Spring & Fall Sailing
Junior sailing is a year round activity at RYC. During the spring and fall we offer a variety of programs for sailors ages 9 through 18. All programs are open to the public.
The Rochester Community Boating Foundation makes sailing accessible to the Rochester Community regardless of income, ability, or disability by providing affordable access to quality programs and events. Scholarships are available through Rochester Community Boating for all programs.
Browse Our Available Programs
Why Choose Sailing?
- Learn marine safety
- Build team work and communication skills
- Build confidence and independence
- Become part of a larger community of sailors; our sailors form lasting friendships
- Learn lifelong skills; many alumni still sail with their own children or grandchildren
- Problem solving skill
- Fun and adventure
- Physical activity that improves strength, balance, and coordination
- Time management
What do Sailors Need?
For Race Team Sailors
For each practice it is essential that sailors are prepared for a variety of conditions. Each sailor will have a cubby in our sailing center building where gear can be stored.
Every sailor needs the following items each day:
Loaner gear is available for sailors.
- Life Jacket
- Watch with a countdown timer
- Bailer
- Cold weather gear. spray gear. wetsuit , drysuit.
- Closed toe shoes or dinghy boots for sailing. No crocs.
Sneakers, workout clothes. Strength training for sailing will be part of our curriculum and done based on weather, not on a set weekly schedule.
Expectation of Sailors
Sailors are ambassadors; on and off the waters, student sailors are positive representatives of RYC, the high school program, their teammates and their school.
- Punctuality; practice starts promptly at 3:30pm and ends at 6:30/7:00 pm
- Safety; sailors follow all rules and act in a safe manner at all times
- Sportsmanship on and off the water.
- Respect for coaches, teammates
- Respect for boats and equipment.
- Prepared; always have appropriate gear for changing weather.
- Committed; looking ahead to any upcoming regattas on the schedule.
- Availability to balance responsibilities, school and sailing take priority.
- Tech free; cell phone use is limited to before and after practice. No phones on boats.
How Can Parents Help?
Our program would not be possible with out our parent volunteers. We work to connect parents from the same school district to assist in carpools.
- Offering to drive sailors, the team often carpools to away regattas and practices.
- Review the schedule with your sailor and plan availability early in the season.
- Offer to chaperon overnight weekend events.
- Bring a dish to share for Hungry Sailors Night on Wednesday
High School / Middle School Race Team
For Sailors in Grades 7 through 12
Registration Now Open for Fall Season
Monday - Wednesday | 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This program is open to students grades 7-12 from any school interested in sailing. There is no prior experience required and you do not need other students from your school to participate. The Rochester Community Boating Foundation makes sailing accessible to the Rochester Community regardless of income, ability, or disability by providing affordable access to quality programs and events.
Currently, we have sailors from:
- West Irondequoit
- Allendale Columbia
- Pittsford Schools
- Mercy
- McQuaid
- Brighton
- Hilton
Click here for the Rochester Community Foundation Grant Request Form.
For students below 7th grade check out our Spring and Fall Opti Race Program open to ages 9-15.
Overview of Practice:
Our practice days are Monday through Wednesday (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm). Wednesday is “Race Day,” which is followed by a team potluck dinner. All other days will consist of skill-building through a variety of drills and classroom talks.
3:15 pm- Sailors arrive at RYC, change into appropriate clothes, and store belongings.
3:30 pm- Practice starts; classroom chalk talk, sailors dress into sailing gear.
3:50 pm Sailors rig boats.
4:00 pm- All boats launch,
4:05 pm- Warm-up drill begins, skill-building drills, practice race, etc.
6:00-6:10 pm- Boats are de-rigged.
6:15-6:30 pm- Classroom debrief (some days we debrief the next day to show media)
6:30 pm- Sailors dismissed for the day.
2026 Spring & Fall Optimist Sailing
Opti Race Team for RBW & Green Fleet
April 6th - June 5th
Mondays & Fridays | 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Read Description
RYC offers a Spring and Fall season for our Opti race team and beginner Opti sailors looking to advance their skills. Intro to Racing- Beginner level opti sailors will advance their boat handling skills and learn racing techniques and rules. Anyone who participated in the RYC Beginner Opti Class this summer would be the right level for this class.
Intro to Racing for Opti Beginners
April 6th - June 5th
Mondays & Fridays | 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Read Description
Intro to Racing for Opti Beginners will advance sailors’ boat handling skills and introduce racing techniques and rules. Anyone who participated in the RYC Beginner Opti Class this summer would be the right level for this class. Sailors must be comfortable sailing an Opti solo.
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]