Eastern Yacht Club has offered a Jr. Sailing Program for the past 15+ years. The program's objective is to introduce our members' children between the ages of 5 and 9 to sailing in a safe, fun environment. Among other things, they learn about safety on the water, how to rig and care for the boats, boat-handling, knots, wind and weather, and racing techniques. These young sailors begin their journey sailing with instructors on club owned Sonars and gradually move up to single-handing in OPTIs. In the last year of the program many of the older sailors participate in Marblehead Jr. Race Week racing in the OPTI Green Fleet. After graduating from the EYC program, many of our junior sailors transition to the PLEON Yacht Club where they enter with a strong sailing foundation and a love of the sport.
The reach of the Jr. Sailing Program also extends to the EYC Day Camp. The sailing curriculum for campers includes extensive time on the water in club Sonars with Jr. Sailing staff.
We are very fortunate to have 3 floats toward the back of the harbor - AKA the "Riverside Floats". This is a perfect setting for our young sailors to practice in a sheltered area. While many kids, especially those in the advanced groups, use their own OPTIs, we have 8 club-owned OPTIs for use by the Jr. Sailing Program.
We offer two consecutive [4-week] sessions - most of our young sailors participate in both. Towards the end of Session 1 there is a float party where our young sailors can show off some of their sailing skills to their family and friends - always a highlight of the summer! At the end of the season we host an awards night on the floats where we recognize the achievements of our Jr. Sailors. One of the special awards given is the Mike Smith "Seamanship Award".
Highlights 2011 Season:
- Addie Egan and Will Hancock - winners of the Neil W. Rice Trophy
- Philip Jeffries - winner of the Mike Smith "Seamanship Award"
- Program reach ~150 Jr EYC Sailors
- 8 Jr. Sailors competed in the Jr. Race Week
- Outstanding and engaged instructors with an average tenure in the program of 6+ years
- Over 100 parents and children attended each float party
Program Highlights:
- Sailing classes Ages 5 to 9ish
- Private lessons
- Friday Fun Sail Excursions to Brown's Island, Misery Island, Manchester-By-The-Sea, etc.
- Introduction classes as part of the Camp Program
- Early bird discounts offered
Early bird registration begins in late February 2012. Parents are encouraged to register their children early as classes tend to fill -up quickly.
The names of some sessions have changed to the following. Please take note:
Skippers (formerly OPTI 1)
Captains (formerly OPTI 2)
Admirals (formerly OPTI 3)
Important Dates:
Session 1: June 25th - July 20th
Session 2: July 23rd - August 17th
Float Party Dates:
Float Party 1: Friday, July 13th
Float Party 2 (and Awards Night): Friday, August 10th
Sloop Sonars (Tue & Thu 1-3) $250* per session
Description: Designed to provide a safe, stable, and fun introduction to sailing for EYC's youngest sailors. The varied curriculum presents basic boat handling and sailing terms, including safety rules and weather/wind observation. Children will sail in groups in Sonars. While teaching basic skills through games, hunts and other adventures, this class will help foster enthusiasm for further sailing. Note that this class is shorter than most (2 hours) to appeal to this young age group.
Prerequisites: Designed for EYC Camp children in Sloops, ages 5&6, generally having completed Kindergarten. Children not enrolled in Camp are welcome to take part in this class. This class takes and expands upon the fun group Sonar sailing that the kids are experiencing briefly in Camp. No previous sailing experience is necessary. This class will be geared towards the younger child getting comfortable and having fun on a boat!
Goals: Learn to enjoy and appreciate sailing in Marblehead harbor! The emphasis in this program is on fun & safety on the water.
Intro to Sailing (Tue & Thu 9-12) - $350* per session
Description: Designed to provide a broad introduction to all that Family Sail offers in and around the water. The fun and varied curriculum focuses on basic boat handling and sailing terms, including safety rules and weather/wind observation. Children will sail in both Sonars and Optimists (2 to an Opti). While teaching basic skills, this class will help foster enthusiasm for further sailing adventures.
Prerequisites: Designed for children ages 7 & older, EYC Camp children in Schooners & Clippers, , generally having completed 1st grade. In conjunction with Camp, this class provides a 5 morning a week experience. Children not enrolled in Camp are welcome to take part in this class. No previous sailing experience is necessary. EYC boats (Sonars and Optis) are provided.
Goals: Learn to enjoy and appreciate sailing in Marblehead harbor! The emphasis in this program is on fun & safety on the water.
Skippers (formerly Opti I) (Mon & Wed 1-4, Thu 9-12) $520* per session
Description: This introductory class is designed to teach children basic boat-handling skills including tacking, jibing, making safe landings, and rigging an Opti. This class will principally be taught with 2 children to a boat to maximize fun and well being. All children will have an equal opportunity to helm the boat. Opti Beginners will generally sail in the immediate Riverhead float area.
Prerequisites: Designed for 8+ year old children with no dinghy sailing experience. EYC Optis are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rental fee is $30 per session. 2 children will be assigned to a boat for each session. If you provide your own boat, your child will always sail in it. The first 5 children registered with boats will get storage space on the Riverhead float for that session. Private boats can be shared. However, the JR Sailing committee will not coordinate sharing. Sharing must be coordinated by the families.
Goals: To enjoy their first dinghy sailing experience. The progression of the class will provide each child with some single-handed sailing by the end of the session, in order to be prepared for Opti II, Opti III, or Pleon.
Captains (formerly Opti II) (Mon & Wed 9-12, Tues & Thu 1-4) $690* per session
Description: This class is designed for beginning single-handed Opti sailors. Children will continue to develop basic boat handling skills, while learning about safety, wind observation, and taking care of their equipment. There will be plenty of fun games and adventures on water & land to keep the sailors engaged and enthusiastic. This class will do some double-handed sailing early on and in windy conditions. Single handed sailing will be emphasized as the sailors become more comfortable. Emphasis will be on having fun, as well as building confidence and competence.
Prerequisites: Designed for children having completed 2nd grade, with Intro to Sailing, or other basic Opti exposure. EYC Optis are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rental rate per session is $50.00. Families may also provide their own Optis which will be stored on the Riverhead floats.
Goals: To be proficient and confident single handling an Optimist, and ready for Opti III or Pleon.
Admirals (formerly Opti III) (Mon & Wed 1-4, Tue & Fri 9-12) - $690* per session
Description: This all single-handed class is designed for children who have become proficient in basic Opti sailing and want to fine-tune their boat-handling skills while learning some basic racing techniques. This class will venture all around and just outside the harbor. Participants in this class are encouraged to participate in Marblehead Race Week (see details on our race week program below).
Prerequisites: Designed for children having completed 3rd grade, with Opti II or equivalent. Comfort sailing single-handedly is a must. Sailors must have their own Opti.
Goals: To have good boat handling skills, a basic understanding of how to get around a race course, and be prepared to enter Pleon as an enthusiastic, confident sailor.
RACE WEEK (Mon, Tue & Wed all day) - $160 (only $80 if in Session I). Does not include Race Week registration fee.
Description: This is a special coaching program for those children wishing to take part in the Opti Green fleet at Marblehead Junior Race Week (July 16-18). Race Week prep and on the water coaching & support is included all day, for all three days.
Prerequisites: Staff recommended. Sailors must have their own Opti.
* Please note: The Opti must be available all day for all three days. Therefore it cannot be a boat that is shared with someone in another EYC sailing class.
To register for junior sailing programs, please click "Registration" at the left or here.
