sea Urchins, you will be asked to pick ONLY ONE of these classes, so long as there is a waiting list for these classes.
Two Sessions available:
- September 27th – October 11th (3 sessions)
- October 18th – November 1st (3 sessions)
Entry Fee: $190 Member / $225 Non-Member
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.
Race Team Practices
Sabot Race Team
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- Classes will end at 5:45 PM after Nov 3rd for Standard Time.
- 10 Sessions
- Entry Fee: $495 Member / $580 Non-Member
- Noon to 4:00 PM
- 5 Sessions
- No classes at SDYC during Sabot regattas on the following dates: Sept 9th, Sept 23rd, Oct 5th, Nov 2nd
- Entry Fee: $360 Member / $415 Non-Member
Sabot Racing practices are open to sailors from C3 to A fleet. The goal of this course is to develop confident and successful sailors in the sport. The curriculum will include technical boat setup, boat handling, starting strategies, upwind/downwind tactics, and some rules study. Sailors will be divided into groups based on their fleet status where these topics will be tailored to each skill level. Privately owned boats are not required but are strongly encouraged.
A-C1: This group will expand on the Summer Program curriculum, including tactics, strategy, team racing, and FUN.
C3/C2: This group will continue working on boat handling skills and the fundamentals of fleet racing.
Due to the impact of the Star World Championship Regatta, Junior Program activities at SDYC will be substantially reduced. Thanks to the hospitality of our neighbors at Southwestern Yacht Club, we will have the opportunity to hold two sabot practices out of their facility in preparation for the Fall Gold Cup Regatta at NHYC.
These practices will be limited exclusively to the sailors who are registered to compete at the Fall Gold Cup Regatta. Sailors who are not registered for the regatta by 9/3/2024 will not be allowed to participate in this practice.
Sailors attending the Fall Gold Cup Regatta MUST have prior travel regatta experience.
Tuesday, September 3rd
- 3:45pm – 4:15pm: Rig, meet, and launch at SDYC.
- Practice in La Playa
- Pull out boats at Southwestern YC and debrief.
- Sabots will be stored at Southwestern YC on our trailers serving as temporary racks to minimize our footprint in their boat yard as guests.
- Trailers will need to be towed to SWYC before 5:30pm with dollies so that they can be used as racks after practice.
Friday, September 6th
- 3:45pm – 6:30pm: This practice will be entirely based out of SWYC.
- Sailors will return to SWYC after sailing and load their boats onto trailer to prepare for travel up to NHYC for the Fall Gold Cup on Sept 7-8.
- Tuesdays, September 17 - October 29
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- 4:15 PM First Start
- Register through the Clubspot for each event.
- FREE to sailors who are already registered in another Junior Program course.
- A $15 late fee will be assessed to sailors who register within 24 hours of the start time.
- Not registered in other Jr Program Classes? Coaching fees are $30 with 24 hours of notice, and $50 within 24 hours.
La Playa Series Sabot Races are afternoon race events held in the La Playa anchorage between SDYC and SWYC. The races are open to all San Diego Area Junior Sailors in A-C3 fleets. These events are great first regattas for new racers and are still great practice for experienced Sabot racers in higher fleets.
#1 – Sept 17#2 – Oct 1
#3 – Oct 15
#4 – Oct 22
#5 – Oct 29
Laser Development & Racing Programs
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
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Three training sessions available:
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#1 – SDAYC Luff-In at SWYC Training Session – Entry Fee: $120 members / $155 non-members
- Sept 17, Sept 24, Oct 1 – Regatta Oct 5
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#2 – Junior Commodore’s Regatta & SCYYRA Ullman/Frost at MBYC Training Session – Entry Fee: $160 members / $200 non-members
- Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29 – Regatta Nov 2 & 3
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#3 – SDAYC Luff-In at CYC Training Session – Entry Fee: $60 members / $76 non-members
- Nov 5, Nov 12 – Regatta Nov 16
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#1 – SDAYC Luff-In at SWYC Training Session – Entry Fee: $120 members / $155 non-members
- Register for all three sessions and pay a discounted rate of $300 for members / $390 for non-members.
- Coach Emma Asturias
Laser Race Team practices will prepare sailors for three local regattas this Fall. Whether you are just getting started with Laser racing or have previous experience and want to improve your skills, these practices will set you up for success!
Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at [email protected] to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have previous racing experience
- Ages 12+
- Experience in Laser Development Program (or equivalent) is recommended.
This course is 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!
Schedule: TBA
Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at [email protected] to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
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.
Double Handed Race Team
- 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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Mondays: September 16th - November 18th
- Entry Fees: $495 Members / $580 Non-Members
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Thursdays: September 19th - November 21st
- Entry Fees: $495 Members / $580 Non-Members
- Coaches Steve Hunt, Carter Cameron, and star guest coaches.
- Registration for each day is capped at 10 sailors per day.
- 3:45 PM - 6:30 PM
- Tuesdays, September 17th - October 29th
- Entry Fees: $370 Members / $430 Non-Members
Sailors will be guided by experienced and passionate instructors who will provide hands-on instruction to give you a comprehensive understanding of the 29er. 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.
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
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Fridays, September 20th - November 1st
- Entry Fees: $370 Members / $430 Non-Members
Loaner HPYS 29ers with practice sails will be available on a limited basis for an additional $100/session.
Sailors can sign up solo but one coaching goal will be to form teams to train for and sail in the following regattas:
- SDYC Junior Invitational & SCYYRA Hamlin #1
- SDAYC Luff-In Regatta #3 at SWYC
- StFYC Fall Dinghy
- SDAYC Luff-In Regatta #4 at CYC
- ABYC Turkey Day Regatta, SCYYRA Hamlin #2, & 29er PCC.
Sailors should augment their weekly training sessions with HPYS Clinics at SDYC.
This class is ideal for sailors who…
- Have experience in the C420 class and want to warm up with other boats before the regatta.
- Practice with a high school team but want to practice their boat handling with a spinnaker and trapeze before the regatta.
- Who have met the eligibility criteria, have demonstrated competency in double handed boats, and want to improve their competitive standing.
More training dates TBA…
The SDYC Doublehanded Race Team will be working primarily in CFJs, C420s and 29ers. The goal of this class is to prepare doublehanded teams for local SDAYC events, SCYYRA Series events, high school sailing, and select US Sailing events. Charter fees and coaching for regattas are included in the class entry fee.
