Junior Sailing Programs | Watch Hill Yacht Club

Enroll Early

Registration deadline is May 1st. A Waitlist will be implemented once a class has reached capacity. A list of all program prices can be found under the About Junior Sailing tab. Please note: Program fees cover instruction, t-shirts, certificates, and awards. Fees are to be paid prior to the first day of class. Checks are to be made out to the "Watch Hill Yacht Club." Late fee of $25 per entry will be applied after May 1st.

We look forward to seeing everyone this summer!

Class Descriptions

Opti I: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

OPTI I: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

This beginner program is designed for students ages eight+; 1-4 years of sailing experience; have not participated in regattas. It is recommended that students successfully complete 1-2 years of "Taste of Sailing" prior to joining the Beginner Class program (or instructor approval).

Opti II: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

After successfully completing the Beginner Opti I program, the next step in the WHYC Junior Sailing program is this Intermediate Opti Morning Class. Designed for those who have had 3-5 years of sailing experience (including Taste of Sailing). This class is designed to strengthen a student’s basic knowledge of sailing, paired with boat handing and an introduction to racing.

Opti III: 1:00 to 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

The Intermediate builds directly off the classroom of Opti 2 and expands upon introduction to racing. Ideally suited for students, who have participated in Green fleet regattas and want to strengthen their racing skills, in a fun-lighthearted classroom. Students should be comfortable with practicing in heavier air conditions. Focus will be on gaining confidence in the boat, mastering boat handing, introduction to tactics and racing strategy.

Opti IV Racing: 1:00 to 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

Opti 4 is the WHYC Advanced Opti Racing Class. This class is for students, who have had five years (minimum) of sailing experience; participate regularly in regattas; exhibit excellence in boat handling. Focus will be on fine tuning boat handling, racing strategy, and handling heavy air sailing. Participating in local ECSA regattas is encouraged.

Taste of Sailing 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Taste of Sailing: 9:00-12:00PM Wednesdays

Description: An introductory course to the world of sailing. This program is designed for seven to nine year olds, who are interested in getting a 'taste' of sailing. This light-hearted, fun class gives students the opportunity to sail in a variety of different boat classifications: optis, c420s, and WH-15s. Taste of Sailing is a prerequisite course to our Beginner OPTI I program. Recommended 1-2 years of participation.

420 Group A: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

420 Group A: 1:00 - 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
*Limited Seating

This class is designed for students in their first year of c420 sailing. Knowing when to transition from Optis to c420s is always a difficult question to address. WHYC recommends that any student stays in Opti Sailing as long as possible. Ages 14+ (or with instructor approval); first year of c420 sailing and/or have not participated in c420 regattas.

420 Group B: 1:00 - 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
*Limited Seating

1-3 years of c420 sailing experience; have participated in c420 regattas.

420 Group C: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

420 Group C: 1:00 - 4:00 PM (3 HOUR CLASS)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

2 years (minimum) of c420 sailing experience; participated regularly in regattas and Team Racing.