Summer Program

Program Description

Our Summer Program promotes hands-on instruction at the dock, chalk-talks in the classroom and instruction on-the-water, as we prepare each student to progress to the next skill level.  Dinghy sailing in most weather conditions can be a challenge, even with the best instruction and training. Tiller time and top-notch coaches offer our kids the opportunity to excel on-the-water.
 

First Time Sailors

Are you comfortable in and around the water? Do you enjoy new adventures, challenges and making new friends? Then learning to sail will be an exciting new experience that you can enjoy for years to come. For ages 8 through 13.

PLEASE NOTE: All first time sailors MUST contact the Junior Program Office. Class size is limited to to Covid protocols.
 

DAILY ACTIVITIES include all the above, plus warm-ups, chalk-talks and on the water drills. Overall emphasis is placed on self reliance, competence and cooperation. Instruction will be augmented with swimming activities, on-the-water games, sailing to local points of interest and family BBQ’s.
 

Program Instructors

Our program is taught by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who are also certified in CPR, First Aid, and water-related safety procedures. Del Rey Yacht Club has over 40 years experience in offering a comprehensive year-round sailing program. Our instructor ratio of one to four for beginning classes exceeds U.S. Sailing recommended guidelines.

Each Student Must Provide Their Own Boat.

YOU MUST SUPPLY YOUR OWN SABOT OR LASER.   We do have a limited amount of Sabot charters and Opti charters (rentals) available for charter on a first-come-first-served basis for each session. Please refer to the CHARTER link for more information. We cannot hold a charter boat unless you are registered in the program.
 
Days are based on a 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. schedule. Supervision is provided from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weeks are based on a Monday through Thursday schedule, no Friday classes. Due to Covid, 2021 Summer Program class times will be staggered by skill level and ages.

NOTE: All non-member boats must be removed by the end of the program.
 

Program Packet  

Each student will receive a Program Packet which will include: 
- A Junior Summer Sailing Parent & Sailor Handbook to include the following...
- A list of necessary gear.
- A list of personal equipment needed on a daily basis.
- Calendar of events.
- Emergency release & contact forms, rules and regulations forms.

NOTE: These forms MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SAILING.  

Please contact the Program Director for details and availability. There are NO REFUNDS on charter boat fees after the first day of your session.
 

Summer Sailing Program – Skill Level Description

Novice Sabot
This class will be taught in the US Sabot, with limited charters available. If you provide your own Opti we will provide room for you as well. There are no beginning Opti charters available.   This class is designed for children with little or no experience sailing a single handed dinghy. Students will learn basic dinghy sailing skills as well as basic seamanship. They will learn common sailing knots, the parts of the boat, and right-of-way rules. They will also learn the points of sail, basic tacking and gibing, and basic sail trim. Emphasis will be placed on proper boat handling and sail trimming technique.

Intermediate Sabot
This class is designed for children who have already learned the basics of single handed dinghy sailing. Students will learn new boat handling and sail trimming techniques. They will also learn more right-of-way rules and basic racing skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper boat handling and sail trimming, as well as proper use of the sailing rules.

Intermediate Opti / Green Fleet
There are a limited number of Opti boats available for charter in this class. You will need to have had beginner Sabot or Opti experience for more than one summer before you are allowed to enroll in this class, along with an evaluation of boat handling skills. Students will learn new boat handling and sail trimming techniques. They will also learn more right-of-way rules and basic racing skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper boat handling and sail trimming, as well as proper use of the sailing rules. Intermediate Opti will be based off the same curriculum of the intermediate sabot class, but will be taught in a different context due to an Opti being an entirely different type of PRAM dinghy.

Racing Opti
This class is for the intermediate to advanced racer and will need qualification to enroll. Students will learn advanced boat handling and sail trimming techniques. Racing Opti's will be based off the same curriculum taught in Racing sabots, but will be taught in a different context due to an Opti being an entirely different type of PRAM dinghy.   Morning Sailing for Teenagers This class is designed for older children (14 and up) who have passed Intermediate Sabot. Students will learn how to sail FJ's, as both a skipper and crew, or have the option to learn how to sail a laser by providing their own boat. They will learn boat handling and sail trimming skills as well as teamwork. Students will learn to trim a jib as well as use a spinnaker. This class will be focused towards those that have become too big to be sailing a sabot or opti and want to continue their sailing experience with hopes of becoming part of the year around race team.

Afternoon Race Team
This class is designed for our year around race team kids or children that have passed the morning FJ/laser class and have a desire to attend FJ or Laser regattas. Students will learn advanced boat handling and sail trimming techniques used in double handed dinghies. They will also learn advanced racing theory and advanced Racing Rules. Emphasis will be on proper boat handling, tactics and sail trimming technique, use and knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing, and racing theory. Kids participating in this class will be expected to attend the large youth regattas that take place during the summer such as, Junior Olympics, FJ Nationals, and Laser Nationals.   Please note that while dinghy sailing is mostly an individual sport, we will strive to teach teamwork and sportsmanship in all of our classes.
 

Advanced Racing Program

Open to those who participate on our year-round traveling Race Team. This program is designed for the serious junior racer who wants to prepare for the upcoming regattas. This is not a learn to sail program. Do you fit these fundamental requirements?

• Age: 13 years or more, with qualification.
• Past sailing experience with a solid grasp of basics.
• Eager to race.

Advanced Racing Program Student Requirements: Please speak to Virginia Howard, Program Director.

• Beginner for the Flying Junior Sailboat
• Beginner for Laser / Radial Laser Sailboat
• Prepare for and participate in International Junior Racing Events this summer

You will focus on these racing skills:
- Steering - learn to work those waves, light air, heavy air tricks.
- Crewing - learn how to be indispensable to your skipper.
- Sail and boat trim - know when and how to shift gears.
- Starts - learn how to pick your best spot on the line and how to be where you want, when you want.
- Rules and sportsmanship - know your rights and how to use the new rules to help you win with honor.
- Tactics - learn how to optimize your upwind beats and downwind runs; how to come out ahead at the crowded mark.
- Spinnaker work - learn the new techniques.

Racing program is open to a limited amount of students.  Applications must be received by June 6. No refunds after the first day of your session.
 

Summer Sailing Program Contacts

Please contact the Program Director, Virginia Howard, or the Head Coach, Sean Dougherty, for details and availability.

Program Director: (Summer Sailing Questions)
Virginia Howard
13900 Palawan Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 822-5182 (Junior Office Main Line) [email protected]      

Head Coach: (Non-Summer Sailing Questions)  
Sean Dougherty
13900 Palawan Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292 [email protected]