Basic Skills

• Basic parts of the boat
• Tacking and jibing
• Eight knot and square knot
• Finding wind direction
• Basic rules of the road
• Basic navigation
• Rigging and derigging
• Points of sail
• Understanding capsize recovery
• Docking

Intermediate Skills

• Physics of sailing
• Sail trim
• Participation in capsize recovery drills
• Navigation within a harbor
• Tides and their effects
• Weather considerations
• Basic boat maintenance
• Introduction to racing

Advanced Skills

• Advanced students will receive small group instruction to build confidence in their previous skills and to determine individual sailing goals. This personalized approach allows them to progress their knowledge and refine their techniques further.

Progression

• As students progress, instruction levels are tailored based on various factors, including weeks attended, previous seasons of participation, and individual skill levels upon entry. Throughout the summer, all students will have the opportunity to learn new sailing skills each week, leaving with valuable competencies that contribute to their growth as sailors.

Grouping & Instruction

• While all students register for the same class online, they may be organized into small groups based on skill level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This ensures that each sailor receives targeted instruction suited to their abilities, maximizing learning potential and fostering a supportive environment.

Optimists

The Optimist “Opti” program at PJYC Sailing School is designed to introduce young sailors to the joys of sailing in a fun, supportive environment. Ideal for children aged 6 to 10, this program accommodates all skill levels—from complete beginners to those looking to refine their skills.

Our sailing experience takes place in the iconic Optimist dinghy, a sturdy, stable boat known worldwide for its excellent design tailored for younger sailors. Each boat can be sailed solo or with a buddy, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among participants. With its single sail, we affectionately describe the Opti as resembling a bathtub with a bed sheet as a sail—perfect for adventurous young sailors!

Through engaging lessons and hands-on practice, children will learn the fundamentals of sailing. Our experienced instructors focus on building confidence on the water while ensuring safety and enjoyment are top priorities.

420 Dinghy Program

The 420 program at PJYC Sailing School is tailored for aspiring sailors aged 11 to 16, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students of all skill levels. Whether your child is a novice or looking to enhance their sailing abilities, our program offers a supportive atmosphere that fosters growth and confidence on the water.

Students will often be divided into small groups based on their individual skill levels, allowing for personalized instruction and focused learning. This approach ensures that each participant receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive, making the learning experience both effective and enjoyable.

Sailing in the versatile 420 dinghy, a popular platform used worldwide for teaching both teen and adult sailors, students will learn the intricacies of teamwork and sailing techniques. Each boat accommodates two to three students, promoting collaboration and camaraderie among peers. Equipped with both a jib and a main sail, the 420 offers a hands-on experience that deepens students’ understanding of sailing dynamics and strategy.

Through a mix of practical sailing lessons and engaging theoretical discussions, participants will explore the adventures of sailing. Our experienced instructors prioritize safety and fun, ensuring that every student develops not only their sailing skills but also valuable life skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

Adult & Family Private Sailing Lessons

This program is open to Adults 16 years of age and older, or families with children from 6 to 17 years of age.  Open to all skill levels, from novice, to seasoned sailors seeking to advance their skills. This program uses group instruction on our J/29 or our American 16 Day Sailer where each session is customized to the needs of the participants. Maximum 4 Participants to 1 Instructor.