Junior Sailing
Youth Programs for ages 8 - 17!
The Olcott Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing program, established in the 1940s, remains a vital part of the club and community. Open to boys and girls ages 8 to 17, members and non-members, the program teaches lifelong sailing skills and fosters lasting friendships. Instruction takes place in Optimists, 420s, Lasers, and kayaks, offering a well-rounded experience for both beginners and seasoned sailors. Our advanced racers are recognized across the lake for their skill and sportsmanship.
Program Structure
Our program offers several levels of instruction with a strong focus on safety, fun, sportsmanship, cooperation, and healthy competition. The curriculum follows the US Sailing Association guidelines, and all instructors—many of whom are program alumni—hold certifications from both US Sailing and the American Red Cross.
Sailors are grouped into Optimists, Adventure Sailling or Racing tracks, with Racing requiring coach approval. Class sizes are kept small with a student-to-instructor ratio of less than 10:1. Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
1
Optimists
(Ages 8 - 12)
Our Optimist Sailing Program introduces children ages 8–12 to the fundamentals of sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience, the course covers rigging, steering, sail control, water safety, and teamwork. Instruction is tailored to each sailor’s comfort and skill level for steady progress. Students sail Optimist dinghies—stable, single-sail boats ideal for youth—either solo or with a partner. Whether new to sailing or building on existing skills, this program is a great way for young sailors to gain confidence and develop a lasting love for the water.
2
Adventure Sailing (Ages 10 - 17)
Our Adventure Sailing Program is ideal for young sailors with beginner to intermediate skills who want a fun, relaxed, and hands-on experience. Sailing in 420s with two sailors per boat, participants learn rigging, steering, sail trim, docking, and water safety through engaging activities. Each day also includes exciting on-the-water and shore-based adventures like kayaking, sailing on keelboats, fishing, swimming, and arts and crafts. The program builds confidence, teamwork, and a love for the water in a supportive environment. Whether catching a breeze or casting a line, Adventure Sailing offers a dynamic and memorable summer experience for every young sailor.
3
Travel Race Team
(Coach Approval)
The Race Team is for intermediate to advanced sailors ready to elevate their skills through focused training and competition. Ideal for confident sailors, the program emphasizes advanced boat handling, sail trim, starts, mark roundings, and race strategy. On-shore instruction covers racing rules, tactics, and regatta prep, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitive growth. Sailors will train in 420s and represent Olcott Yacht Club at regional events such as the Junior Can-Am (Youngstown Yacht Club) and Junior Olympics (Rochester Yacht Club). A full two-week session is required, with travel arranged for weekday and weekend regattas throughout the summer season.
JUNIOR EVENTS at OYC
Junior Sailing isn’t just for the kids—it's a family affair! This summer, enjoy a full lineup of special events including our End-of-Week Picnics, the exciting Junior Sailing Carnival, the all-new Jr. Sponsor Regatta, and our season-ending Awards Banquet. It’s the perfect way to connect, celebrate, and be part of the sailing community all summer long.
2025 Sailing Session Dates & Fees:
Program Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sailors must bring their own lunch.
Dates & Costs
Session 1
July 7 to July 18 SESSION FULL
Junior Can-Am Regatta
July 15-16 @ Youngstown Yacht Club
Session 2
July 21 to August 1 SESSION FULL
Junior Olympics
August 2-3 @ Rochester Yacht Club
Session 3
August 4 to August 15
Contact
Elisa Schwarzkopf – Fleet Captain
Mark Cassidy - Junior Committee Chair
Session Cost
$702 ($200 Deposit)
Weekly Rate
$378 ($100 Deposit)
Fees include applicable NYS sales tax.
Is the sailor's parent/guardian an Olcott Yacht Club member? Receive a 10% discount!
Deposits are due at the time of registration. Payments are due in full by the first day of the registered session.
Have Questions? Download our 2025 OYC JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM Q&A.
Interested in racing as a program preference? Download the RACING TEAM INFO.
To register by mail or in person, please complete and submit a separate registration form AND a health and medical information form with a deposit for each child to be registered.
We continue to do our best to provide an instructional experience that is reasonable in cost to each family. In order to be able to provide & maintain all of our boats & equipment used, beyond the income from camp tuition, we rely on generous financial support and fundraising from The Olcott Mantel Club, our past commodores organization which is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. Through their annual fundraiser and tax-deductible donations, we continue to keep our program a success.
