Explorers
Ages 6-8
This is an introductory sailing class is a two-week long, half day program with a dedicated instructor for every 6 sailors signed up for the course. The primary focus is having fun on the water while gaining confidence on the water. We have marine science days on every Wednesday. Time will be spent on Optimists and Sonars.
Opti Level 1
Ages 8-12
This entry-level class is a two-week long, half day program that introduces sailors to the basics of sailing. This class teaches sailors the basic rigging fundamentals, seamanship, water safety and confidence in sailing all points of sail. Every Wednesday, we have a marine science day.
Sailors in Motion
Ages 8-12
This class is a two-week long, full day program where we partner with the Virginia Air & Space Museum. Sailors will learn the basics of sailing in our Optimists in the morning with our Opti Level 1 group. This sailing portion teaches sailors the basic rigging fundamentals, seamanship, water safety and confidence in sailing all points of sail. Sailors will then have lunch at the yacht club (lunch not provided). After lunch, sailors will conduct hands-on activities with the Air & Space educators in our Sailing Center. The sailors will be working (with the museum’s staff) on hands-on engineering projects relating to the force of motion. Sailors will get to build and work on model aircraft, rockets, roller coasters and race cars. We will schedule field trips to the Air & Space Center throughout the week. There is a minimum of 6 sailors in order for this class to occur.
Intro to Opti Racing
Ages 8-12
This class is for sailors who have already completed Opti Level 1 or Sailors in Motion and want to continue their progression. This is a two-week long, half day class that teaches sailors the introductory skills of racing. Sailors learn performance rigging, boat handling, how to start and rules of racing. This class allows coaching at two regattas at Hampton Yacht Club in the Opti Green Fleet.
Messing About in Boats
Ages 8-12
This is a two-week long, half day class that is designed for sailors who want to be on the water but aren’t necessarily interested in racing. This course centers on adventure, games and marine science while introducing sailors to a variety of boats including: Optis, c420s, O’Pen Bics, Sonars and canoes.
420 Level 1
Ages 13-18
This entry-level class is a two-week long, half day program that is for new sailors or for sailors graduating from the Optis. This class teaches sailors the basic rigging fundamentals, seamanship (knots and weather), water safety, sportsmanship and confidence in sailing all points of sail.
Intro to c420 Racing
Ages 13-18
This class is for sailors who have already completed 420 Level 1 and want to continue their progression. This is a two-week long, half day class that teaches sailors the introductory skills of racing. Sailors learn performance rigging, boat handling, spinnaker, trapeze, how to start and rules of racing. We will have two home regattas that these sailors can participate in.
Messing About in Boats
Ages 13-18
This is a two-week long, half day class that is designed for sailors who want to be on the water but aren’t necessarily interested in racing. This course centers on adventure, games and marine science while introducing sailors to a variety of boats including: c420s, O’Pen Bics, Sonars and canoes. Sailors will learn person in water, basic navigation and spinnaker on the c420.
Opti Race Teams
Ages 8-15 (Red, White, Blue Fleet)
This is a nine-week long program, half day program that is for sailors who have completed Intro to Opti Racing and have a serious commitment to training. Sailors will improve their racing skills and represent HYC in regattas around the Chesapeake Bay. Tuition covers coaching up to 9 regattas, parents are expected to assist with transporting boats. For more race team information and to see the difference between Chesapeake Region Opti Race Team and Opti Race Team, see here.
c420 Race Teams
Ages 13-21
This is a nine-week long program, half day program that is for sailors who have completed Intro to c420 Racing and have a serious commitment to training. Sailors will improve their racing skills and represent HYC in regattas around the Chesapeake Bay and country. Expert coaching will be provided and guest coaches will include Gary Bodie and Tyler Moore. Tuition covers coaching at up to 11 regattas, parents are expected to assist with transporting boats. You may sign up as a team or individually. For more race team information and to see the difference between Chesapeake Region c420 Race Team and c420 Race Team, see here.
