Summer Sailing Programs for the Kids

Here we are in the first week of March and there is a bit of light at the end of winter’s tunnel. So, that means for parents with kids or grandkids, now is the time to start looking around for summer sailing programs that will build sailing skills in the young ones. If you belong to or have access to a yacht club, then that will probably have a good junior sailing program. If not, then you’ll have to look around at the commercial sailing schools and the community boating programs. Optimist prams are hugely popular in youth sailing and the class offers an extensive regatta program all around the world. Optis are fine for kids who want to race and who enjoy sailing on their own. But there are plenty of kids who don’t want to race and want sail with a friend, so check out if this is offered at the sailing programs you are looking into. Schools with 420s are a good option since most of the scholastic and collegiate sailing and racing is in this ubiquitous one design. If you, like us, want our kids and grandkids to enjoy sailing, racing and the sailing lifestyle, then building skills is a way to build confidence and enjoyment. So, make sure the sailing programs you are looking at builds fun as well as sailing expertise into their culture. Check out the U.S. Sailing and American Sailing Association’s websites for comprehensive lists of sailing programs around the country.
U.S. Sailing
American Sailing Association