Youth Sailing Courses
Middle Keys Sailing summer programs incorporate Beginner/Early Intermediate Learn to Sail, Intermediate/Advanced, and Racing Clinics for youth ages 7 - 16. All our classes teach Sailing & Science with our unique “Sailing into S.T.E.M.” curriculum, teaching fun marine sciences and environmental stewardship. Our students learn sailing basics and higher skills in Blue Dragons, Optis, Lasers, Sunfish, and Flying Scots, while also snorkeling in the crystal-clear water that surrounds our island home. All programs are operated and supported by the MYC Educational Foundation. We also hold race clinics, teaching how to sail faster, racing rules, tactics, rounding marks, starts, plus skills handling weather and current.
This program utilizes sailing as a vehicle for exploration, allowing students to travel to local marine sites and study various local marine creatures and processes. Classes may include local field trips and guest lecturers. All students must pass a swim test. Students and parents are invited to an end-of-summer party to celebrate their new skills.
New this year: We are expanding the science components of our programs! Students will be collecting and recording data on their flora and fauna sitings and water/air statistics, and learn to analyze and report the data they collect.
Winter Reading: Check out the following ebooks before you start classes:
Your First Weekend in Dinghy Sailing
Alex Learns to Sail (also available in hard copy)
NEW FOR SUMMER OF 2024
Beginner/Early Intermediate programs are for new sailors and those wanting a full refresher. These meet weekdays for 2 consecutive weeks. $300/sailor
Intermediate/Advanced programs are 1-week each, and are for any sailors comfortable steering their boat. $170/sailor
Except for Racing Clinics, all programs are divided by age—
Mornings: Mon-Thurs AGES 7-9 meet together from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Afternoons: Mon-Thurs AGES 10-16 meet together 2 - 5:15 p.m.
As always, Fridays are “full-days” from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for the entire group to enjoy special activities together.
Upcoming “Mixer in the Middle” Summer Regatta (Saturday, Aug 10th)!
Prices are per sailor. If you are financially struggling, sign your child up for $1, AND be sure your child attends the session you choose. Discounts may also be available to those in need.
June 3 - June 14 Beginner/Early Intermediate (2 weeks) ($300)
June 17 - June 21 Intermediate/Advanced ($170)
June 24 - June 28 Intermediate/Advanced ($170)
July 1 - July 5 All levels (no class July 4th; no make-up day) ($135)
July 8 - July 19 Beginner/Early Intermediate (2 weeks) ($300)
July 15 - July 19 Intermediate/Advanced ($170)
July 22 - July 26** All Levels ($170)
July 29 - Aug 2 Intermediate/Advanced - Science of the Keys focus ($170)
Aug 5 - Aug 9 Intermediate/Advanced week- Boat Speed focus ($170)
Aug 10: Regatta & End-of-Season Party (See Event Flyer for more information)
**Please do not sign up for this week if you plan on being busy with lobster mini-season on 7/26-27.
COVID & Flu Precautions: Do not send your child to class if he/she has COVID or Flu symptoms or has been in close contact with anyone with those symptoms.
Beginning & Intermediate Youth Sailing
Monday - Thursday, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy learning and honing their skills on the fundamentals of sailing and local eco-science. Students who have never sailed and those who have sailed are all welcome. Topics include: parts of the boat, knots, capsize recovery, points of sail, how a sail functions, sailing upwind and downwind, rounding marks, and basic boat-handling drills. All of our classes also include snorkeling and an introduction to local marine science. This year, students will also be collecting amd recording data on their flora and fauna sitings and water/air statistics.
[Full or partial scholarships available for those in need. We will not turn any student away for financial reasons. Contact us for assistance.]
Intermediate & Advanced Youth Sailing
Monday - Thursday, 2 - 5:15 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Intermediate & advanced sailors meet in the afternoons to learn to sail faster, honing boat handling and tactical skills, all while having a lot of fun learning. Students in this program will work on skills for racing in the Keys and on the mainland.
Intermediate and advanced youth sailors are highly encouraged to donate a few hours of their time as community service to help beginner sailors learn the ropes.
[Full or partial scholarships available for those in need. We will not turn any student away for financial reasons. Contact us for assistance.]
2024 Date TBD
Advanced Skills Youth Sailing — Racing Skills Clinic
$180 per student, includes Regatta fee
$35 Regatta-Only Registration Entry Fee
This one-week program focuses on increasing confidence on the water and refining sailing skills. Students practice advanced sailing techniques, games as well as competitive racing strategy and rules. Students must have sailing experience, be able to steer on all points of sail in light to moderate breeze, follow-the-leader comfortably, tack, gybe, and hike out. Students who do not specifically want to race are also welcome to learn and practice Race Committee (“Be-the-Boss”) Skills, Protest Committee (“Be-the-Judge”) Skills, and other fun regatta support functions. Sibling discounts may apply. Contact us for details.
*Financial aid is available. If you are unable to pay the full class tuition, please consider contacting us and making a donation that you can afford to help us cover costs to receive partial financial aid. If you are not able to cover class fees at all, please let us know and the registration fee will be $1, no questions asked.
Please note: Any child registered for class is expected to attend, absent illness or valid excuse. Do NOT sign up your child unless he/she wants to attend, especially if you are using our financial assistance. In past years, several families who registered using our financial assistance were no-shows. If your child is a no-show, you are taking a spot that another child would have had, and we have paid an instructor to teach your absent child. We’re looking forward to your child joining in on the fun!