(619) 221-8400 |

Winter Sailing Programs

2025 REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Program Overview

Double Handed Wednesdays

Intermediate Sabots I & II - Thursdays

Pre-C3: Learning to Race - Fridays

Sabot Race Team - Fridays & Saturdays

Advanced Double Handed with PLHS - Mondays & Thursdays

Laser Development Team - Saturdays

Laser Race Team - Tuesdays

Wednesday Double Handed Sailing Classes

January 15th – February 26th (6 Classes)

Novice Double-Handed Sailing (Ages 9-14)

  • Entry Fee: $300 Members / $360 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 5TH
  • 10 sailors max

This class is ideal for sailors who are new to double-handed sailing or want to continue working on their fundamentals in a CFJ. It is a great option for some of our experienced sabot racers, graduates from a summer or fall double-handed class, or older kids that are new to the sport. This class will focus on rigging, teamwork, the basics of boat handling, and introduce sailors to racing in CFJs.

C420 Sailing: Spinnaker and Trapeze Lessons (Ages 10+)

  • Entry Fee: $300 Members / $360 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 5TH
  • 16 sailors max

This group is ideal for sailors who plan on building towards racing in a C420. They will be practicing spinnaker sailing and learn to use a trapeze harness. Sailors will be working on boat handling and teamwork as they strive to master these new skills. Sailors must have prior experience sailing, either in Sabots (C1 and up), or have demonstrated competency in the Intro to Double Handed Class.

Thursday Sabot Sailing Classes
January 16th - February 27th (6 Classes)

Intermediate Sabot Sailing I (Ages 8-12)

Overview:

  • Entry Fee: $325 Members / $395 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 6TH
  • 8 sailors max
  • Two Coaches

Eligibility:

  • Completion of the Beginning Sabots course during the Fall 2024 After School Sailing Program.
  • Completion of the Intermediate Sabot Sailing course in the Summer 2024 Program.
  • Completion of the Beginning Sabots course during the Summer 2024 Program with coach approval.

The Intermediate Sabot Sailing I class is reserved for sailors who have demonstrated comfort with the fundamentals of sailing. This class will build on skills developed in beginning sabots with focus on upwind sailing, boat handling, and aims to prepare sailors for the Pre-C3 class where they will learn to race. 

Intermediate Sabot Sailing II (Ages 8-12)

Overview:

  • Entry Fee: $325 Members / $395 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 6TH
  • 8 sailors max
  • Two Coaches

Eligibility:

  • Sailors must have completed the Intermediate Sabots Class in the Fall 2024 After School Sailing Program or Summer 2024 Program.
  • Sailors who have completed Beginning Sabots in recent programs must receive a coach recommendation for this course.

The Intermediate Sabot Sailing II class is intended for sailors who have previously participated in Intermediate Sabot Sailing classes or have demonstrated appropriate skills for this course. Sailors will continue working on their boat handling, upwind sailing, and complete their skills checklist to prepare them for the Pre-C3 course in Spring of 2025.  

Beginning Sabots

Beginning Sabot classes will not be held during the Winter Program. This class will resume at the start of the Spring Program in March. Private coaching is available for beginners throughout the Winter Program.

Private Coaching 

The SDYC is now offering Private Coaching with our Juniors Coaching staff. This program is available now, and is a great opportunity for sailors to receive individualized coaching outside of class times. For more information, please visit our Private Coaching program webpage. 

Race Team Practices

Friday Pre-C3 Sabots: Learning to Race

January 17th – February 28th (6 Practices)

Overview:

  • Entry Fee: $300 Members / $360 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 7TH
  • 10 sailors max

This class aims to develop the next generation of Sabot Racers. Sailors will learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing, including starting sequences, mark rounding, boat handling, and introducing the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Eligibility:

  • Completed Intermediate Sabots in Summer and/or Fall 2024, with coach recommendation.
  • Repeating the class after Fall 2024 or earlier.
  • Privately owned sabots are not required but are encouraged.

Sailors can be moved up into the racing classes upon coach recommendation.

Sabot Race Team

North Series #3 Warm Up Practice: Thursday, January 9th 

  • 2:00 PM - 5:45 PM
  • Entry Fee: $45 Members / $55 Non-Members

Get ready for the ABYC Junior Invitational Regatta and SCYYRA North Series #3! We are taking advantage of early school dismissal and starting practice early so that we can get our team on the water for a long practice and get warmed up to race again after the holiday season. 

Friday Practices: January 10th – February 28th    

  • Entry Fee: $315 Members / $380 Non-Members
  • 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 7TH
  • 7 Practices

Saturday Practices: January 18th – March 1st

  • Entry Fee: $325 Members / $395 Non-Members
  • NO CLASSES ON FEBRUARY 8TH
  • Noon to 4:00 PM
  • 5 Practices

Sabot Racing practices are open to sailors from C3 to A fleet. The goal of this course is to develop confident and successful sailors in the sport. Curriculum will include technical boat setup, boat handling, starting strategies, upwind/downwind tactics, and some rules study. Sailors will be divided into groups based on their fleet status where these topics will be tailored to each skill level. Privately owned boats are not required, but are strongly encouraged.

A-C1: This group will expand on the Fall Program curriculum, focusing more on tactics, strategy, and begin team racing.

C3/C2: This group will continue working on boat handling skills and the fundamentals of fleet racing.

Winter Regattas

The SDYC Sabot Race Team will be training for the following travel regattas:

  1. ABYC Junior Invitational SCYYRA North Series #3, January 11th – 12th  
  2. SDAYC Luff-In Series #1 at SDYC, February 1st
  3. NHYC Spring Gold Cup and SCYYRA North Series #4, March 8th – 9th

No Sabot practices will be held at SDYC during these travel events.

There are more fun Winter Sailing events that Sabot Racers should consider attending this season:

  • SDAYC Luff-In Regatta at SDYC in O’Pen Skiffs, February 2nd  
  • Tuesday La Playa Scrimmage Series, returning in late February… Exact dates TBA.

Double Handed Race Team

The SDYC Doublehanded Race Team will be working primarily in CFJs, C420s and 29ers. The goal of this class is to prepare doublehanded teams for local SDAYC events, SCYYRA Series events, high school sailing, and select US Sailing events. Charter fees and coaching for regattas are included in the class entry fee. 

Advanced Double-Handed with PLHS (Ages 12+)

  • 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Mondays: January 13th – February 24th (6 Practices) No practice on Monday, Jan 20th.
    • Entry Fee: $300 Members / $360 Non-Members
  • Thursdays: January 16th – February 27th (7 Practices)
    • Entry Fee: $350 Members / $420 Non-Members
  • Coaches Steve Hunt, Carter Cameron, Mateo Vargas, B Lindsay, and more incredible coaches.
  • Coaches Steve Hunt, Carter Cameron, Mateo Vargas, and star guest coaches.
  • Registration for each day is capped at 10 sailors per day.

Sailors in this class will be training with a focus on High School Racing. They will receive world class coaching and practice with the Point Loma High School Sailing Team. At each practice, participants will gain a new ‘take away’ for their tactical toolbox.

29er Team Practices

This class will return for the Spring After School Sailing Program. Sailors should consider participating in the following Winter 29er events:

  • HPYS 29er Clinic, Feb 8th - 9th 
  • SDAYC Luff-In Regatta at SDYC, Feb 2nd
  • Begin applying for the CISA Clinic

Laser Development Team

This course is designed to introduce junior sailors to the exciting world of Laser sailing. Guided by a team of seasoned coaches, you'll gain competency in rigging, foundational boat handling skills, and immerse yourself in extensive on-water sessions to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Unveil a world of possibilities that will shape your path in the sport, whether you're a skilled sabot racer ready to chart a new course or a high school sailor eager to expand your racing horizons!

Three Clinic Days Scheduled: All practices will run from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.

  • February 15th
  • February 22nd
  • March 1st
  • Entry Fee: $50 members, $60 non-members per day.

Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at juniors@sdyc.org to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Ages 12+
  • Sabot Racing fleets C1 or higher
  • Experience in High School Sailing
  • Experience in Novice Double Handed (with Jr Office approval) or C420 Spinnaker & Trapeze lessons.
  • Please contact the Jr Office for special approval if you do not meet these criteria.

Laser Race Team 

Tuesday Practices:

  • 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Full Winter Session: January 14th – February 25th (6 Practices)
    • Entry Fee: $275 Members / $335 Non-Members
    • NO PRACTICE ON FEBRUARY 4TH
  • January Only: January 14th – 28th (3 Practices)
    • Entry Fee: $150 Members / $180 Non-Members
  • February Only: February 11th – 25th (3 Practices)
    • Entry Fee: $150 Members / $180 Non-Members

Laser Race Team practices will prepare sailors for three local regattas this Fall. Whether you are just getting started with Laser racing or have previous experience and want to improve your skills, these practices will set you up for success!

Boats are not provided, but a limited number of charter boats are available. Please contact the Juniors Office at juniors@sdyc.org to inquire about chartering a boat. Available charter boats will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must have previous racing experience
  • Ages 12+
  • Experience in Laser Development Program (or equivalent) is recommended.

Registration Public Entry List 2025 Juniors Calendar Code of Conduct Laser Rack Assignment Policy

All decisions regarding program admission and safety will be made by the coaching staff and Junior Sailing Director. Certain circumstances may require the coaching staff to restrict or cancel classes for safety or staffing reasons. Class fees will not be prorated in these circumstances.

Sailors must contact the SDYC Dockmaster for any personal boats kept at SDYC. Storage fees will apply. Availability is limited.

Questions?

Contact the Juniors Sailing Office, or stop by the Malin Burnham Sailing Center

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations outside of 7 days before the first scheduled day of class shall be granted a full refund, less a $50 service charge. Cancellations within 7 days of the first scheduled day of that class shall receive a 50% refund. Once a class starts, no refunds available.

Course Conflicts

If you have a conflict between desired racing classes, please email the Junior Sailing Director at erik@sdyc.org to discuss appropriate credits/refunds. Sailors are welcome to switch between racing classes that are scheduled on the same day with advanced notice.

SDYC Juniors Racing Policies

Students enrolled in Sailing programs will have access to coaching at SDAYC Luff-In Regattas, SCYYRA Series Regattas, and specific US Sailing Events with 5 or more SDYC sailors registered to attend. On the Jr Calendar you will notice an emblem  next to each regatta that are currently budgeted to support with coaching, trailers, etc.

Sailors not enrolled in any SDYC Junior Sailing program classes may pay a $40 fee per day for SDYC Members and $60 for Non-Members to support the cost of providing a coach.

Sailors who wish to solicit SDYC support at non-budgeted regattas must contact the Junior Director at least 14 days in advance. Sailors may be billed additional fees for events outside of San Diego County.  

Towing Policies

Parents who tow a trailer will automatically be allocated a spot on the trailer. Thereafter, the SDYC trailer space will be reserved on a first come, first served basis for SDYC member sailors who are registered for regattas. Should there be an available spot for a nonmember sailor it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Click here for more info on towing. 

All sailors are responsible for loading and unloading their own boats. In order to keep the trailers in shape and ready for the next travel event as soon as possible, all boats need to be unloaded at SDYC within 72 hours after arrival back at SDYC. If a sailor cannot do so themselves, or arrange help to unload, a fee of $20 for staff to unload may be assessed. 

Boat insurance is strongly advised. SDYC is not liable for any damage incurred during loading/ unloading or transport. Please see the program waiver for details.

Note to Parents

Parents please refrain from interupting or distracting during class times. If you wish to inquire about your child's progress in the program, please wait until after class to speak with the coaches or contact the Junior Director. We also ask that parents give the classes space while spectating, following the class on the water can be distracting for the kids and coaches. 

Sea Scout Ship 1886

Want to learn more about seamanship on and off the water? Check out SDYC's resident Sea Scout Ship 1886!  The Sea Scouts are a co-ed youth maritime training program that develops leadership skills through hands-on training, teamwork, and adventure. The group meets most Mondays on Zoom or in person, with weekend activities on sail and power vessels.