Junior Sailing



The Sea Cliff Yacht Club  is a member of the Junior Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound and boasts an extensive coed Junior Sailing Program that takes place during the summer months.  The program is open to the children of Members and offers training to beginners, intermediate and advanced sailors ages ranging from 8 to 17 years old.  It is designed to be a full day program, Monday through Friday from 9 am-4:30 pm.  The goal of the program is to instruct young sailors in the fundamentals of sailing while encouraging friendly competition, good sportmanship, and general camaraderie.  The age requirement for the children is determined by the recommendations given by the Junior Sailing Association.  In order to participate, all children must meet the requirements for the swimming ability as required by the Junior Sailing Program.

Children in the program ages 8 thourgh 12 begin sailing in the popular Optimist Dinghy Class.  As they hone their skills, they have the ability to participate in many of the area's Optimist Regattas in competition for trophies.   After graduation from this starter class, young sailors can then chose to move on to multi crew class boats including the Blue Jay, C420,  Pixel, or to sail individually on Laser Class boats.  Additionally, the Club has developed The Big Boat Program for any older sailors that wish to move into the next step of sailing, by allowing them the experience to sail on larger class vessels under the guidance of adult instruction. 
 
A cadre of instructors is employed to teach basic sailing techniques and advanced competitive racing in Optimist, Blue Jay and Laser classes.  The atmosphere is one of learning with an emphasis on fun.  General instruction takes place at the Clubhouse and just offshore in Hempstead Harbor. 

The Junior Sailing Program will also include off site trips (additional charge) to other venues for additional workshops, and to compete in area Regattas.  There is the option to participate in an overnight Big Boat Race.   At the end of Sailing Season, generally in the month of August, we hold the Annual Junior Sailing Awards Dinner and Dance, where sailors change out of their life vests and rash guards, to done their formal attire to recognize their successes over the past season.

Participants in the Jr. Sailing Program enjoy Regattas and Social Events with area yacht clubs throughout the Sound which take place year round.   For further information, please contact our main office at (516) 671-7374, or by email office@seacliffyc.org.

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

C420 Class Association

Pixel Class Information

International Laser Class Association