Junior Sailing Camps
Wind chasers (Ages 5-7)
The Wind Chasers class is designed for our youngest sailors (5-7 years old) to have a fun and memorable introduction to sailing. Sailors will learn about safety around the dock and on the sailboat, basic boat parts, how to trim the sails, and will even have a chance to steer the boat. 5-6 sailors will be paired together and head out on the lake in our Vanguard Nomad 17' sailboats to focus on developing a comfort around the water. The Wind Chasers camp is a once a week, half day course and is a great starting point to move into a Level 1 Camp the following year.
level 1 (Ages 7-11)
Level 1 Camps are for sailors ages 7-11 who are new to sailing. Students sail in pairs under the close supervision of coaches and participate in daily land-based and water-based activities. The Level 1 curriculum focuses on the fun of sailing, while teaching sailing terminology, seamanship skills (like knot tying & rigging), and boat handling (maneuvering, sail trim, capsize recovery). Sailors are encouraged to work together as a team during practice drills and activities and exhibit sportsmanship in all areas of the camp. The Level 1 Camp utilizes Opti dinghies and group sailing in the Vanguard Nomad 17' sailboats. Upon completion of this class, sailors will be able to safely skipper a sailboat with limited to no assistance.
Level 1 Goals:
- Learning the parts of the boat and sail
- Rigging and de-rigging a sailboat
- Being able to recover from a capsize
- Tying a stopper knot
- Securing a line to a cleat with a cleat hitch
- Learning about wind direction and the points of sail
- Stowing the equipment in the correct manner and place
- Tacking and gybing
- Practicing the proper hand position on the tiller
- Fun!
level 2 (Ages 8-12)
The Level 2 Camp is for sailors who want to continue building their skills and are ready to sail a dinghy by themselves . All sailors must have completed Level 1 before enrolling in Level 2. Emphasis is placed on proper boat-handling skills, including sail trim, body positioning, weight placement, tiller use, tacking & jibing, and capsize recovery. Sailors will begin transitioning from sailing the Opti in pairs to skippering solo and will still participate in group sailing exercises in the Vanguard Nomad 17' sailboat. The Level 2 Camp is specifically focused on developing the skills necessary for sailors to begin thinking about the racing program.
Level 2 Goals:
- Learning more advanced sailing terminology
- Tying a bowline knot
- Mastering capsize recovery alone
- Leaving and returning to the dock safely
- Being able to identify and sail on all the points of sail (close-hauled, reach and downwind angles)
- Proper technique for roll tacking and jibbing
- Controlling speed by learning how to stop and accelerate
- Learning the basic rules of sailboat racing
- Sailing a basic race course
- Fun!
learn to sail (Ages 12-17)
The Learn to Sail Camp provides an entry-level class for older and/or more physically mature students interested in learning the basics of sailing. Those who participate in this course are, generally, 12 or older. Sailors will learn rigging, basic boat handling, powering/depowering the boat, and capsize recovery. The course is designed as a way for newer sailors to learn at a comfortable pace in a team-oriented environment. The skills covered in the program provide the foundation for students to be able to learn to sail with confidence. Sailors will use the Open Skiff, Vanguard Nomad, and 420 sailboats. Students often take Learn to Sail camp multiple sessions until they understand how to sail safely with confidence.
Learn to Sail Goals:
- Learning the parts of a sailboat
- Understanding wind direction
- Learning to tie basic knots
- Rigging and de-rigging the sailboat
- Leaving and returning to the dock safely
- Tacking and jibing
- Sailing on all points of sail
- Safe Capsize recovery
- Confidence building on the water
RACING TEAM (Ages 12-17)
The Racing Team provides an opportunity for sailors who have completed Level 1 & 2 Camps to continue developing their sailing skills. The Racing Team sails single-handed Open Skiff and double-handed 420 sailboats. Sailors will increase their boat handling skills, learn about racing rules & tactics, and compete against one another in regular practice races. Racing Team sailors have the option to begin competing in youth regattas and many young racers crew for adults in Sunday LHYC club racing.
The LHYC Junior Sailing Race Team is for sailors that have previous sailing experience, are capable independent skippers, and have completed Level 1 and Level 2 camps at LHYC (or equivalent). Acceptance into the Racing Team is based on prior sailing experience and coach evaluation (sailors must be able to rig and de-rig proficiently, confidently sail upwind, and recover from a capsize). The Racing Team is a season-long commitment.
Racing Team Goals:
- Mastery of rigging and relevant knots
- Leaving and returning to the dock properly in all conditions
- Roll tacking and jibing
- Basic spinnaker and trapeze use
- Sailing fast at all points of sail
- Understanding basic racing rules
- Competing on a course racing
- Develop sportsmanship and camaraderie
Sailboat Fleet
Optimist
Open Skiff
Open Skiff
The Optimist is an 8 foot pram style sailboat and is the introductory boat for our program. Younger beginners will often be paired in the boat as they learn however, once experienced enough, the Optimist is a single handed boat. These boats can be sailed up to the age of 15, although most students move into a larger boat before then. Optis are also an international class, with many regattas all over the world.
Open Skiff
Open Skiff
Open Skiff
The Open Skiff is the newest addition to our fleet. The boats were added in 2022 and are the next step for our single-handed sailors after the Optimist. Older beginners may learn their basic sailing skills on the boat but it is also used right up to the racing level.
Club 420
Vanguard nomad
Vanguard nomad
The 420 is a 2 person sailboat that our students generally move into after gaining experience in the Opti. This is a 14 foot boat that is often raced not only at the club and junior levels but it is also the most commonly raced collegiate class. The 420 is also an excellent opportunity for our students to transition into the larger classes raced at LHYC on Sundays.
Vanguard nomad
Vanguard nomad
Vanguard nomad
The Nomad is a 17' sailboat that provides us with significant versatility. The Nomad is the perfect boat for our instructors to teach small groups with a little more of a hands on approach. It is also the boat that will be used for our adult, family, or small group private lessons. It will even be used to help introduce some kids and adults to the world of racing in an stress-free environment.