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FALL AND SPRING SAILING

Fall 2025 Junior Sailing Program

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Please use the link above to sign your child up for the 2025 Fall Program. 
Don't miss out on a season of skill-building, friendships, and fun on the water. Spots are limited - secure yours today!

For more details, please take a moment to review the registration notes and help section on Clubspot. You’ll also find class descriptions below to help you choose the best fit for your sailor.

**Please note that due to varying school dismissal times, we will begin accepting drop-offs at 3:30 PM, with the goal of being on the water by 4:30 PM during weekday practices.


Beginner Opti (Ages 7+)

Our Beginner Opti class is the perfect introduction to sailing for kids ages 7 and up, no prior experience required! This program is designed for new sailors to build confidence on the water while learning the fundamentals of sailing in a fun, safe environment.

Sailors will learn rigging and derigging, boat care and maintenance,  water safety, and basic boat handling skills. Whether your child is brand new to sailing or has had a taste of it before, this class will help them develop the skills to feel comfortable and independent on the water. 

Details:

  • Cost: $350 per session (2 weeks) or $1,000 for all 8 weeks (a $400 savings)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30pm–6:30 PM (daylight dependent) 
  • Dates: September 9th – October 30th
  • Ages: 7+ (beginners with or without experience)
  • Boat: Optimist dinghies (provided by JIYC) 

Intermediate Opti (Ages 8+)

Our Intermediate Opti program is ideal for sailors who have completed Opti Beginner and are ready for the next step in their sailing journey. Intermediate sailors will strengthen boat‑handling, seamanship, and basic racing tactics while enjoying fun, confidence‑building days on the water. As their skills grow, they’ll begin exploring more advanced racing strategies at their own pace.

This program does not include regular Saturday practices; however, sailors who demonstrate strong skills and steady progress may be invited to join the Opti Race Development Team on select Saturdays for additional training. They are also encouraged to participate in local regattas as they become more comfortable with competition.

Details:

  • Cost: $350 per session (2 weeks) or $1,000 for all 8 weeks (a $400 savings)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30pm–6:30 PM (daylight dependent)
  • Dates: September 9th – October 30th
  • Ages: 8+ (for sailors who have successfully completed opti beginner and are interested in starting to race in regattas)
  • Boat: Optimist dinghies (personal boat encouraged but can be provided)

Opti Race Development Team (Ages 8+)

Our Racing Opti program is for young sailors ready to take their skills to the next level and experience the excitement of competition. Ideal for confident, independent sailors with prior experience, especially those who have successfully completed our Intermediate Opti program.
This class develops advanced boat‑handling, race tactics, strategy, and on‑water decision‑making, while honing boat speed and knowledge of racing rules, all while fostering a lifelong love for the sport. Sailors will also have the opportunity to travel to regattas throughout the fall and spring as part of the James Island Yacht Club Opti Race Team, gaining valuable skills, friendships, and experience in competitive sailing.

This program includes two weekday practices along with four Saturday practices from October 9 to November 2. The other four weekends are set aside for regattas. Racing Opti sailors commit to the full eight‑week session and are encouraged to take part in as many regattas as possible for the best experience. If there aren’t enough sailors to form a team for a particular regatta, we’ll do our best to hold a Saturday practice instead, depending on sailor interest and coach availability.

***Please check in with the Sailing Director prior to registration for this class to make sure your child is ready ***

Details:

  • Cost: $1,350 for 8 weeks ($68/practice)
  • Schedule: Tuesday & Thursdays from 3:30pm-6:30pm (daylight dependent) + 4 Saturday Practices 11am-3pm.
  • Dates: September 9th – November 2nd
  • Ages: 8+ (must have 2+ years of prior Opti experience and confirm with Sailing Director)
  • Includes: 4 Saturday practices with possibility of more based on coaching availability.
  • Commitment: Full 8-week session required for all Racing Opti sailors
  • Boat: Optimist dinghies (personal boat strongly encouraged, racing opti can be provided by JIYC with additional charter fee)

C420 (Ages 12-18)

Designed for sailors ages 12–18, our 420 program builds confidence and sharpens skills in both double‑handed that are commonly used in high-school and college sailing. Open to all experience levels, sailors will focus on boat handling, speed, racing rules, and water safety, everything they need to feel prepared for racing or recreational sailing.

Sailors are encouraged to register with a partner to maximize time on the water. If numbers are uneven, we’ll make use of the club’s ILCAs (single‑handed boats) so no one spends practice on a motorboat. Participants will rotate between boats to ensure a well‑rounded experience.

Registration includes four Saturday practices, with the other four weekends reserved for regattas. All sailors are encouraged to attend regattas to gain valuable racing experience. If there aren’t enough participants to field a team, we’ll do our best to offer a Saturday practice instead, based on sailor interest and coach availability.

Whether your child is in middle school, starting high school, or already racing on a team, this program offers a great opportunity to gain experience, build skills, and log more time on the water in our new Zim 420s, a fast, durable boat built for learning and competition.

Per US Sailing guidelines, the ideal combined weight for a skipper and crew in a C420 is 240 lbs. While not a strict requirement, we recommend parents and sailors keep this in mind when pairing up for best balance and performance.

Details:

  • Cost: $400 per Session (2 weeks) or $1,350 for all 8 weeks (a $250 savings)
  • Schedule: Tuesday & Thursdays from 3:30pm-6:30pm (daylight dependent) + 4 Saturday Practices 11:00am-3:00pm
  • Dates: September 9th – November 2nd. 
  • Ages: 12–18
  • Includes: 4 Saturday practices with possibility of more based on coaching availability. 
  • Boats: Zim C420s & ILCAs (for rotations as needed) provided by JIYC
  • Weight Guidance: Ideal skipper/crew combined weight ~240 lbs (per US Sailing)

ILCA (Laser) Class (Ages 12-18)

Our ILCA program is perfect for sailors who want to build confidence, sharpen skills, and enjoy the independence of single‑handed sailing. Open to all experience levels, this class focuses on boat handling, speed, racing rules, tactics, and water safety to prepare sailors for both recreational sailing and competitive racing.

Registration includes four Saturday practices, with the other four weekends dedicated to regattas. All sailors are encouraged to attend regattas to gain valuable racing experience. If there aren’t enough sailors to field a team for a particular event, we’ll do our best to offer a Saturday practice instead, depending on sailor interest and coach availability.

Whether your sailor is new to the ILCA or already racing in high school or regional events, they’ll benefit from time on the club’s well‑maintained fleet—ideal for skill development and race preparation.

Per US Sailing guidelines, the minimum age for regatta participation is 12, and sailors should weigh at ~110 lbs for safe, optimal boat handling.

Details:

  • Cost: $350 per Session or $1,000 for all 8 weeks (a $400 savings)
  • Schedule: Tuesday & Thursdays from 3:30pm-6:30pm (daylight dependent) + 4 Saturday Practices 11am-3pm
  • Dates: September 9th – November 2nd
  • Ages: 12–18 (all skill levels welcome; must be 12+ to compete in regattas)
  • Includes: 4 Saturday practices with possibility of more based on coaching availability.
  • Weight Guidance: Sailors should weigh ~110lbs (per US Sailing)
  • Boat: ILCA (Laser) provided by JIYC based on availability 

All classes are weather-dependent; however, in the event of foul weather, as long as it's safe to travel to and from the club, we will hold indoor lessons and chalk talks so sailors continue to learn even when we can not get on the water. 
 


Please reach out if you have any questions.
Taylor Cefalu - Sailing Director 
[email protected]