Our curriculum offers everything from learn-to-sail beginner classes to racing instruction on both Optimists and 420 sailboats. We help our students grow in confidence, self-reliance, and everyday problem-solving skills. Sailing provides children the opportunity to work both independently and as a team. At HYC, we teach team-building strategies out on the water that are not only critical for sailing – but are crucial for life!
If you are unsure which class is best for your sailor, please visit our page: Pathways for Sailing Progression.
Guppies Class:
This introductory sailing course is for children ages 6-8 years old. The class is very hands-on, allowing young sailors to gain comfort on the water through sailing in Optimist sailboats. With lots of games and engaging activities, the focus of the Guppies course is fun, safety and learning! Sailors must have completed Kindergarten or equivalent to be eligible for Guppies.
3-days/week, 2 week sessions: Tu/Th/Fr – 8:30am – 11:30am
$320/2 weeks
Recruits Class:
Recruits is designed as an intro to sailing Optimists for children ages 8-11 years old (exceptions subject to prior approval). Students will start off double-handed and work up to single-handing in Optimist dinghies. No prior sailing experience is required.
Monday-Friday, 2 week sessions – 8:30am – 11:30am
$415/2 weeks
Mates Class:
Mates at HYC are graduates of the Recruits class – and considered intermediate sailors based on either skill, weight (at least 100 lbs, necessary to control a larger boat), or age. Most Mates are ages 10-15. Mates introduces sailors to double-handing. The Mates program solidifies and extends the skills and knowledge learned in Recruits.
Monday-Friday, 2 week sessions – 12:30pm – 4:30pm
$430/2 weeks
Advanced Training Group (ATG) Class:
This class is designed for both racers and intermediate sailors who are not racers who can confidently and safely sail a 420 both upwind and downwind. The ATG class serves as a bridge between sailing and racing and is designed for experienced Mates and Opti Racers ages 10-16 who are seeking to further their sailing skillset through spinnakers and trapezes. ATG sailors have the desire to be introduced to the world of racing or advancing their sailing skill set.
Monday-Friday, 2 week sessions – 8:30am – 11:30am
$430/2 weeks
Optimist Green Fleet:
The Opti Green Fleet is for children ages 9-13 who want to extend their sailing knowledge and develop toward racing and advanced Opti skills. Participants must have mastered single-hand sailing. We suggest that sailors take this class together with the Recruits course to build skills. We strongly encourage sailors to take 2 or more sessions.
Monday-Friday, 2 week sessions – 12:30pm – 4:30pm
$450/2 weeks
Optimist Race Team:
The Opti Race Team is for sailors ages 10-15 who are motivated to learn the art of racing. The Optimist is a small single-handed dinghy specifically designed for young sailors. The boat-handling and tactical skills learned through the program will be the foundation for their future racing careers. The sailors will compete in local Optimist regattas, as well as other away regattas in New England. The minimum commitment for the Opti Race Team is 2 sessions.
If interested in Opti Race Team please contact the Sailing Program Director: .
Monday–Friday – 2 week sessions, with a minimum of two sessions required. Additional sessions STRONGLY encouraged.
$450/2 weeks – 12:30pm – 4:30pm
420 Race Team:
The 420 Race Team is designed for students looking to improve their boat handling and tactical skills. Many junior sailing programs, high schools, and collegiate programs sail 420s, a double-handed dinghy. When committing to the race team, sailors are strongly encouraged to sign up for as many weeks as possible. Minimum commitment is 2 sessions.
If interested in the 420 Race Team please contact the Sailing Program Director: .
Monday–Friday – 2 week sessions, with a minimum of two sessions required. Additional sessions STRONGLY encouraged.
$900/2 weeks – 8:30am – 4:30pm + lunch bunch
YSP requires all race team members to participate in away regattas at other yacht clubs. These events are a great way to deepen friendships and improve your sailing skills.
Please be aware that away regattas involve additional fees (e.g. food & lodging). We depend on parents to provide food, travel, and lodging at away regattas. For students to participate in away regattas – parental chaperones and volunteers are needed to ensure safety, success, and FUN!
Discounts: available for Sailors enrolled in multiple sessions.