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For decades LYC has developed great sailors by nurturing their love for being out on the water and providing them with the best in equipment, facilities, & instruction. We don’t just teach kids how to sail—we teach them to love sailing!
We offer junior sailing instruction from June to August for children of all skill levels on a variety of boats.
We can't wait to see you out on the water!
Developing the Next Generation
JUNIOR SAILING
We welcome juniors from the ages of 6 to 17 whose parents or grandparents are active
members of the club. For your child's safety, we require that all participants pass a swim
test on the first day of summer program.
We offer instruction on a variety of boats that suit various ages and skill levels.
RS Toura
A modern dinghy with space for up to 7 and a durable rotomolded polyethene hull, the
RS Toura is stable, roomy, and responsive. An excellent training boat for children and
adults alike.
OnePlus Pram
Constructed from rotomolded polyethene, the Pram is durable with good buoyancy. Its
spacious cockpit allows for multiple crew combinations, including two children for buddy
sailing or a child and instructor for one-on-one training.
Optimist Pram
These single-handed boats are the most popular youth fleet in the world. Sailed by
juniors up to the age of 15, the Opti is a great choice for everyone from beginners to
highly advanced racers and has become the standard for junior sailing locally and
nationally.
Laser/ILCA
Typically sailed by sailors age 13 and up, the Laser/ILCA is a single-handed boat that
rewards athleticism and tactical excellence. It is a single-handed Olympic-class boat for
both men and women and is sailed at club, national, and international levels. The
Laser/ILCA offers three different rig options so young sailors can move up in rig sizes as
they grow physically and develop tactically. The ILCA 4 is ideal for the lighter-weight
sailor (100-135 pounds) graduating from Optimist while the ILCA 6 is for more
experienced sailors.
Sunfish/ISCA
The Sunfish is a popular one-design sailboat raced in over 20 countries. It is a small,
lightweight boat with a simple, yet functional design. The boat has a triangular sail and a
single, deep cockpit. With an ideal crew weight range of 120-190 pounds, the Sunfish is
often used for adult and junior racing, as well as recreational sailing.
Club 420
The standard in high school and collegiate sailing, the C420 is a double-handed sailboat
that combines the independence of sailing with the teamwork of a two-person boat. With
the added excitement of flying a spinnaker and hanging out on the trapeze, it's no
wonder the C420 has remained one of the most popular youth boats for decades.
Whether going for gold at the Junior Olympics or new to the sport, we have a class
suited for your child. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and enrollment is
limited to provide a safe sailor-to-instructor ratio.
Junior Skippers
Junior Skippers introduces 6 and 7-year olds to the world of boating and our bay
through a combination of land-based and on-the-water activities. Participants must pass
a swim test with a lifejacket. Junior Skippers will be offered for one 1-week session in
2026, meeting Monday-Thursday in the afternoon. Prior Junior Skippers participants are
welcome to return.
Minimum Age: 6 or completed kindergarten
Learn to Sail I
Learn to Sail I introduces children 7-11 years old to sailing in a relaxed and secure
atmosphere. This program uses club-owned RS Toura for group sailing adventures and
club-owned Prams for buddy sailing. The main focus is for sailors to become
comfortable and confident while in a boat and on the water. Learn to Sail I meets for
half-day morning classes on Monday-Thursday. Families can choose 4- or 8-week
session.
Minimum Age: 7 or completed first grade
Learn to Sail II
Learn to Sail II develops children 7-11 years old as independent sailors by focusing on
basic sailing and seamanship skills. The program uses club-owned Prams and Optis for
buddy and independent sailing. Students are encouraged to use their own boats but up
to 4 sailors without boats can be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Students must provide their own boats if attending class for a second year. Learn to Sail
II meets on Monday-Thursday (early dismissal on Wednesdays). Families can choose
4- or 8-week session and full- or half-day (morning) option.
Minimum Age: 7 or completed first grade
Introduction to Racing: Green Fleet
Introduction to Racing is designed for sailors aged 8-12 who have acquired basic skills
and are ready to learn how to race. The Green Fleet focuses on improved boat handling
skills, sail control, sportsmanship and basic racing and rules. Responsibility for
equipment care and maintenance are stressed. Introduction to Racing meets for full-day
sessions three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) in addition to Wednesday
club races (2PM dismissal). Families can choose 4- or 8-week session. Green Fleet
regatta participation is encouraged. Sailors are required to provide own boat and be
comfortable sailing independently.
Minimum Age: 8 or completed second grade
Junior Program: Opti Red/White/Blue and Advanced ILCA/C420/Sunfish
Designed for junior sailors ages 9+ who have acquired basic seamanship and racing
skills, our Junior Program seeks to improve sailing ability through both recreational and
competitive opportunities. The program is divided by fleet, age and ability, with
experienced, dedicated instructors leading small group lessons. Our instructors also
accompany sailors to select local regattas. Junior Program meets for full-day sessions
three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) in addition to Wednesday club races
(2PM dismissal). Regatta participation is encouraged. Sailors are required to provide
own boat.
Teen Plus Program
Open to junior sailors 13-18 with advanced sailing experience, our Teen Plus Program
will meet one evening weekly for recreational sailing and socializing. Boats and location
will vary. LYC Junior Program alumni currently in high school are also welcome!
Minimum Age: 13 or completed seventh grade
Seggel Family Junior Regatta and Cayrn Wilson Opti Regatta 2026 Dates coming soon.
USODA NJ Opti States
July 13 - 14
Toms River Yacht Club, Toms River NJ
Registration coming soon
July 28, 2026 Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, Beach Haven, NJ USODA 2026 Optimist Girls US National Championship
July 29, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, Beach Haven, NJ
2026 Optimist US National Championship
USODA Atlantic Coast Championship
Sept 11 - 13
Lavallette Yacht Club
Registration coming soon
