Summer Sailing

Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced classes will be held at the St. Croix Yacht Club for youth ages 5 to 18 during the Summer Months. All Classes will be taught by U.S. Sailing Certified Instructors. Non-members are welcome, scholarships are available. Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Appropriate deposit must accompany application for each session being reserved. Spaces are limited. Sign up as soon as possible.

Student requirements are:

• Able to swim 50 yards and pass a swim test.
• Provide a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with a plastic whistle attached.
• Sailing gloves and sunglasses are recommended for all courses
• Closed toe shoes are mandatory for all courses
• This program is a graduated program. We recommend that each sailor go through the designed progression of the program, for each class of boat. Every child is different and our instructors will assess your child’s skill and comfort with the level at which he/she is sailing. Instructors may recommend that some students may need to repeat one of the classes if they have not successfully mastered each skill required in that class.

Our program strives to create a fun and safe environment where kids can learn and come to love the sport of sailing. We emphasize the importance of team work, respect, and safety in daily lessons. Our number one goal is to pass on our passion for the sport to the next generation of St. Croix Sailors.

Registration form COMING SOON!
Summer Sailing Scholarship form COMING SOON!

For employment application, click COMING SOON!
Volunteer application, click COMING SOON!

Summer Sailing Class Descriptions

Little Mariners          

Entry-level students 5 and older will begin sailing in the Rhodes 19 and Optimist Pram. This class is one week, designed for kids who have little to no sailing or boating experience.  We will teach them the fundamentals of living and playing safely near the water.  Boat handling, rowing, and swim strengthening skills will be taught. The foundation of each lesson will be water & boat safety along with an overall understanding of the powerful mother ocean. This class covers safety, rigging, basic boat handling, and knots. Sailors can advance to the Sea Squirts program or Optimist 1 at age 8.

 Sea Squirts         

An extension of the little Mariners Program, entry-level students 5 and older will have the opportunity to expand on their knowledge of the Rhodes 19 and Optimist Pram through a 3 week program. In this part of the course they will learn how the wind affects the boat as well as how to steer.  A basic understanding of points of sail and weather will also be covered. Objectives of this class include; Knot tying, nautical terminology, sail trim, and of course FUN! Sailors can advance to the Optimist 1 program at age 8.

 Optimist 1                    

The 8 foot optimist is the international standard in youth sail training. The “Opti” is specifically designed for junior sailors under 120lbs in weight. This class is designed to take the beginner sailor or experienced Little Mariner, and make them confident and comfortable sailing the optimist pram on their own. This three week session will cover rigging, knot tying, steering, basic boat handling, and nautical terminology. Sailors can advance to the Optimist 2 course or Sail Adventure.

Optimist 2                      

A continuation of the Optimist 1 course or other SCYC Optimist Pram Introductory course. This course fine-tunes the basic boat-handling skills gained in Optimist 1. An emphasis on points of sail, proper sail trim, and seamanship will fast track these sailors for long term success in the Optimist Pram. Sailors will be introduced to the basics of racing and navigation, catering to each individuals’ goals within the sport of sailing. Sailors can advance to the Optimist 3 course or Sail Adventure.

Optimist 3

Building on experience, skill, and course material from the SCYC Optimist Pram Introductory course, the Optimist 3 course is designed to take our sailors to the next level of sailing. An emphasis on boat-handling, sail controls, and beginner racing strategy will prepare these optimist sailors for the fun world of racing. Not interested in racing? This course will also focus on bettering the sailors’ ability to sail in heavy winds and varying conditions. Completion of this course leaves sailors eager and ready for our Fall One Design Series and other locally held Optimist regatta’s. Sailors can advance to the Optimist Race Team, Sunfish Introductory course, or Sail Adventure.

Optimist Race Team

The Optimist Race Team is designed to take our optimist sailors to the next level. This class will be tailored to each individual child’s level, with an emphasis on learning about sail trim, tactics, racing rules and racing strategy. Practices will be filled with fun games, drills, and exercises, strengthening the knowledge they already have while introducing them to new and exciting skills.  With coaching tools like video review and feed-back these sailors will have gain a perspective for their personal strengths and weaknesses on the water. Sailors will be prepped and encourage to participate in up-coming local regattas in St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. Participation in these events is NOT mandatory for participation in class. ALL sailors looking to gain a competitive view on sailing are encouraged to join us!

Sail Adventure              

Open to all sailors who are ready to use their sailing knowledge to do something new and exciting! In Sail Adventure sailors will get experience on a number of different types of vessels bettering their understanding of the sport as a whole. The course is structured to include sailing during one half of the day, and fun water activities during the other half. Sailors will be exposed to boats large and small and learn how to work as a team to accomplish day to day goals. Activities will include “How to make a water scope”, fishing, snorkeling, paddling, guest speakers and much much more! If your sailor is ready for a new and exciting experience, then Sail Adventure is the course for them! Material in this course will vary based on overall class sailing experience and age. This course is designed as an addition to our program but not as a direct part of the class progression. Sailors are encouraged to follow the course guideline when choosing a class to follow Sail Adventure.

Sunfish               

Attractive to novice and experienced sailors alike, this self bailing boat natural progression from the Optimist Pram. In the Sunfish Introduction course, sailors will learn the in’s and out’s of how to rig the Sunfish. A review of points of sail and steering will expand our young sailors’ knowledge beyond the Optimist and into the world of bigger boats. With a larger sail area, and a boat conducive to 2, participants will be exposed to the positions of Captain and Crew. In the Sunfish Intermediate course, sailors will build on their racing knowledge and continue to work on executing, starts and understanding the race course strategy. After completing this course, SCYC has seen its sailors go as far as youth Olympics! From Sunfish Introduction, sailors advance to Sunfish Intermediate, Club 420 Introduction, or Sail Adventure. From Sunfish Intermediate sailors may move into the 420 beginner and race course.

Club 420             

The standard in High School and Collegiate Racing, this 2-person boat is used as a high level racing boat with trapeze and spinnaker. The SCYC Club 420 Introduction course will focus on transitioning sailors into a faster, more technical sailing vessel. Focus on rigging, and boat-handling will dominate most of the 3 week introduction course. Sailors will have the opportunity to try out the position of “Skipper” and “Crew” and develop a comfort for both. Spinnaker will be introduced based on class skill level, and weather conditions. Completion of this course allows for sailors to join the High School Sailing Team upon entering 8^th grade. The Club 420 Racing session will focus on the finer points of boat-handling, race strategy, starts, and the use of the trapeze and spinnaker. This racing session is perfect for the new high school sailor who wants to further develop their 420 skills, or experienced racers just looking for more water time. Summer offers the opportunity for High School sailors to gain more experience in “Trap & Chute” and possibly travel to state-side junior sailing events.During our 3 weeks, we will continue to develop racing experience, and team building. An emphasis on competitive development will be the base for each lesson. Regatta attendance in the Fall and Spring will be encouraged.

**Exceptions to Age, Weight, Height, and Experience for any course will be made on a sailor to sailor basis by the Program Director**