Junior Sailing Program - HYC Members
Our Junior Sail Summer Program is offered to Hull Yacht Club members who are between the ages of 7 and 16 years old. (Participants must be at least 7 years old by the start of the program.)
This is a full summer, 8-week program offered in two sailboat designs:
1) The Opti Development (previously called Opti Beginner) and Opti Advanced Program; and,
2) The 420 Development (previously called 420 Beginner) and 420 Advanced.
Please note that in order to participate in the Junior Sail Summer Program, you must be a Hull Yacht Club member. Further instructions can be found on the Jr Sail Registration page.
Exciting Program Update: New this year for our afternoon sailors: sailors will have two options for how they will progress at an advanced level. While the skills taught will be consistent, there will be two ways to approach them: regatta-ready or adventure. Regatta-ready is for our sailors who look forward to racing whenever they can and find joy in learning in this way. Adventure is for our sailors who would rather sail for pleasure without the pressures of racing. More information, including indicating option preference, will be shared closer to season start.
Opti Programs
We have development and advanced classes for Opti sailors. You must have an Opti to participate in this program. Please email the program (junior.sailing@hullyc.org) if you aren't sure how or where to find an Opti.
Opti Development Program: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Opti Development class is for participants with some sailing experience. While they may have some time on the water, they are striving to gain confidence and independence in their skills. Sailors are taught in small groups and will learn boat rigging, points of sail, basic sail trim, sportsmanship, boat safety and beginner racing skills. When complete, the sailor will be able to demonstrate basic helm, trim, and water awareness skills.
Opti Advanced Program: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The Opti Advanced class is designed for sailors who have participated in the Opti Development program for at least 1 year, though oftentimes more. ,Development program. Sailors must feel comfortable sailing independently in the higher winds that are typical in the afternoon hours. The curriculum includes sportsmanship, boat maintenance, basic navigation, and racing rules and tactics. We recognize that this class will include sailors of varying levels and it is our goal to challenge each sailor at their level. We do, expect, however that sailors will be able to confidently navigate and operate their optis both at sea and around the docks. Interested sailors will receive race training and be encouraged to represent Hull Yacht Club in local regattas.
420 Programs
420 Development Program: 9:00am - 12:00pm
This morning 420 program is geared towards sailors who are just getting out of Optis as well as brand new sailors who may have outgrown being comfortable in an Opti. Sailors will learn boat rigging, points of sail, basic sail trim, sportsmanship, boat safety and beginner racing skills. When complete, the sailor will be able to demonstrate basic helm, trim, and water awareness skills. Please reach out if you have any questions about which program your child should attend.
420 Advanced Program: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This class is intended for experienced sailors. The curriculum includes sportsmanship, sail trim for speed, regatta preparation, boat maintenance, racing rules, team and fleet racing with area Clubs, and tactics. As representatives of Hull Yacht Club, the 420 racing team will compete in local and regional regattas.
Care for Boats
The 420s are available for charter to our 420 sailors (2 sailors per boat) for the season. Sailors are expected to be leaders on and off the water as they model passion and seamanship on and off the water.
Through the generous support of donors, Sail Nantasket, a 501c3 non-profit, was able to acquire the fleet of 420s and prams. The care and maintenance of these boats is a priority. Damage to the boats or equipment will be the responsibility of the users. Willful neglect or damage will result in immediate removal from the program.
If you have any questions regarding anything about our program, please email junior.sailing@hullyc.org.
To register for the Full Summer Junior Sail Program (Opti and 420) please click here.