Youth Program Classes
Common FAQ's:
What should I bring and wear to class?
Sailors are REQUIRED to bring and use the following:
- Properly fitted
- US Coast Guard approved Type III life jacket (PFD) with whistle tied on it (water skiing jackets are not permitted).
- Closed-toed shoes or sneakers. Preferably sailing booties or the less expensive water-sock type footwear.
- Sunscreen
- Clothing appropriate for all weather conditions (Rash Guards, fleece, thermal layers, spray gear, windbreaker, wetsuits, sailing boots, beanies, gloves, are strongly recommended)
Stay away from cotton!
- Water bottle
Sailors are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to bring and use the following:
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Change of dry clothes
- Hat or visor
- Watch with countdown timer (Necessary for racing)
- Sailing gloves
Be sure to LABEL EVERYTHING with your name and phone number! We have a lost & found bin outside of the office that is always full of unmarked items. Encinal Yacht Club, the Instructors, Director or Assistant Director are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property or equipment of the student.
Where Can I Purchase Sailing Gear?
EYC Youth Sailing sells lifejackets and sailing apparel at reasonable prices. If you need to get any sailing apparel before class and would like to have it ready by the first day, please contact the [email protected].
Swim Check
Safety is first and foremost in the minds of the instructors. All students are required to pass the swim check in order to participate in the youth Sailing Program. Be aware of your child’s swimming ability and get lessons ahead of time if he/she is not a strong swimmer. A practice session in the bay prior to class can also be helpful! Swim check is intended to acclimate children to the cold, dark water and observe their comfort level in the water. Swimming in the bay presents new circumstances and is not like swimming in a pool.
The swim check will be given on the first day of class and will include:
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Student puts on lifejacket
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Instructor inspects life jacket and ensures proper fit.
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Student jumps in the water with life jacket on and floats for a few seconds.
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Instructor inspects lifejacket to ensure safe floatation and fit.
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Student demonstrates they can swim a short distance.
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Student gets out of the water.
What if I don't own a boat?
Students do not need to provide their own boats to participate. The charter fee for boat use during class and regattas is included in the class fee. Sailors who bring their own boat will get a rate reduction from their summer fee.
For More Information on the Program, please refer to our
2023 EYC Junior Sailing Parent Handbook
EYC Youth Sailing Sponsors