Junior Sailing Instruction

Junior Sailing Instruction

Winter Sailing Practice:  Weekends starting December 9th, 2023 weather dependent.
Week 1:  June 24 - 28, 2024
Week 2:  July 1 - 5, 2024  *No class July 4th
Week 3:  July 8 - 12, 2024
Week 4:  July 15 - 19, 2024
Week 5:  July 22 - 26, 2024
Week 6:  July 29 - August 3, 2024
Week 7:  August 5 - 10, 2024

Click Here to Register

The Rochester Yacht Club offers a unique opportunity to the local community. We are home to Western New York’s largest summer sailing camp. RYC offers seven full weeks of class for ages 6-18, from our learn to sail programs, adventure sailing classes, to our race teams that travel around NYS and the Mid-Atlantic competing. All of our instructors are US Sailing Certified, they also have Heads Up Concussion training, Safe Sport, and are certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. We hope you will join us this summer for some fun in the sun and learn to sail at RYC. We look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!

Parent Volunteer Sheet

Wondering what to bring to sailing camp?  Click Here!

Need help with class selections? Please contact:
Travis Odenbach
Sailing Director
[email protected]
(585)342-5511x141

Junior Sailing Instruction Accordion

Half Day Programs

Dinghy Demons (ages 6-8)

Monday - Friday | 9am - 12pm
The Dinghy Demon class experience is designed to help each young sailor have a great time and feel comfortable on the water, with close and supportive instructor involvement. Instruction includes on-the-water sailing in an Optimist dinghy with an instructor either on board or close alongside. This program also includes shore-based boating related activities. Each day’s class includes a 30 minute swim lesson in the RYC pool with Red Cross certified Swimming Instructors.

Cost: Non Member $265
RYC Member $200
Register for Dinghy Demons

Full Day Programs

Beginner Optimist (Ages 8 -12)

Monday – Friday | 9am - 4pm
This course is geared toward fun and learning! We will teach the basics of rigging an Optimist, basic boat handling and sailing fundamentals, as well as seamanship, sportsmanship, and water safety. Instruction is done in Optimists with two sailors per boat.

Cost: Non Member $385
Member $315
Register for Beginner Optimist

Adventure Sailing (Ages 10-14)

Monday – Friday | 9am - 4pm
Our adventure program is designed for the sailors who love sailing and want to be on the water, but aren't necessarily interested in learning how to race. This class will include fun and safe activities on the water. The participants of this class will learn to skipper/steer different types of boats, learn to tie many different knots, rig and derig their own boats, and be able to dock. Activities may include long distance sailing, swimming, eating on the water, and fun sailing activities. Adventure Sailing includes sailing several different types of boats including; 420s, Ideal 18's, and O’Pen Bics. The class may include sailing trips to local points of interest.  

Cost: Non Member $385
Member $315
Register for Adventure Sailing

Learn to Sail  420 (Ages 12 - 15)

Monday – Friday | 9am - 4pm
This course is for older sailors who are new to sailing, or younger sailors with some experience but who are new to the 420. Course includes basics of rigging a 420, basic boat handling, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), sportsmanship, and water safety.

Cost: Non Member $385
Member $315
Register for Learn to Sail 420

Intermediate 420 (Ages 12 - 15)

Monday – Friday | 9am - 4pm
Our Intermediate 420 class provides the next level class for older and/or more physically mature students interested in learning the basics of sailing. Using double handed club 420s, students learn rigging, basic boat handling, and seamanship (knots, weather, ect.), and water safety. This course is designed as a way for newer sailors to learn at a comfortable pace with expert instruction in a team-oriented environment. Skills covered in the program provide the foundation for students to be able to move into the 420 racing program.

Cost:  Non-Members $385
Members:  $315
Register for Intermediate 420

Reach (STEM) Programs

REACH Sailing Program (STEM Education) (Age - Middle School)

Monday - Friday | 9am-4pm
This program’s goal is to foster an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through the sport of sailing. Sailing is the perfect medium to teach topics such as; physics, marine biology, weather, technology and more! We provide hands on learning opportunities in a natural learning environment both on and off the water. Students will use scientific tools to collect and analyze data in local watersheds while learning how to sail!

Cost: Non Member $355
Member $305
What is REACH? Check out this video!

Register for REACH

Race Team Programs

Green Fleet Optimist Race Team

Monday - Friday | 9am - 4pm
Green Fleet racing is widely known for having great success offering students to learn how to race without the pressure! This course is designed to introduce racing Optimists as well as to have a lot of fun! Coaches will cover all aspects of racing both on and off the water; including an introduction to boat handling, equipment, tactics, and strategy. Sailors will have the option of traveling to regattas with a focus on local Great Lake events but can travel further as well.

Prerequisites: Under 15 years old and has completed Intermediate Optimist Course or equivalent. Boat ownership is encouraged but not required as club boats are limited.

Cost: Non Member $385
Member $315
Register for Green Fleet Optimist Race Team

Red/White/Blue Travel Optimist Race Team

Monday- Friday | 9am - 4pm
Sailors on the Red, White and Blue Optimist Race Team will refine their racing skills and represent RYC in local interclub regattas and possibly other regattas around the country. This team will constantly refine racing skills, strategy and advanced boat handling.

Prerequisites: Under 15 years old with coach approval. Boat ownership is encouraged but not required as club boats are limited.

Cost: Non Member $450 weekly or $2900 season
Member $350 weekly or $2500 season
Register for Red/White Blue Travel Optimist Race Team

420 Travel Race Team

Two week sessions Monday- Friday | 9am - 4pm
The 420 Travel Race Team will work to perfect advanced boat handling, tactics, and racing strategy. The Race Team will travel to local and national events around the country representing the Rochester Yacht Club. Sailors will be expected to commit to the whole summer including many weekends traveling. On most days, racers will stay out on the water all day (yes even lunch) with a dedicated race team coach!

Cost: Non Member $900 bi-weekly or $2900 season
Member: $700 bi-weekly or $2500 season
Prerequisites: Coach approval

Register for 420 Travel Race Team
Schedule a Try Out

Laser Travel Race Team

Monday-Friday | 9am-4pm
The Laser race team will work on refining boat handling skills, tactics, and strategy. This team’s goal will be to travel to local and possibly national events around the country representing RYC. Sailors will be expected to have their own boat. Sailors will be expected to spend all day on the water with a dedicated race team coach!
Prerequisites: Coach approval and own boat

Cost: Non Member $400 weekly or $2500 season
Member $300 weekly or $2125 season
Register for Laser Travel Race Team