FULL SUMMER COURSE OFFERINGS:
Opti 1s (Beginners): This is a learn-to-sail course offered to sailors below the age of 14 that are beginning their sailing careers. Sailors will learn parts of the boat, rigging/derigging independently, capsize recovery, leaving and returning to the dock, proper tacking, the ability to sail a triangle, square, and windward-leeward course, starting whistles and basic starts. Sailors typically spend 2-3 summers as a beginner sailor. Returning beginners will be expected to be role models and leaders for new joining beginners. They will be recommended to advance to Opti 2s once they exceed in the skills listed above and have confidently competed in Opti Green regattas.
Opti 2s (Advanced): This is a sailing course offered to sailors below the age of 15, that are ready to learn more advanced sailing techniques, such as how to sail proper courses independently based on wind and tide conditions, racing rules, racing starts and finishes, port triangle and windward-leeward racing courses, and proper weight distribution. Opti 2 sailors are expected to be leaders and role models for all Opti 1 beginners. Opti 2 sailors are expected to compete in the following Opti Champion Fleets.
Opti White: 10 years old and under
Opti Blue: 11-12 years old
Opti Red: 13-15 years old
Opti 2s will be recommended to advance to C420s once they exceed in the skills listed above and have confidently competed in Opti Champion regattas.
C420s (14+ Teens): This sailing course will consist of a combination of learn-to-sail and advanced racing / sailing techniques depending on each teen’s prior experience. Sailors will sail in teams of 2: one crew and one skipper. All new sailors to the class will begin as C420 crew and must demonstrate confidence in weigh distribution, jib handling, spinnaker set-up / tear down, trapezing, and exemplary teamwork / communication before advancing to C420 skippering. Skippers are expected to be leaders and exceed in all of the skills listed above. New 420 sailors will compete in 420 Green Regattas until they demonstrate confidence on the race courses and advanced knowledge in racing rules and technique to compete in the 420 champion fleets.
Instructors in Training (15 years old): Sailors will begin the extensive training process for becoming a full time instructor by sailing and competing within the program 2 days a week and working under the sailing directors 2 days a week. They will work alongside the instructors for all of the program's needs and get guided through the US sailing level 1 certification process.
Becoming an Instructor (16+): Sailors will begin to qualify for instructor positions when they are 16 years or older before the start of the program. Any sailors interested in becoming an instructor will need to exceed in the following:
US level 1 certification, Motorboat handling skills (lessons available), First Aid CPR / AED certification for adults and children, Heads Up Certification sailing skills, leadership, responsibility, flexible and quick thinking, team player, effective communication and listening skills, awareness and implementation of all policies and procedures, especially safety ones. High respect for facility, equipment, instructors, and peers, high respect from instructor and peers, high level of maturity, constant awareness of others and surroundings, independent willingness to interact with younger children. Instructor positions are available based on program numbers each season. Seasoned instructors are given first priority.
Sailing, especially on Quincy bay is a dangerous sport that requires top instructors to be on their A game each and every day they arrive to program to ensure that education, fun, and safety of all sailors and equipment is upheld at all times. We will begin instructor training opportunities this year for Advanced C420 sailors that are showing promise with the potential of paid positions for years to follow. We would love to recruit from those that grew up within this program; however, this opportunity is not guaranteed to older sailors and all hiring must be approved by both Nina Meltzer and Jill Kourafas prior to the start of the season. Other employment opportunities such as launch drivers and stewardess may also be available while sailors train to be instructors.
PROGRAM TIMES:
- Monday through Thursday starting Monday, June 29th, 2026 to Thursday, August 13th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Additional events and regattas are offered outside of program times, and participation is highly encouraged.
- Feel free to refer to the 2026 Youth Sailing Program Calendar for more information. This calendar is still being added to as regatta dates become available.
*NEW COURSE OFFERING: 1 WEEK SESSIONS*
Adventure Sailing (9-13 year olds): This course is for any beginner sailors interested in experiencing all that Quincy Bay has to offer. Up to 4 sailors will sail in our new RS Quest fleet with a certified US Sailing Level 1 instructor around the bay to local beaches, coves, and nearby islands. During their adventures, sailors will learn of the many historic and folklore tales of the neighboring islands and engage in STEM-based lessons curated by our sailing director, whom is a certified science and chemistry teacher for middle and high school.
COST:
- Opti Classes (1 & 2, full summer): $1350
- *c420 Class: $1450
- *Adventure Sail (1 week): $550
- Opti Rental: $450 per boat
*10% discount available for siblings and full members. 5% discount available for social members. However, no membership is required to participate in the program.
Classes marked (*) are provided charter boats and the fee is included in the tuition. There are club owned Optimists available for charter at $450 for 6 weeks and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email the Junior Sailing Director if you need to charter a boat.