For more information about the SMWYC Juniors Program please email: juniors@smwyc.org
There's always something new coming up with the juniors so Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with weekly changes and additions to the schedule or check our Calendar to see our current session dates and targeted regatta schedule. Below is a list of our core programs.
These packages are run during the Fall, Winter and Spring, generally starting on the first Saturday of each month. Class size is limited to three students and this small student to instructor ratio provides fast results. Students will move seamlessly into the Open Sailing sessions. Classes are held in our fleet of Centerboard Sabot Prams or Optimists. Children ages 7 to 15 learn to sail quickly in this new and unique First Time sailing instruction package! Only $125 for the three class package.
Program Details:
The first three Saturdays of the month, September through May; 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
$125.00 for package of three dates
How does it work?
By limiting enrollment to three or four students, we maximize results with personal attention and instruction that is not normally available. As a result, we fast track the learning curve to quickly develop a student’s ability to sail on his or her own. When complete, students will enjoy our more advanced Open Sailing sessions with confidence.
No Charter Fees!
Students sail in our fleet of centerboard Sabot or Optimist Prams which are included in the package cost.
Curriculum
Students begin sailing early in the first session after an orientation, introduction to our boats and some basic shore instruction. On the water we start with how to steer and tack first then add skills and concepts quickly. Knot tying, boat rigging and safety essential are incorporated along the way.
Our Instructors and Philosophy
Our instructors bring years of experience in Junior sailing programs both as students, instructors and coaches and have refined the curriculum and lesson plans of this class to achieve proven results. They have whole heartedly embraced our community based, non-competitive philosophy that focuses on fun rather than competition.
Weekday Afternoons through June 6 ($25 per afternoon)
Our classic Open Sailing format is provided weekly on weekday afternoons for students Novice to Advanced. This involves lots of time on the water with some on the water exercises and drills to enhance boat handling skills as well as occasional White Board instruction on the dock. Use the links on the right to RSVP.
Wickedly fun sailing afternoons held Saturdays from noon to 3:00 as well as selected Sundays during the school year
($30 per afternoon)
Supervised open format sailing for Novice to Advanced students utilizing a variety of boats. Students who have completed Summer Sail Camp, a Learn to Sail package or already have intermediate ability or better enjoy a fun filled three hours with lots of time on the water as well as focused on-the-water drills and onshore instruction. Use the links on the right to Register.
Scheduled classes and Tuesday Night Racing. Prices vary.
We've acquired a second Santana 20 and are committed to building a lasting Keelboat Program to offer students an entirely different perspective from our Dinghys. Students have been racing our first Santana 20 in Tuesday Night races since 2017. Starting in August, 2019 we added scheduled class sessions designed to teach keelboat sailing without the pressure of racing. These programs are open to all students 9 years old and over. See the schedule on the Santana 20 Sailing link on the right.
Small group sessions featuring our Nikkis (and feeder boats) typically on Thursday and Saturday afternoons.
(Thursdays $30, Saturdays #35)
Sailors of upper-intermediate to advanced abilities learn to get the Nikkis to fly above the water and as they improve extend their flights and proceed to trying to gybe and tack. We use the RS Feva often to help students improve their driving and understanding apparent wind speed and angles. Use the links on the right to Register (Open and After School Sailing).
Weekly sessions begin June 9, 2025 and end August 15, 2025.
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (9:00am to 4:00pm for Advanced Classes)
Aftercare available at the rate of $25/day
Open to all level of sailors although we do limit the number of first time sailors each week. Instruction is tailored to meet the demands of each week’s attendees. First time sailors learn to sail in the Sabot Prams while more experienced sailors get instruction and opportunities to sail in all of our fleet boat types as they acquire new skills. Weekly sailing camp instruction designed for kids 7 to 17 years old. The boats used are provided from the SMWYC fleet of US Sabot Centerboard Prams, RS Teras, Optimist Prams, Lasers, CFJs, C420, Nikki Foiling Crafts, Wings, 29er, I-14, Foiling Board and Santana 20s to meet the needs of students of all sizes and abilities. Most of our dedicated and talented Instructors are certified by US Sailing or their home country equivalent and are thoroughly trained for success in our program. Beginning student to instructor ratio is a maximum of 6:1.
Registration for 2025 Summer Sail Camp is open!
We look forward to another great summer of sailing. With many of our favorite instructors returning and a bunch of newly implemented ideas that make learning to sail at all levels more fun. Back for 2025 is the Second Week class for our youngest sailors and a redefinition of Advanced sailing adventures. Why mess with a good thing you ask? We constantly push ourselves to make sailing at every level an adventure by re-examining how we run all of our classes and the results are more fun and faster progression. Click on our Summer Sail Camp tab, pick your week(s) of fun and make your reservations. We are looking forward to another epic summer of sailing!
Summer Camp Tuition
Weekly Session for First Time sailors $375 ($300 for week 4), which includes the cost of a "Junior Program Membership"
Weekly Session for Second Week, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate students $325 ($260 for week 4), Junior Program Membership not included
Weekly Session for Advanced students $335 ($268 for week 4), Junior Program Membership not included
No Additional Charter Fees!
Financial assistance is available, please contact us for information.
SMWYC Club Members rates are $262.50 for First Time Classes ($225 week 4), $245 for Second Week, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate ($146 for week 4), $251 for Advanced classes (151 week 4).
Our Instructors and Philosophy
Our team of dedicated Instructors is a mix of year round and seasonal instructors who have wholeheartedly embraced our community-based program and non-competitive teaching philosophy.
Registration:
First Timer sailors sign up in sessions based upon their age to better tailor instruction for the group. Registration is now open on our Reservation System which will also allow you to sign waivers and order Aftercare if available. Should a week become fully booked, we will add you to a waiting list.
For additional information or questions, email sailcamp@smwyc.org or call program chair Steve Potter at 310-827-7692.
We are committed to providing excellent and fun instruction to students of all levels of ability and ambition. We can create a program for your school, host a Birthday Party and also offer private lessons, adult sailing instruction, individual coaching and customized programs to fit many needs can be accommodated by prior arrangement and dependent upon Instructor availability. Contact us with your wish list at juniors@smwyc.org or call 310-827-7692..