Small Boat Program (ages 8-13)

Small Boat is where most young sailors begin. Kids sail single-handed in Optimists - the classic first boat - learning to handle wind, water, and a boat of their own on Monterey Bay.
There are two tracks. Your sailor registers once and joins the one that fits. Same fee either way.

Learn to Sail

For beginners and for kids who simply love being on the water. No experience needed - sailors start from the very first knot and build up at their own pace. It's hands-on, it's fun, and by the end of a session your child will be sailing a boat by themselves.

Learn to Sail doesn't race. It's about confidence, water skills, and the joy of sailing.

Fall I - pick one group:

• Saturday morning, 8:30-12:00 (group #1)
• Sunday morning, 8:30-12:00 (group #2)
• Wednesday afternoon, 2:00–5:00 pm (group #3)

Fall II - pick one group:

• Saturday morning, 8:30-12:00 (group #1)
• Wednesday afternoon, 2:00-5:00 pm (group #2)

Optimist Green Fleet

The next step for sailors who've got the basics down and want to start racing. Green Fleet prepares your sailor to compete in the Optimist Green Fleet of the Bay Area Youth Sailing (BAYS) series - a friendly, supportive introduction to racing with other young sailors from around the Bay.

Fall regattas:

• BAYS #1 - October 10-11 @PYSF in Redwood City
• BAYS #2 - November 14-15 @SCYC in Santa Cruz

Green Fleet sails on:

• Fall I: Sunday afternoon, 1:00–5:00 pm
• Fall II: Sunday morning, 8:30–12:00

How to join Green Fleet: by invitation or a personal assessment. If your sailor is ready to move up from Learn to Sail, we'll let you know - and if you think they're ready, just ask the coach.

Green Fleet Readiness self-assessment

What it costs

• $390 per session - covers the weekly class for the full session
• $75 annual Junior Membership

That's everything for Small Boat. Boats, and the coaching, are all included.

Scholarship note: Any junior who wishes to sail and is admitted to a sailing program should not be limited by financial resources. Full and/or partial scholarships may be available with the support from the The Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation. For more information, reach out to juniordirector@scyc.org.

Good to know

• Boats ("Optimists") are provided.
• Life jackets and helmets are required - we can lend them to start.
• A safety boat with a coach is on the water every session.
• Your sailor should be comfortable in the water while wearing a life jacket.

Events - mark your calendar!

• Halloween Party - October 31, 1pm - 4pm
• Holiday Party - December 13, 4pm - 7pm

Ready to sign up?

Register now!

Questions about which class fits your sailor? Reach out anytime — Andreas Kesting, juniordirector@scyc.org, 831-295-3893.