Our Program’s Objective

The Junior Sailing Program aims to provide a quality, fun, and educational program for youth interested in sailing and racing, by giving students the opportunity and fundamental skills necessary to stimulate their interests and support their development in the sport of sailing.

• To make sailing accessible to youth ages 8 through 18 years
• To teach children how to sail to the best of their ability and interest
• To provide a safe environment for fun and learning
• To develop life-long values and skills such as sportsmanship, consideration for others, teamwork, self-worth, humility, self-confidence, organization, health and fitness, and an appreciation for nature and the environment
• To build skills: in seamanship, sailing, and racing skills
• To develop skills and competence through both individual and team participation
• To provide opportunities to develop competitive sailing skills in regattas and races
• To provide fun youth-centered activities throughout the program which includes: summer program, club sailing, regattas, team and family functions & socials

SUMMER LEARN-TO-SAIL CAMP
Beginner Level / Intermediate Level and Advanced Level – 8-16 years. NERYC’s summer ‘Learn To Sail’ camp and Bay Racer program for kids follows universally accepted methods of teaching sailing and operates within the guidelines prescribed by us sailing. Our training fleet consists of Optimists, Lasers, Topaz Unos, Flying Juniors, and Club 420 dinghies. Learning, safety, and fun are the cornerstones of our curriculum. Young sailors are taught using a combination of lectures, visual aids, practical drills, and extensive on-the-water practice at our facility, which is a convenient commute for residents of Northern Maryland and surrounding tri-state areas. Beginners learn the basics, intermediate sailors build their competence in boat handling and sail trim, and are introduced to the fundamentals of racing. Advanced sailors perfect their skills and build their competence by working on advanced boat handling and sail trim and developing their knowledge of the rules and tactics of racing. At this level, sailors become eligible to join our travel team and compete in regional sailing regattas.

JR SAILING BAY RACERS
Eligible NERYC junior sailors ages 9-18 can take their sailing to the next level with high-level coaching and competitive racing. Team members compete in regattas that take place predominantly during the summer season. This includes a full schedule of CBYRA regional and selected state and national events. Our team of professional race coaches provides coaching and assists with team management and equipment transport. Our fleet travel trailers are equipped to transport Optis, Lasers, 420s, and coach boats. Team travel is coordinated with parents by our travel team coordinator and coaches. The majority of regattas take place during the week. Regatta participation requires commitment from competitors and parent support.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SAILING PROGRAM
High School sailing closely parallels the collegiate sailing format and competition is governed by the Interscholastic Sailing Assoc (ISSA). NERYC is part of the Mid-Atlantic Sailing Assoc (MASSA) District, specifically, the Maryland Central League (MDISA) which covers the Chesapeake Bay area. Scholastic Sailing is fun and challenging. To participate, sailors must be in 8th-12th grade. Students must also be proficient sailors, they must have the desire to race, must be dedicated, and have the support of their parents regarding travel. They will also likely need to purchase some additional sailing gear. Practice usually occurs on Friday afternoons and/or Saturdays or Sundays. NERYC practices on their fleet of 420s at the club. Regattas take place on Saturdays and/ or Sundays and will require travel.