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 either older beginner sailors or graduates of the Recruits class. They must weigh at least 100 lbs in order to control a larger boat or be over eleven years old. Most Mates are ages 11-15. Mates introduces sailors to double-handing. The Mates program solidifies and extends the skills and knowledge learned in Recruits. No prior sailing experience is required.
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 12-16 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. We suggest that sailors take this class together with the Recruits course to build skills. Participants MUST have taken at least one previous year of Recruits and have mastered single-hand sailing, or have express permission from the Sailing Program Director. We strongly encourage sailors to take 2 or more sessions. If your child is registered for a class above or below their skill level, we reserve the right to move them to the appropriate class. If that class is full, this may mean placing them on a waitlist.
Monday-Friday, 2 week sessions – 12:30pm – 4:30pm
$450/2 weeks
Optimist Race Team:
For sailors ages 10–15 ready to learn competitive racing. The Optimist is a small, single-handed dinghy designed for young sailors, and the boat-handling and tactical skills learned here form the foundation for future racing careers. Sailors compete in local Optimist regattas as well as away regattas throughout New England. Minimum 2 sessions; additional sessions strongly encouraged. Most regattas fall during Sessions 2 and 3 — we recommend registering for Sessions 1–3 so sailors are race-ready.
Away regattas: Race team members are required to participate in away regattas at other yacht clubs — a great way to build friendships and sharpen skills. These trips involve additional costs (food and lodging), which parents provide. Each participating family must volunteer to support at least two away regattas to help ensure safety, success, and fun.
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:
For students looking to sharpen their boat-handling and tactical skills in the C420, a double-handed dinghy widely used in junior, high school, and collegiate sailing programs. Minimum 2 sessions; additional sessions strongly encouraged. Most regattas fall during Sessions 2 and 3 — we recommend registering for Sessions 1–3 so sailors are race-ready
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
Away regattas: Race team members are required to participate in away regattas at other yacht clubs — a great way to build friendships and sharpen skills. These trips involve additional costs (food and lodging), which parents provide. Each participating family must volunteer to support at least two away regattas to help ensure safety, success, and fun.
Discounts: Sailors who register for continuous sessions may use the multi-session discount code, this does not apply for families who register multiple sailors.