The SDYC Junior Program is looking forward to an amazing Summer Program in 2025.
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, CFJs, J/22s and 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!
Look for registration to open in the Spring.
Program Overview
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.
- Please review the individual requirements for each class (age, experience, etc).
Answering basic questions about the program from what to bring, rules on parent involvement, swim requirements, etc.
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 [email protected]. 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 on or 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.
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.
Class Descriptions
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
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
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 |
| 29er DEVELOPMENT TEAM (afternoon) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Dates | Price (Early/Reg) |
| Week II | June 17 - 21 | $275 / $325 |
| Week IV | July 1 - 3 | $165 / $195 |
| 29er RACE TEAM (afternoon) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Dates | Price (Early/Regular) |
| Week V | July 8 - 12 | $275 / $325 |
| Week VI | July 15 - 18 | $220 / $260 |
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!
Summer Boat Descriptions
SABOT
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.
CFJ
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!
LASER
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.
C420
Advanced sailors can learn to sail with a spinnaker and trapeze in the double-handed C420. Weight range: 220-300 combined.
29er
Our most advanced double-handed sailors race the international 29er, a super-fast, planning skiff with a spinnaker and trapeze. Weight range: 220 - 320 combined.
