Youngstown Community Boating Jr. Sailing
Youngstown Community Boating justinhays86@gmail.com 716-745-7230-10
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Of all the activities on the Lower Niagara River, one of the most successful is unquestionably the Junior Sailing Program. This program, which is operated at the Youngstown Yacht Club by the Youngstown Community Boating, has been a resounding success for more than forty years. Our teaching philosophy revolves around safety, fun, and learning. Consequently, our instructors are all trained by US Sailing and held to the latest safety practices and standards. Our well trained instructor staff are dedicated to creating a safe and fun learning experience on the water. Sailors aged 7-17 are instilled with a love of sailing, along with the fundamental sailing skills that they can build upon. Children receive instruction in safe boating, seamanship, dinghy sailing, sailboat racing, and boat maintenance. Daily lessons are broken down into classroom, on land demonstrations, and on the water lessons. Whatever the age or experience of your child, we have a program that fits. The friendships made in the Junior Program can be the most enduring friendships they make! Some last a lifetime. The Junior Sailing Program is open to the entire community. Sessions are week or 2 week blocks and programs run Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm from June 26th through August 11th. Need help choosing the right class? Contact Program Director Joe Waple at jewaple@roadrunner.com or Program Coordinator Justin Hays at justinhays86@gmail.com.
Age 7-9 This is a program for our youngest sailors. If your son or daughter is new to sailing and under age 10, they will most likely be in the Dinghy Demon Program. The boats provided for sailing are called Prams. The Prams are a fleet of small, simple trainer boats supplied by Jr. Sailing. In this program the kids will have lots of fun getting accustomed to being on the water while learning the basics of rigging, steering, and trimming. This group stays in the river or bay most of the day.
Age 9-15 Our Adventure program is designed for the sailors who love sailing and want to be on the water, but aren't necessarily interested in focusing on racing. This class will include fun and safe instructor led activities on the water. Activities can include; longer destination sails to local points of interest, swim breaks, picnics, and much more! Adventure Sailing includes several different types of boats including our new Ideal 18 Keelboats! This course is geared for adventure, fun and safety on the water. Basic boat handling, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), sportsmanship, and water safety are all part of the adventures.
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Age 8-12 The Opti Green Fleet is for graduates of the Pram Program or prior Opti sailing experience. Sailors can sail program-owned boats or their own privately owned boats for a discounted price. In this beginner Opti group, sailors will learn about sail trim, boat handling, and basic rules as it relates to racing. The great thing about the Opti is that since it is the premier boat for this age group, there are lots of opportunities to race against other sailors. There are opportunities to sail in fun local regattas and race days in the Opti Green Fleet.
Opti Green Session 1
Opti Green Session 2
Age 8-13 The Opti Intermediate group is for sailors who have graduated from the green fleet program and are ready to begin racing competitively. Sailors can use program- owned boats or privately owned boats for a discounted price. This Intermediate Team will be introduced to racing including tactics, sail shape and trim, basic rules. For 2024, the Opti Intermediate Team is available as two 3-week sessions. Taking both sessions is encouraged.
Within this program, there will be many opportunities to travel and race against sailors from other clubs. Travel to weekend events is strongly encouraged. They will test their skills at various local regattas at the local and regional level. Please note that the program fee covers weekday practice and racing. A separate weekend coaching fee may apply to those competing on the weekends.
Opti Intermediate Session 1
Opti Intermediate Session 2
Age 8-13 The Opti Race team is for sailors who have been personally recommended by coaching staff. Sailors can use program- owned boats or privately owned boats for a discounted price. The Opti Racing Team will break down the finer points of racing including tactics, sail shape and trim, rules, etc. For 2024, the Opti Race Team is available as a full summer 6 week session.
Within this program, there will be many opportunities to travel and race against sailors from other clubs. Travel to weekend events is strongly encouraged. They will test their skills at various local regattas at the local and regional level. The 2024 racing calendar is:
- 6/28 - 6/30 - Mentor Harbor JO's - Mentor Harbor OH. Note that this is the weekend before the first session.
- 7/12-14 - Sodus Bay Interclub and Centrals - Sodus Bay NY
- 7/16-17 - Junior Can Am - YYC
- 7/26-30 - Opti Nationals - Sandusky OH. There will also be a Green fleet at this event for interested Intermediate Opti sailors.
- 8/9-11 - Rochester Interclub and JO's - Rochester NY. Note that this is the weekend after the last session.
Please note that the program fee covers weekday practice and racing. A separate weekend coaching fee may apply to those competing on the weekends.
Age 13-18 This is a racing program typically reserved for our older or more competitive sailors. It is a travel team that will offer opportunities to sail against other clubs around Western New York and beyond. The boats provided are 2-person Club 420 class sailboats outfitted with spinnaker and trapeze and the 1-person Laser. Sailors will refine their boat handling, tactics, and strategy and advance their knowledge of the racing rules, rigging and tuning, and sportsmanship. This is offered in two 3-week sessions. Both sessions are encouraged to get the full racing team experience! Please note that the program fee covers weekday practice and racing. A separate weekend coaching fee may apply to those competing on the weekends.
Team Regattas:
•U.S. Sailing Junior Olympics
Mentor On The Lake, OH
June 28-30
•Centrals On Sodus
Sodus Bay, NY
July 12-14
•Junior Can/Am
Youngstown, NY
July 16-17
•U.S. Sailing Junior Olympics
Rochester, NY
August 9-11
Class Events for Advanced Sailors:
•C420 Canadian NationalChampionship
Mississauga, Ontario
July 20-21
•C420 US National Championship
Beach Haven, NJ
August 5-7
420/Laser Session 1
420/Laser Session 2
email: justinhays86@gmail.com
phone: 716-745-7230-10
Of all the activities on the Lower Niagara River, one of the most successful is unquestionably the Junior Sailing Program. This program, which is operated at the Youngstown Yacht Club by the Youngstown Community Boating, has been a resounding success for more than forty years. Our teaching philosophy revolves around safety, fun, and learning. Consequently, our instructors are all trained by US Sailing and held to the latest safety practices and standards. Our well trained instructor staff are dedicated to creating a safe and fun learning experience on the water. Sailors aged 7-17 are instilled with a love of sailing, along with the fundamental sailing skills that they can build upon. Children receive instruction in safe boating, seamanship, dinghy sailing, sailboat racing, and boat maintenance. Daily lessons are broken down into classroom, on land demonstrations, and on the water lessons. Whatever the age or experience of your child, we have a program that fits. The friendships made in the Junior Program can be the most enduring friendships they make! Some last a lifetime. The Junior Sailing Program is open to the entire community. Sessions are week or 2 week blocks and programs run Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm from June 26th through August 11th. Need help choosing the right class? Contact Program Director Joe Waple at jewaple@roadrunner.com or Program Coordinator Justin Hays at justinhays86@gmail.com.