Support Us

2021 Juniors Sailing Lessons

Sailing lesson registration is here! The following is the current information for 2021 sailing lessons. Please read carefully, and reach out to Rena Fischer (junior.advisor@ssyc.org or 414-759-7993) if you have any questions!

At this time, we are unsure what COVID-19 protocols will be required. Please be patient as it's difficult to predict where this situation will be in a few months. More information will be posted here when we have it in hand.

Sailing Lessons Dates & Daily Schedule 2021:
  • Week of Set-up: June 5-13 (volunteers are appreciated)
  • First Day of Classes: Monday, June 14
  • Kaszube Cup: July 12-14 (All sailors race and/or volunteer - parent volunteers are always welcomed as well!)
  • Week off: No lessons July 19-23
  • Turkey Cup/Last Day of Classes: Friday, August 13
  • Week of cleanup: August 14-22 (volunteers are appreciated!)

Recommended sailor age ranges for lessons: (some exceptions can be made based on experience)
  • Beginner: For the novice or smaller child, ages 8-10
  • Intermediate Optis: A more athletic style of sailing, ages 9-13
  • Intermediate 420s: For the older novice or experienced youth who has grown out of the Opti, ages 13-16
  • Advanced: For experienced youth sailors, who just can't seem to get off the water, ages 9-18

Schedule:
Noteworthy items:
  • Lessons are first come, first served. We are limited by the number of boats in the fleet. If a class is full, we are happy to work with you to put your sailor in a different class or on a waiting list.
  • Masks and social distancing are required on SSYC grounds and in any of the buildings.
  • Additional COVID-19 protocols are not yet known for summer. We will update as more information is known.
  • Advanced students are encouraged to arrive to class early for small group workouts.
  • Students may have the opportunity to stay after class for Sail & Boat Maintenance classes.
  • Advanced students are encouraged to race on 'Big Boats' in the evenings.
  • Registration and fees must be complete one month prior to the first day of class.
  • SSYC Juniors Membership is required in order to take lessons. Register for the $40 membership by clicking here.

​Four Levels Offered

Classes run for eight weeks, this year starting June 14th and ending August 13th. While centered on sailing skills, the program is geared more broadly to building confidence, promoting teamwork and teaching lessons in good sportsmanship.

​The Junior Advisor and sailing instructors can help to place kids in the right class. There are 4 levels of class taught.
  • Beginner class is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings or afternoons.
  • Intermediate Opti class is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. 
  • Intermediate 420 class is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
  • Advanced class is all day on Tuesday and Thursdays. 
Required Gear
  • PFD (life jacket- coastguard approved Type III)
  • Whistle
  • Shoes - closed toe water/sailing shoes
  • Water (in portable, unbreakable water bottle)
  • Quick drying shorts/swim suit
  • Sunscreen
Recommended Gear
  • Hat or visor
  • Sunglasses
  • Sailing gloves
  • Windbreaker/rain coat/spray jacket
  • Extra set of dry clothes
  • Waterproof watch with countdown timer (requirement for advanced students)
Beginner
This class is for children with little or no sailing experience. Three-hour classes meet three times a week in the junior clubhouse and on the water. All students must pass a swim test and demonstrate a comfort level in and around the water. The course teaches sailing fundamentals, nautical terminology, knot tying, basic dinghy rigging and how to understand the nuances of wind speed and direction.

Intermediate Optis
This course provides a smooth transition from beginner optis to advanced racing optis. The class will meet three times a week. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of how to rig, sail, and race a racing opti. The class focuses on specifics and tactical aspects of the boat so students are prepared to transition into an advanced racing opti class the following year. 

Intermediate 420's
This class is for graduates of beginner training as well as students who grow out of advanced racing optis. The course meets three times a week for three hours. Students will learn the fundamentals and tactics of a 420. They will learn to become comfortable as both a skipper and a crew and most importantly how to work as a team. 

Advanced
Open only to students who have completed both the beginners and either the Opti or 420 intermediate class. Class meets twice a week for seven-hour sessions on and off the water. The boats sailed within this course are Racing Optis, 420s, and Lasers. This track teaches detailed technique for championship competition.