Jr. Sailing
Our Junior Sailing program is a full day program, Monday thru Friday from 9:30am-12pm and 1pm to 4:30pm. The program is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced sailors.
Sea Cliff Yacht Club is a member of the Junior Racing Association of Long Island Sound and boasts an extensive co-ed Junior Sailing Program. All children must meet the requirements for swimming abilities required by the Junior Sailing Program.
Participants enjoy year round regattas and social events with yacht clubs throughout the Sound. The program has a sterling reputation. In August, there will be an awards dinner for sailors and their families.
It is the mission of the SCYC Junior Sailing Program to create a safe and fun learning environment for all junior sailors. Our goal is to instill a love and appreciation for the sport of sailing by encouraging youthful members to experience the joys of both competitive and recreational sailing. By teaching essential elements like boat handling, seamanship, and racing our junior sailors will be taught to respect the sea and learn the values of teamwork. Provided with the highest level of instruction the SCYC Junior Sailing Program will foster an environment that promotes cooperative learning, and good sportsmanship. All SCYC Instructors are required to be certified in US Sailing, CPR, First Aid, and have a current NYS power boat certification.
Boat Descriptions
Optimist Class
The Optimist has become the beginner’s boat of choice for junior sailors aged 8 to 15. The boat is small enough to be carried easily by a young sailor, while offering all the features needed to teach sailing skills at an advanced level.
Laser Class
Lasers are for the accomplished Blue Jay sailor who has a solid understanding of sailing and wants to increase his/her boat handling and racing skill set. A Laser sailor must be at least 13 years old and at least 115 pounds to sail a laser.
Blue Jay/Pixel
This class is often the next step for a sailor moving up from the optimist class. It is designed for both novices and, more particularly, for those sailors who have mastered the basics of sailing and desire to sail in a crewed boat. Blue Jay Sailor must be 12 years of age.
420 Class
420’s are for the accomplished Opti and Blue Jay graduates who would like to expand their skill set by using the high performance Club 420. A Club 420 sailor must be at least 13 years old. Club 420’s are sailed as a two or three person crew, the helms-person and crew must weigh a minimum of 220 pounds.
Boat/Locker Rental
All sailors are required to have a boat to participate in the Jr. Sailing Program. If you don’t have a boat the Club will provide contact information for a local company that will rent you a boat for the summer. We also offer lockers for rental. Please contact the office prior to the start of Junior Sailing if your child requires a locker or a boat storage permit.
Lunch
No need to bring lunch. We offer lunch daily for purchase from the Pool Side Snack Bar. Sailors will have a variety of lunch items to choose from.
Registration/Discounts
Registration is taken on a first come first serve basis. There is limited enrollment, so we urge you to register early. A discount applies for each additional child of same immediate family in the same program.
Medical Form/Waiver
Waiver MUST be completed online at JSALIS.ORG prior to the start of Junior Sailing Program. Any child who does not have the waiver filled out will not be permitted to sail.
Payments/Fees
Registration is taken on a first come first serve basis. There is limited enrollment, so we urge you to register early. Discount applies for each additional child of same immediate family in the same program. There will be no refunds given for vacation or medical absence. Rate will increase if not enrolled prior to April 15th. Payment in full is due at registration.
Please call the office for additional registration information.
Program Dates- June 27th-August 12th, 2022
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!
Additional useful links for those interested in Junior Sailing:
Junior Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound
International Optimist Dinghy Association
International Blue Jay Class Association