Cost: $250 per student – includes boat & instruction. Students must provide PFDs and (optional) helmets. Bicycle or skateboard helmets work fine.
And you can save $100 if you bring your own sailboat: BIC, Opti, Laser, FJ or similar.
This program is for sailors 10-17 yrs of age ready to build sailing skills through racing. Enrollment gives young sailors access to ASF boats, equipment, and sailboat racing coaches and instructors that provide individual coaching, mentoring, and skill advancement. Oh, and lots of racing.
Kids in this class must already have confidence to rig and de-rig their boat on their own and must be comfortable single-hand sailing (including capsize and recovery). They’re ready to make their boats move faster and to learn how to win races.
SCHEDULE: Class is held 11am-1pm on AYC TTL race day Sundays (AYC Calendar HERE). Race seasons run from January-April and September-December.
After each class, kids are welcome to participate in Arizona Yacht Club Tempe Town Lake racing. See the AYC racing registration and schedule details HERE.
Instructors will open the boat storage yard approximately one-half hour before class start time so that kids can rig their boats and be ready to launch by the time class begins.
BOATS: Juniors sail on a boat appropriate for their skill, body size, and weight:
– Opti: smaller kids can continue in the Opti as long as appropriate.
– O’Pen Bic: a little bigger and “sportier” than the Opti.
– Flying Junior (FJ): double-handed boat for High School sailors.
Students focus on developing good small boat habits such as balance, hand/tiller coordination, and attention to sail trim. Small class size means personal attention and rapid learning.
The Junior Racing program introduces racing concepts such as starting, mark rounding, and position on the racecourse.
Who should attend: Any junior between the ages of 10 and 17 who’s completed the ASF Kids’ Introduction to Sailing class or can pass a basic sailing skills test based on sailing experience.
Questions? Contact: arizonasailingfoundation@gmail.com
Instructors: Highly experienced sailboat racing instructors
Here’s a fun promotional video about the Bic.
Photo: Mike Ferring