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Junior Sailing Program 

Summer 2026 

Enrollment for the 2026 Summer Program Opens Soon! 

There is nothing quite like a Charleston summer on the water. Our summer program invites sailors ages 6-18 to spend their days exporing the harbor, building skills, and enjoying the steady breeze that makes JIYC such a special place to sail. 
 

​What summer looks like at JIYC:
  • Daily time on the water with experienced coaches builing skills through consistent saily sailing 
  • Safe, supportive coaching for every level
  • Small class ratios split by fleet and age, ensuring sailors are comfortable but still challenged
  • Encouraging independence, teamwork, and confidence
  • Seamanship, water safety, and hands-on learning
  • Fun traditions, friendships, and long and sunny afternoons
  • Opportunities to grow, from frist time sailors to advanced racers
  • A season full of learning, and unforgettable memories
  • PLUS - Sailors enerolled in all 8-weeks receive coaching at all four local Charleston Harbor regattas at no additional cost. 

Join us for an unforgettable summer on the harbor! 

Sailing Program Snapshot 

Dates:
June 8th through July 31st

Camp Schedule:
Monday through Friday 9:00am-4pm
Session Options: Varies by Class
8-weeks, 4-weeks, 2-week
Flexible Drop Off:
8:00am-9:00am 
**At JIYC, we offer flexible drop-off for all junior programs to help families navigate busy mornings, and work schedules.**
Pick Up: 
Runs from 4:00 to 4:30pm, and we ask that all children are picked up by 4:30. 
Registration:
During registration, parents and guardian will choose the boat type their sailor will use and the session they would like to enroll in. Group placement is handled by our coaching staff and is based on past participation, observed skill level, and information provided by the parent and sailor. This helps us crease balanced groups and maintain safe, appropriate coach-to-sailor ratios. 

Sessions close as soon as they fill, or one week before the start date, whichever happens first. We encourage early registration, as spots tend to go quickly. 
 

Adventure Camp Vs. Sailing Program:
Adventure Camp is designed around outdoor exploration and nature-based activities. While sailing may be introduced during the week, it is not a guaranteed part of the daily schedule and depends on camper interest, coach availability, and weather conditions. 
 
Our Sailing Program is the best choice for children who want consistent time on the water and hands-on sailing instruction. Sailors spend their days building skills, learning boat handling and safety, and gaining confidence on the water through structured coaching and progression-based learning. 

Families are welcome to enroll in both Adventure Camp and the Sailing Program; however, each program has it's own goals, structure, and overall experience. If you're unsure which option is the best fit for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Sailing Director with questions. 
 

Discounts Available: 
JIYC Members receive an automatic discount at check out. Families with more than one child enrolled in our junior programs are also eligible for a multi-child discount. If you'd like more information or help determining what applies to your family please reach out to the Sailing Director.

Please make sure your camper comes prepared every day with the following items: 

  • Life jacket with a whistle tied to it 
  • Refillable water bottle 
  • Closed-toed shoes (Crocs are not recommended)
  • Breathable, sun protective clothing that can also get wet
  • Hat & Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (please apply before arrival; Counselors will give reminders throughout the day) 
  • Dry Towel 
  • Dry change of clothes
  • Lunch & Snacks 

Additional items that may be needed depending on Weather: 

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket/windbreaker
  • Lightweight bibs/spray pants
  • Rash Guard
  • Extra Dry Clothes
  • Extra Towel 
Week 1: Welcome & Water Comfort
  • Ice breakers, name games, parts of the boat (land-based)
  • Figure-8 knot demo & practice
  • Rigging demonstration & PDF/safety checks
  • Dockside paddling, short tow/paddle relay games
Week 2: Rigging & Tacking
  • Rigging practice & knot review
  • Intro to wind direction, tiller extension, simulator tacking
  • Straight line sailing, Simon says game (tiller/sheet control) 
Week 3: Points of Sail & Control
  • Points of sail game with cones, basic sail trim demo
  • Reaching practice in pairs, docking drills
  • Capsize & bailing intro (coach demo + sailor assisted)
Week 4: Tacking Mastery
  • Tack facing forward drills, mid-tack pause game
  • Mini hotdog course, knot challenge
  • Midpoint informal skills check
Week 5: Confidence & Courses
  • Hotdog course expansion, mainsheet untangle race
  • Attach mast clamp demo, obstacle sailing course
Week 6: Safety, Strategy, and Seamanship
  • Safety position review, sailing backwards
  • Docking challenge, rig/dock/derig relay
  • Wind direction scavenger hunt 
Week 7: Skills in Action
  • Full hotdog course, obstacle tacking, boat switch games
  • Skill applications, group favorite sailing game
Week 8: Assessment and Celebration
  • Skills check (rigging, knots, tacking, capsizing)
  • Mini "regatta", scavenger hunt, certificate of completion/awards. 

Refund Policy

To receive a full refund, the cancelation must be made at least 40 days prior to the programs start date. 50% of the program price will be refunded if the cancellation is made at least 30 days prior to the start date, and 25% of the program price will be refunded if the cancellation is made at least 14 days prior to the start date. A processing fee of $10 will be applied for processing cancellations. 

NO refund will be given in the event of a cancellation occurring within 13 days of the programs start date. In addition, no refunds will be provided due to inclement weather or if a camper is a no-show for program. 

Session Changes: 
 
Please register your child for the sessions that best fit your schedule. We understand that plans can change and will do our best to accommodate a switch if there is enough notice and space available. While we try to be flexible, session changes are not guaranteed. 

Learn to Sail Classes

Tidal Tykes (Ages 6-7)

Tidal Tykes (Ages 6-7)
A two-week, half-day program designed to introduce our youngest sailors to JIYC and the fun of being on the water. No prior sailing experience is required. Using a club provided Opti, children explore basic boat handling, water safety, and comfort on the water through games, activities, and hands-on play. 

The focus is on fun, confidence-building, and familiarizing children with the sailing environment. Three two-week sessions are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may sign up for multiple two-week sessions throughout the summer if they would like to continue building on skills and enjoying the water. 

Skills Taught
Identify basic parts of the boat
Exposure to rigging with coaches
Learning how to steer a boat
Getting comfortable on docks, in a boat, and on/in the water
Water safety
Basic knot tying

Daily Schedule:
9:00am Arrive at club
9:15am Meet with coach
9:30am Sailing
11:00am Lunch/Swim
12:00pm Sailing
1:30pm Pick up
Opti Intro to Sailing (Ages 7-12)
Opti Intro to Sailing (typically ages 7-12)
This program is designed for new young sailors and families not quite ready to make the longer program commitment. Sailors will learn basic boat handling, water safety, and comfort on the water through games and activities. 

Session Options: Two 2-week sessions are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to enroll in multiple sessions or to enquire about extending their program length by joining the Opti Green or C Fleet based on availability. 
Skills Taught
Identify Basic Parts of the Boat
Basic Knot Tying
Rigging and Derigging with Support
Wind Direction
Points of Sail and Sail Trim
Water Safety
Safety Position
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig
9:00am Meet with coach
9:30 Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig Boat
4:30pm Pick up 
Sunfish Intro to Sailing (Ages 12-18)
Sunfish Intro to Sailing (typically ages 12-18)
This program is designed for new teen sailors and families not quite ready to make the longer program commitment. Sailors will learn basic boat handling, water safety, and comfort on the water through games and activities. 

Session Options: Two 2-week sessions are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to enroll in multiple sessions or to enquire about extending their program length by joining the Sunfish or C420/ILCA fleet based on availability. 
Skills Taught
Identify Basic Parts of the Boat
Basic Knot Tying
Rigging and Derigging with Support
Wind Direction
Points of Sail and Sail Trim
Water Safety
Safety Position
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig
9:00am Meet with coach
9:30 Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig Boat
4:30pm Pick up 
Opti Green Fleet (Ages 7-15)
Opti Green (Ages 7-15)
Designed for young sailors, including those with little or no prior single-handed sailing experience. Using a club provided Opti, sailors focus on building confidence, independent boat handling, and foundational sailing skills in a fun, supportive, non-competitive environment. 

The Opti Green Program emphasizes boat safety, comfort on the water, skill progression, and on the water games, ensuring sailors develop confidence while enjoying their time on the water. 

Session Options: Two-4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions of they would like to continue building skills and enjoying time on the water. 
 
Skills Taught
Parts of the boat 
Knot tying
Rigging and derigging your boat 
Wind Direction
Points of sail and basic sail trim
Safety position
Landing at the dock
Water Safety
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig boats
4:30pm Pick-up

Skill Development & Competitive Sailing Classes

Opti C Fleet (Ages 8-15)
Opti C (Ages 8-15)
Designed for sailors who have successfully completed the Opti Green Fleet program and are interested in building on prior skills and learning about simple race tactics and boat handling skills. 

This non-competitive program is taught in an Opti and focuses on fun, safety, and continues skill development. Sailors will build confidence, improve boat handling, and expand their sailing knowledge while enjoying time on the water. Participation in regattas is optional, allowing sailors to progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. 

Session Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions if they would like to continue building skills and enjoying time on the water. 
Skills Taught
Review parts of boat and sail
Knot tying
Fundamental sailing skills that will make the sailor successful on any boat
Boat handling, sail trim, skippering
Landing at a dock
Boat handling in all wind conditions 
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig boats
​4:30pm Pick-up
Opti B Fleet (Ages 8-15)
Opti B Fleet (Ages 8-15
Designed for second and/or third year sailors who have successfully completed the Opti Green Fleet and C Fleet program. It is common for sailors to spend more than one summer in Opti B while building confidence and mastering sailing fundamentals. Graduation from Opti B requires the ability to independently rig and derig, sail a complete triangle course and windward-leeward course, and return to the dock safely. 

This program is taught in an opti and emphasises boat safety, comfort on the water, fun sailing, sailing-related games, and an introduction to racing fundamentals. Sailors develop strong skills and confidence in an environment as they prepare for more advanced programs. 

Sessions Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are available throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions. 
 
Skills Taught
Parts of the boat 
Knot tying
Rigging and derigging your boat independently
Wind Direction
Points of sail and sail trim
Safety position independently
Landing at the dock
Water Safety
Racing basics
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig boats
​4:30pm Pick-up
Opti A Fleet (Ages 8-15)
Opti A (Ages 8-15)
Designed for sailors typically in their third or fourth year, who have successfully completed the Opti B program. It is common for sailors to spend more than one summer in Opti A while mastering racing fundamentals. 

This program is taught in a single-handed Opti with a focud on racing skills, strategy, and course work, while still providing plenty of time for fun on the water. Sailors continue to build confidence, boat handling skills, and overall sailing knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment. 

Session Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are available throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions. 
 
Skills Taught
Fundamental understanding of all boats of the boat and purpose
Knot tying
Towing
Sail and boat tuning
More advanced boat handling techniques, sailing in crowded situations
Simple tactical planning and decision making
Proper sail trim and body positioning to maintain control at all points of sail
Sailing around a triangular and windward-leeward course and understanding basic race courses, starting sequences, and basic racing nomenclature
 
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig boats
​4:30pm Pick-up
Opti Race Development Team
Opti Race Development Team
An invite only sailing program for sailors who have successfully completed the Opti A program and are interested in competitive racing outside of SAYRA. All Development Team sailors must have their own "ready to race" Opti. 

This program focuses on training racing skills, tactics, and boat handling in a competitive yet supportive environment. Sailors continue to build confidence, strategy, and consistency on the water while enjoying time with teammates and learning advanced racing techniques. 

Session Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions if they would like to continue building skills and enjoying time on the water. 
 
Skills Taught
Review of skills covered in Beginner and in Intermediate Programs
Introduction to racing in the Champion Fleet
Understanding weight placement and sailing in difference wind and wave conditions
Ability to determine favored end of the starting line
Understand concepts of clean air and wind shadows
Racing tactics
Advanced starting strategies-line sights
Fine-tuning race-specific skills
Understanding and reading the race course
Controlling boat speed and fine-tuning boat handling
Regatta Preparation 
Understanding and applying the racing rules 
Wind, weather, and current patterns
Big fleet vs. small fleet management
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derigg boats
​4:30pm Pick-up
Sunfish Fleet (Ages 12-18)

Sunfish Fleet (Ages 12-18)
A recreational, transition program designed for sailors who are ready to move beyond the Opti but are not focused on competitive racing. Sailors in this program continue to build confidence, boat handling skills, and sailing knowledge in a fun, supportive environment. 

Using club provided or personal Sunfish, participants will practice advanced boat handling, sail trim, and on-the-water problem solving while enjoying time on the water. The focus is on skill development, focus, comfort in different wind conditions, and recreational sailing rather than regattas or racing. 

Session Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are available throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple sessions. 
 

Skills Taught
Review of all parts of the boat and sail 
Knot tying
Launching and docking safely
Boat handling in all wind conditions
Sail trim and tuning for comfortable and efficient sailing
Steering and maneuvering techniques for single-handed sailing
Reading wind and water conditions for better control
Water Safety
On-the-water problem solving and decision making
 

Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig Boat
4:30pm Pick up
C420/ILCA Fleet (Ages 12-18)
C420/ILCA Program (Ages 12-18)
Designed for sailors typically ages 12 years or older who weigh 100lbs or more and have successfully compelted the Opti B program or Sunfish Intro to Sailing Program (at a minimum) or have prior sailing experience. Sailors are encouraged to have their own boats. All C420 sailors must have a partner for the duraion of the program duration selected. 

The focus of this program is racing and advanced skill development. Sailors will build on racing fundamentals learned in Opti A and B, including boat handling, tactics, strategy, and mark rounding. Training is designed to challenge sailors while fostering confidence, teamwork, and decision making on the water. Participation in local and regional regattas is encouraged. 

Session Options: Two 4-week sessions or a full 8-week session are offered throughout the summer. Sailors are encouraged to and may enroll in multiple session if they would like to continue building skills and enjoying time on the water. 
 
Skills Taught
Review and understanding of all parts of the boat and sail
Knot tying
Fundamental sailing skills applicable to any boat
Boat handling in all wind conditions
Sail trim and tuning for optimal performance
Spinnaker use and handling 
Docking and launching safely 
Advanced boat handling techniques in crowded and challenging conditions
Basic tactics, decision making, and race strategy
Understanding and navigating triangular and windward-leeward courses
Racing basics including starting sequences, course rules, and racing terminology
Teamwork and communication 
Daily Schedule
8:30am Arrive and rig 
9:00am Meet with coach 
9:30am Sailing
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Meet with Coach
12:30pm Sailing
3:30pm Debrief with coach
4:00pm Derig boats
4:30pm Pick-up