Juniors Summer Registration Buttons

2024 Junior Summer Sailing

The SDYC Junior Program is looking forward to an amazing Summer Program in 2026.

We offer classes that will satisfy the needs of all experience levels and ages 6-18, from beginning sailing to advanced racing, and non-racers in between. SDYC maintains a fleet of 26 sabots, CFJs, J/22s and C420s that are accessible to our program participants, along with robust fleets of privately held Lasers, Sabots, and 29ers.

These classes, coupled with traditional events like SDYC Family Nights, the famous Dutch Shoe Marathon, many regattas in Southern California and beyond, will make for a great summer to start or expand your adventures under sail!

SDYC Member Early Registration - Wednesday, March 4th at Noon
Public (Regular) Registration - Wednesday, March 18th at Noon


SDYC Member Early Registration access applies to SDYC Members' children, grandchildren, and SDYC Junior Members ONLY. 

 

Registration with Clubspot

We manage Summer Sailing Program registrations through a third party site called the Clubspot. We recommend creating an account and updating your sailors participant profile before registration opens. While this is not required, and you can register as a "guest", this will help streamline your registration experience. 

Click Here for a step-by-step guide to setting up your Clubspot account.  
 

Juniors Summer Introduction Details

Program Overview

Every sailor will be required to:

  • Pass a relatively easy swim test on the first day of each session.
  • Wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times on the water.
  • Please review the individual requirements for each class (age, experience, etc).

Answering basic questions about the program from what to bring, rules on parent involvement, swim requirements, etc.

EARLY MEMBER REGISTRATION

  • Wed, March 4 at 1200 PST. SDYC members receive exclusive early access to registration and discounted early-bird pricing (membership number required). SDYC Member prices apply to SDYC Members’ Children, Grandchildren, and Junior Members ONLY.
  • Early Registrations are member charge only, if you would like to request an invoice to pay by credit or debit card, please email [email protected]

OPEN REGISTRATION / REGULAR PRICING

  • Wed, March 18 at 1200 PDT, Non-Members welcome!

CREATE A CLUBSPOT ACCOUNT

CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

  • Email [email protected]. Changes to registrations will be accommodated based on availability.

REFUND POLICY

  • Cancelations prior to May 1, 2026 shall be granted a full refund, less all credit card processing fees. Cancelations on or after May 1 shall be granted a refund, with a $50 service charge. Cancelations on or after May 15 will receive a 50% refund. Cancelations made on or after June 1 shall not receive a refund. Thank you.

MEMBER CHARGES

  • Will be posted on your June 1st statement for all registrations made prior to May 15th. 
 

RACE TEAM BULK DISCOUNTS

  • Racers who sign up for 5 or more weeks will receive a 10% discount at checkout. Eligible classes include the Sabot Race Team, 29er Development, 29er Race Team, ILCA Race Team, C420 Race Team, and the CFJ Nationals Campaign. 

Summer Tuesdays, 6:00 PM

Every Tuesday during the Summer Program we hold a Family Night Dinner in the Pavilion (by the pool) at 6:00pm. All participants are encouraged to attend these fun BYO social events. This is also a great chance to meet your child's instructors by signing up to host one or more for each Family Night.

Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

Ages

  • For 6 - 8 year olds who have completed Kindergarten and can swim.

Description

The class that's launched generations to a lifetime of sailing! Kids will sail with two or three of their peers and an instructor in a 14 foot dinghy and learn through demonstrations and practice. The game-inspired curriculum covers sailing terminology, finding wind direction, learning to steer with the tiller, and fundamental seamanship skills. The class familiarizes kids with water safety and dinghy sailing, while enabling them to feel comfortable around the club and on the water.

Since Sea Urchins may start two years before the minimum age for Beginner Sabots, it is very common and appropriate to repeat this class over one or more summers.

Take Sea Urchins if

  • You like water sports and want to try sailing
  • You like working together as a team.
  • You like pirates!

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages

Beginner Sabots is for 7.5-10 year olds who can swim and are comfortable on boats. 7.5-8 year olds should be Sea Urchins alumni, 9-10 year olds may take Beginner Sabots as a first class.

Description

Beginner Sabots will teach students to sail solo in an SDYC Sabot, while deepening their understanding of rigging, boat handling, seamanship and safety. Each day we will meet as a large group to cover topics for the full class, and for fun with friends. On most days, we will split into smaller groups for drills, with groupings decided by our coaches, based on their observations of individual progress. On some days, especially Fridays, we will aim for full-group sailing adventures, for maximum fun with all classmates.

Skills covered will include launching, basic sail trim, body positioning, tacking and gybing, and navigating a course. And as always, the emphasis is on fun!

This first venture into solo sailing can often be a little scary, but as long as you are ready to learn and listen we are excited to help you reach your solo sailing goals. It is common and totally appropriate for many sailors to repeat Beginner Sabots over one or more summers until they feel they have mastered the necessary skills have the confidence to build on them. Coaches will help track skills and make future class recommendations for Summer and Afterschool Sailing at the conclusion of the session. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included.

Take Beginner Sabots if

  • You've completed Sea Urchins, one or more times, and feel confident.
  • You're ready to fly solo!
  • You'd like to learn to skipper your own boat to Kellogg's Beach, get ready for Intermediate Sabots/Novice racing,  and have fun!

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages

Intermediate Sabots is for 7.5-10 year olds who can swim, and are comfortable on boats. All sailors should complete Beginning Sabots (or equivalent) before entering this class.

Description

Intermediate Sabots will build on skills learned in Beginning Sabots to improve boat handling, upwind sailing, and ensure that each student has a confident knowledge of sailing fundamentals. Each session will begin with a brief review of Beginning Sabot curriculum and skills assessments before working on more advanced skills. On most days, we will split into smaller groups for drills, with groupings decided by our coaches, based on their observations of individual progress. On some days, especially Fridays, we will aim for full-group sailing adventures, for maximum fun with all classmates.

Skills covered will include a review of Beginning Sabot skills, parts of the boat, knots, introduction to sail controls, and up wind sailing. And of course, the emphasis is on fun!

It is common and totally appropriate for many sailors to repeat Intermediate Sabots over one or more summers (or for multiple sessions) until they feel they have mastered the necessary skills have the confidence to build on them. Coaches will help track skills and make future class recommendations for Summer and Afterschool Sailing at the conclusion of the session. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included.

Take Beginner Sabots if

  • You've completed Beginning Sabots, one or more times, and feel confident.
  • You'd like to learn to improve on skills learned in Beginning Sabots and get ready for the Pre-C3: Learn To Race afternoon course. 

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages

  • 9 - 12 year olds

Description

Intro to Doublehanded Sailing offers young sailors a chance to get into sailing with a partner in our Club Flying Juniors (FJs), during the typically gentler morning conditions. This also makes it a perfect opportunity for those who race Sabots in our afternoon!

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Eligibility Critirea

  • Ages 11+
  • Must have head coach approval.
  • Previous experience in C420 programming is required. 
  • Must have competed in local SDAYC Luff-In Regattas or SCYYRA Perry Series Regattas. 

Description

This group is ideal for current Sabot racers and sailors working towards competing C420 events. Sailors will be working on boat handling and teamwork as they strive to master their spinnaker work and confidently use the trapeze. Sailors must have prior experience sailing in C420s and demonstrated competence in previous sessions of this course or an equivalent course in another program.

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Sessions

  • Session I, June 8 - 19
  • Session II, June 20 - July 2

Eligibility Criteria

  • Ages 12+
  • Sabot Racing fleets C1 or higher 
  • Experience in High School Sailing 
  • Experience in Novice Double Handed (with Jr Office approval) or C420 Spinnaker & Trapeze lessons. 
  • Please contact the Jr Office for special approval if you do not meet these criteria.

Description

These sessions are designed to introduce junior sailors to the exciting world of Laser sailing. Guided by a team of seasoned coaches, you'll gain competency in rigging, foundational boat handling skills, and immerse yourself in extensive on-water sessions to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Unveil a world of possibilities that will shape your path in the sport, whether you're a skilled Sabot racer ready to chart a new course or a high school sailor eager to expand your racing horizons!

Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at juniors@sdyc.org to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Class Times

  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Sessions

  • Session I, June 8 - 19
  • Session II, June 20 - July 2
  • Session III, July 6 - 16

Ages

  • 11 - 16 year olds

Description

This class is all about having fun while spending time on the water and improving sailing skills. Adventure Sailing is designed for the pre-teen or young teenage sailor with little or no sailing experience, or those who would prefer to emphasize recreation and seamanship.

Sailors will cover all the basics while sailing doublehanded in Flying Junior dinghies, and occasional outings on other sorts of boats for fun and variety of experience. Topics and activities such as destination sails in the bay and ocean, navigation, and field trips to local sailing industries and attractions will keep participants engaged while promoting a broader knowledge of our sport.

Take Adventure Sailing if

  • You like being outdoors with friends
  • You prefer the idea of sailing without competition
  • You want a ton of variety in your sailing experience

Class Times

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Juniors Summer Race Team Practices

Race Team Practices

Description

In its two-week format, this class aims to develop the next generation of Sabot Racers. Sailors will learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing, including starting sequences, mark rounding, boat handling, and introducing the Racing Rules of Sailing. Instructors will continue to develop boat handling skills in conjunction with racing concepts. Charter of an SDYC Club Sabot is included.

Note: If your sailor is enrolled in Pre-C3 for winter or spring 2026 sessions, and you are unsure if they'll be ready for race team practices, we encourage you to register for Pre-C3. If a coach recommends that they promote into C3 racing, we can adjust registrations at a later date. It is generally better to 'promote' a sailor to the race team later than to move them back down a class.

Eligibility

  • Completed Intermediate Sabots during Spring or Summer programs, with coach recommendation
  • Repeating the class after Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or Spring 2026
  • Completed Pre-C3 or Intermediate Sabot Sailing During the Summer of 2024
  • Sailors should be able to rig and launch their own boat, and functionally travel on all points of sail. 
  • Privately owned sabots are not required, but are encouraged.

Sailors can be moved up into the racing classes upon coach recommendation. Tuition fees will be prorated accordingly.

Class Times

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Eligibility Criteria

For alumni of Pre-C3 Sabot Sailing, or equivalent with Junior Office approval.

Description

Congratulations, you've made it to the big time! Sabot racers sail an available club charter boat, or their own. They practice for, and compete in regattas at the Club, around San Diego, and as far away as Newport Harbor and Long Beach. All Sabot racers begin competing in the C3 Fleet, and are promoted to C2, C1, B and A based on success, rather than age, which has proven over the years to be an outstanding system for developing skills and confidence. Sabot Racing Fleet registrants should indicate their current fleet, though practices will often combine adjacent fleets depending on attendance and topics being covered. While always keeping it fun, C3 sailors will be encouraged to finish every race, while A Fleeters will actively prepare to try and win the Sabot Nationals at the end of summer.

Class Times

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Weekly Sessions
  1. Week I: June 8 - 12. Start the summer season off strong with a week of Sabot Racing. The Summer La Playa Regatta Series will kick off on Wednesday, June 11th.
  2. Week II: June 15 - 19. Upper fleet sailors will begin preparing for the Dick Sweet Team Race, and C-fleeters will have an eye on the Sabot II Qualifier (under 12 regatta).
  3. Week III: June 22 - 26. This will be an important week of training for the Summer Gold Cup Regatta at NHYC on June 28th and 29th. This regatta is a great opportunity for sailors to compete in large fleets and prepare for Nationals.
    • Tentative Planning Note: We are coordinating with other SDAYC clubs to run a collaborative sabot training clinic before the Summer Gold Cup, from June 24 - 26. More details forthcoming... 
  4. Week IV: June 29 - July 2. Sailors will reflect on their performance at the Summer Gold Cup, take some time for fun team building experiences on the water, and continue their progress towards larger events in July. This short week will be a fun time on the water as summer comes into full swing.
  5. Week V: July 6 - 10. Under 12 sailors will continue preparing for the Sabot II Qualifier at MBYC on July 10th. Select upper fleet sailors will kick off the Dick Sweet Team Race Series with their first regatta at LBYC on July 7th.
  6. Week VI: July 13 - 16. Sailors will prepare for the famous Dutch Shoe Marathon on Friday, July 17th. Summer will be in full swing!
  7. Week VII: July 20 - 24. This week is a must for sailors preparing to compete at Nationals. MBYC will be hosting the 'SDAYC Sabot Nationals Prep Clinic' with junior sabot racers from SDYC, MBYC, SWYC, and CYC working together for an intense, clinic style week of preparations.
    • Sailors registered for this week of coaching will automatically be included in the SDAYC Sabot Nationals Prep Clinic. The team will load onto trailers on Monday, July 20th, then arrive at MBYC for practice from July 21st through 23rd. We are planning fun team building activities for SDYC sailors on Friday, July 24th. 
    • Tentative Planning Note: Practice times may be moved up to start at 11am at MBYC, instead of our normal 1:00pm start time. 
  8. Sabot Nationals at MBYC: July 27 – 30 – The biggest sabot event of the year will be held at Mission Bay Yacht Club. We are expecting a large contingent of SDYC sailors competing at this event this summer!

    Veteran Nationals racers are often busy with other events before Junior Nationals, but still want the best support possible for their Sabot effort should sign up for this week of programming too!

Description: 
Laser Race Team practices will prepare sailors for local and regional regattas this Summer. Whether you are just getting started with Laser racing or have previous experience and want to improve your skills, these practices will set you up for success!

Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available for an additional fee. Please contact the Juniors Office at [email protected] to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Class Time:
  • 1pm - 4pm
Schedule:
  • Weekly Race Team practices from Week I through Week VI.
Major Summer ILCA Regattas:
  • San Diego Olympic Classes Regatta at SDYC, June 27 - 28
  • ILCA North American Championship at CBYC, July 8 - 11
  • Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta, July 16 - 19
Eligibility Criteria:
  •  Must have previous racing experience
  •  Ages 12+
  •  Experience in Laser Development Program (or equivalent) is recommended.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have competed in Perry or Shadden Series events.
  • Has demonstrated competancy in C420 After School Sailing programs and received coach approval. 
  • Ages 13-17

Description

This class is ideal for sailors who have previous experience racing in C420's and want to level up their skills before select summer regattas. Sailors will work with a team of seasoned coaches who have extensive experience in the C420 fleet. This will be a great opportunity for sailors to train for SoCal area regattas, or prepare for larger events like the North American Championships.

Class Times

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Weekly Sessions

  • Week I: June 8 - 12. Sailors will train for the C420 California State Championship at CalYC in Los Angeles.
    • June 13 - 14: C420 CA State Champs Regatta at CalYC
  • Week II: June 15 - 19. Sailors will reflect on their performance at the CA State Champs, and use that to help tailor their training for subsequent summer events. 
  • Week III: June 22 - 26. This will be an important week for sailors preparing for the Ida Lewis Girls Double Handed National Championship at PYSF. 
    • June 29 - July 2: Ida Lewis at PYSF
  • Week IV: June 29 - July 2. This is the final week for sailors to tune up for the C420 Nationals!
  • Week V: July 6 - 10. C420 National Championship at LBYC. Sailors will load boats and prepare for the regatta at SDYC on July 6th. The National Championship runs from July 7 - 10. 

Eligibility Criteria
  • Have competed in Perry or Shadden Series events.
  • Has demonstrated competancy in C420 After School Sailing programs and received coach approval.
  • Ages 13-17
Description
This class is ideal for sailors who have previous experience racing in double or single handed boats and want to level up their skills before the CFJ National Championship at Coronado YC. Sailors will work with a team of seasoned coaches who have extensive experience in the CFJ fleet. This will be a great opportunity for sailors to refine their spinnaker handling skills, tactical sailing, and boat handling in the CFJ.

Class Times
  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sessions
  • Week VI: July 13 - 16. Sailors will get their equipment ready and start training at SDYC. 
  • Week VII: July 20 - 23. Sailors will participate in the new SDAYC CFJ Nationals Prep Clinic at Coronado YC. Teams will transit by water to CYC on Monday, July 20, then spend the next three days training alongside teams and coaches from other San Diego area junior programs at the Nationals venue. 
  • CFJ Nationals: July 24 - 26 at Coronado YC. This is a great opportunity to race locally, in one of the best sailing venues on the west coast!

Time

  • 1:00PM to 4:30PM

Dates

  • Week I, June 8 - 12
  • Week II, June 15 - 19
  • Week IV, June 29 - July 2

Eligibility

  • Ages 12 and up
  • Sabot C1 fleet or higher
  • The 29er “Development Team" class is for sailors who have at least participated in the Spring 29er classes. This class is not a novice, “try-it” class
    • Sailors interested in trying the 29er should register for the summer C420 classes and plan to attend the mid-August HPYS “try-it” clinic and Fall Tuesday afterschool classes.
  • Please contact the Jr Office for Head Coach approval if you do not meet these criteria or if you need help in finding a teammate.

Registration

Registration for this course will be available through the Summer Program Clubspot page, alongside all our course offerings. 

All registrants will be automatically placed on a waiting list for this course, pending staff approval. Once approved, sailors will be contacted and admitted to the class.

Description

These sessions are designed to develop double-handed skills in the 29er skiff and introduce them to the exhilarating world of high performance sailing! This is a great opportunity to have fun while learning transferable skills that will support the rest of your summer sailing goals. 

A limited number of HPYS boats with practice sails are available for an additional $100/session.

Time

  • 1:00PM to 4:30PM

Dates

  • Week II, June 15 - 19
  • Week III, June 22 - 26

Eligibility

  • The 29er “Race Team” is for advanced teams that have competed at previous national-level 29er events (such as MWE or MWWs) and are planning to attend either or both of the June 29er regattas (SDOCR and/or Ida Lewis Jr. Girls Championships) as well as 29er Nationals in SF from July 11-13.
  • Head Coach approval.

Registration

Registration for this course will be available through the Summer Program Clubspot page, alongside all our course offerings. 

All registrants will be automatically placed on a waiting list for this course, pending staff approval. Once approved, sailors will be contacted and admitted to the class.

Description

This program is intended for 29er racers who are preparing to compete at US Sailing events and other 29er class events. Sailors must be active racers within the fleet and receive Head Coach approval to participate. 

2024 Junior Summer Sailing Class Schedule

2026 Junior Summer Sailing Class Schedule

Morning Classes (8:30 - 12:00 Mon-Fri)

SEA URCHINS (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $750 / $865 
Session II June 22 – July 2 $675 / $780
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $675 / $780
Session IV July 20 – 31 $750 / $865
BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE SABOTS (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $685 / $780
Session II June 22 – July 2 $615 / $700
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $615 / $700
Session IV July 20 – 31 $685 / $780
C420 SAILING: SPINNAKER & TRAPEZE LESSONS (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $640 / $725
Session II June 22 – July 2 $575 / $655
NOVICE DOUBLEHANDED SAILING (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $640 / $725
Session II June 22 – July 2 $575 / $655
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $575 / $655
Session IV July 20 – 31 $640 / $725
LASER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (morning)
Sessions Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – June 19  $565 / $625
Session II June 22 – July 2 $500 / $555
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $500 / $555
Club Boat Charter Full Session Charter Fee $75 / $100

Afternoon Classes (1:00 - 4:30 Mon-Fri)

PRE-C3 SABOTS: LEARN TO RACE (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $580 / $670
Session II June 22 – July 2 $525 / $600
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $525 / $600
Session IV July 20 – 31 $580 / $670
SABOT RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week I June 8 - 12 $290 / $335
Week II June 15 - 19 $290 / $335
Week III June 22 - 26 $290 / $335
Week IV June 29 - July 2 $235 / $270
Week V July 6 - 10 $290 / $335
Week VI July 13 - 16 $235 / $270
Week VII July 20 - 24 $290 / $335
Nationals Coaching Only July 27 - 30 $290 / $335
ADVENTURE SAILING (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Session I June 8 – 19 $640 / $725
Session II June 22 – July 2 $575 / $655
Session III July 6 – 16 (no July 17) $575 / $655
Session IV July 20 – 31 $640 / $725
C420 & CFJ RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week I - C420 June 8 - 12 $290 / $335
CA State Champs June 13 - 14 $120 / $140
Week II - C420 June 15 - 19 $290 / $335
Week III - C420 June 22 - 26 $290 / $335
Week IV - C420 June 29 - July 2 $235 / $270
C420 Nationals July 6 - 10 $290 / $335
Week VI - CFJ July 13 - 16 $235 / $270
Week VII - CFJ July 20 - 23 $235 / $270
CFJ Nationals July 24 - 26 $175 / $200
29er RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week II June 15 - 19 $290 / $335
Week III June 22 - 26 $290 / $335
29er DEVELOPMENT TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week I June 8 - 12 $290 / $335
Week II June 15 - 19 $290 / $335
Week IV June 29 - July 2 $235 / $270
ILCA RACE TEAM (afternoon)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Week I June 8 - 12 $290 / $335
Week II June 15 - 19 $290 / $335
Week III June 22 - 26 $290 / $335
Week IV June 29 - July 2 $235 / $270
Week V July 6 - 10 $290 / $335
Week VI July 13 - 16 $235 / $270
Race Team Fitness Training (morning)
Session Dates Price (Early/Reg)
Weekly Sessions Time TBD TBD

Equipment Checklist

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!

Equipment Checklist2

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!

Bailer

"Every sailor brings a bailer" which can easily be fashioned by cutting the bottom off of a big OJ or laundry soap jug.

Waterproof Watch

With a countdown function for racing sailors.

Change of Clothes

Besides wearing clothes to get wet in, every sailor should have extra dry duds and a towel.

Water

Staying hydrated is imporant for a safe, fun, learning experience!

Lunch / Money

Please bring one or the other if you'll be here over the lunch break. SDYC's Snack Bar is famous for its great lunch! Unfortunately, we cannot offer refrigeration.

Good Attitude

Well rested, well fed, happy, and ready to HAVE FUN!

Summer Boat Descriptions