Sailing Camp Rochester Yacht Club

Half Day:

Dinghy Demons (ages 6-8)

Monday - Friday | 9 am - 12 pm
The Dinghy Demon class experience is designed to help each young sailor have a great time and feel comfortable on the water, with close and supportive instructor involvement. Instruction includes on-the-water sailing in an Optimist dinghy with an instructor either on board or close alongside. This program also includes shore-based boating-related activities. Each day’s class includes a 30-minute swim lesson in the RYC pool with Red Cross-certified swimming instructors.

Full Day:

Beginner Optimist (Ages 8 -12)

Monday – Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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.

Adventure Sailing (Ages 10-14)

Monday – Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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 Sonars. The class may include sailing trips to local points of interest.  

Learn to Sail  420 (Ages 12 - 15)

Monday – Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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 (Ages 12 - 15)

Monday – Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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.

Racing Programs:

Green Fleet Optimist Race Team

Monday - Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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, and Blue Optimist Race Team

Monday- Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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 Monday- Friday | 9 am - 4 pm
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!

Laser Travel Race Team

Monday-Friday | 9 am-4 pm
The Laser race team will work on refining boat handling skills, tactics, and strategy. This team’s goal will be to travel to local and possibly national events around the country, representing RYC. Sailors will be expected to have their own boat. Sailors will be expected to spend all day on the water with a dedicated race team coach!
Prerequisites: Coach approval and own boat