Junior Sailing

Youth Sailing in Rochester is one of the country’s premier youth sailing programs. Our Summer Sailing Program is highly regarded, and registration fills up quickly each year. Both members and non-members are welcome. Don’t wait to sign up!

What Can Sailing Do for a Child?

Many sports offer valuable experiences, but sailing provides something unique. Children and teens are rarely in situations where they can independently manage real responsibility, yet sailing puts them in command of a boat and the natural forces that move it.

To many kids, the lake is a vast and mysterious place. As they learn to harness the wind and waves, beginner sailors gain confidence, independence, and decision-making skills.

Being on the water also deepens a child’s appreciation for the natural world. Clean water becomes meaningful, and they build awareness of wind patterns and weather, connecting them to nature in an authentic way.

For young sailors who advance into racing, even more skills emerge. Racing teaches athletes to respect rules, accept responsibility, and take voluntary penalties when required. Constant tactical situations help them learn to assess risk and make quick, thoughtful decisions. Teamwork becomes essential as skippers and crews operate together, and team racing emphasizes close cooperation among three-boat teams.

The water is a classroom unlike any other, full of challenge, discovery, and excitement. It fosters self-reliance, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for nature.

High School Sailing

High School Sailing is one of the fastest-growing scholastic sports in the country, with roughly 300 teams nationwide. Rochester is part of that growth. RYC proudly supports six high school teams that train and compete using our fleet of twenty 420s. As the regional hub for teams in Upstate New York and Canada, RYC also hosts multiple regattas throughout the season.

For more information, click on “High School Sailing” or visit hssailing.org.

Come Down to the Sailing Center at RYC to Check Out the Excitement!