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.
Ready to hit the water? We are proud to offer several "Sailorships" to help local students join our 2026 Junior Sailing Program. These awards focus on fostering fun, safety, and sportsmanship on Lake Ontario.
Note: These scholarships are specifically for students who are not children of Olcott Yacht Club members.Â
Chart Your Course:
2026 Junior Sailing Scholarships
How to Apply
To be considered for any of our three summer sessions, applicants must submit a completed application and a written essay expressing their interest in sailing.
Deadline: Applications must be received by Friday, June 5, 2026.
Selection: Winners will be notified by June 12, 2026.
Requirements: Winners must be able to swim and provide their own transportation, lunch, and PFD (life jacket).
The Olcott Mantel Club "Sailorships"
Open to Niagara County residents, ages 7–17.
Women’s Yachting Association Scholarships
Open to students (ages 7–17) in the Barker, Newfane, or Wilson school districts.
2026 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 6 to July 17
Junior Can-Am Regatta
July 14-15 @ Youngstown Yacht Club
Session 2
July 20 to July 31
Session 3
August 3 to August 14
Junior Olympics
August 8-9 @ Rochester Yacht Club
Weekly Rate
$378 ($100 Deposit)
Contact
Ella Thibault – Head Instructor
Taylor Sukdolak – Fleet Captain
Mark Cassidy - Junior Committee Chair
Session Cost
$725 ($200 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 2026 OYC JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM Q&A.​​​​
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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.
