Junior Sailing Instruction
Rochester Yacht Club offers year-round junior sailing instruction for ages 6 to 18 years old. Sailors can sign up for a weekly session or the entire program.
The Rochester Yacht Club offers a unique opportunity to the local community. We are home to one of Western New York’s largest summer sailing camps and offer classes to non-members in addition to our membership. RYC classes are for ages 6-18, from beginners to advanced racers. All of our instructors are US Sailing Certified, and they also have Heads Up Concussion training, Safe Sport, and are certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. We hope you will join us this summer for some fun on the water. We look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!
Discounts
If you have multiple different sailors you plan on signing up for summer camp, you can enjoy our siblings discount, where you can get 10% off each additional child when your highest class is paid in full
We are also offering a Full Season discount, where if you sign up your sailor for the full season, you will get one week for free
Please reach out to [email protected] to receive your discount code
Browse Our Available Programs
Summer Sailing Camp Dates
June 29th- August 14th, 2026
Race Team Dates
June 29th- August 21st, 2026
Half Day Programs
Dinghy Demons
For Ages 6 - 8
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 12 pm
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Full Day Programs
Beginner Optimist
For Ages 8 -12
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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This course is geared toward fun and learning! We will teach the basics of rigging an Optimist, basic boat handling, and sailing fundamentals, as well as seamanship, sportsmanship, and water safety. Instruction is done in Optimists with two sailors per boat.
Learn to Sail 420
For Ages 12 - 15
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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This course is for older sailors who are new to sailing, or younger sailors with some experience but who are new to the 420. Course includes basics of rigging a 420, basic boat handling, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), sportsmanship, and water safety.
Intermediate 420
For Ages 12 - 15
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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Our Intermediate 420 class provides the next level class for older and/or more physically mature students interested in learning the basics of sailing. Using double-handed club 420s, students learn rigging, basic boat handling, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), and water safety. This course is designed to provide a comfortable learning pace for new sailors, accompanied by expert instruction in a team-oriented environment. Skills covered in the program provide the foundation for students to be able to move into the 420 racing program.
Adventure Sailing
For Ages 10 - 14
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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Our adventure program is designed for sailors who love sailing and want to be on the water, but aren’t necessarily interested in learning how to race. This class will include fun and safe activities on the water. The participants of this class will learn to skipper/steer different types of boats, learn to tie many different knots, rig and derig their own boats, and be able to dock. Activities may include long-distance sailing, swimming, eating on the water, and fun sailing activities. Adventure Sailing includes sailing several different types of boats, including 420s, Ideal 18s, and O’Pen Bics. The class may include sailing trips to local points of interest.
Race Team Programs
Green Fleet Optimist Race Team
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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Green Fleet racing is widely known for having great success in offering students the opportunity to learn how to race without the pressure! This course is designed to introduce racing Optimists as well as to have a lot of fun! Coaches will cover all aspects of racing, both on and off the water, including an introduction to boat handling, equipment, tactics, and strategy. Sailors will have the option of traveling to regattas with a focus on local Great Lakes events, but can travel further as well.
Prerequisites: Under 15 years old and has completed the Intermediate Optimist Course or equivalent. Boat ownership is encouraged but not required, as club boats are limited.
Red, White & Blue Optimist Team
Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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Sailors on the Red, White, and Blue Optimist Race Team will refine their racing skills and represent RYC in local interclub regattas and possibly other regattas around the country. This team will constantly refine racing skills, strategy, and advanced boat handling.
Prerequisites: Under 15 years old with coach approval. Boat ownership is encouraged but not required.
420 Travel Race Team
Two Week Sessions
Mon - Fri | 9 am - 4 pm
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The 420 Travel Race Team will work to perfect advanced boat handling, tactics, and racing strategy. The Race Team will travel to local and national events around the country representing the Rochester Yacht Club. Sailors will be expected to commit to the whole summer, including many weekends traveling. On most days, racers will stay out on the water all day (yes, even lunch) with a dedicated race team coach!
Prerequisites: Requires Coach approval
Questions About Our Programs?
Fill out our contact form by clicking below or call our Sailing Director at 585-342-5511 x141 or email him at [email protected]