Explorers
Ages 5-7
This is an introductory sailing class is a one-week, 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 Thursday. Time will be spent on Optimists and Sonars.
Opti Level 1
Ages 8-12
This entry-level class is a one-week long, full day class 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 Thursday, 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 and Sonars in the morning. 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. 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 4 sailors in order for this class to occur.
Eco-Sailors
Ages 8-12
This class is a two-week long, full day program where we partner with a professor from Christopher Newport University. Sailors will learn the basics of sailing in our Optimists in the morning. 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. After lunch, sailors will learn about oyster reef restoration from Dr. Burke. Sailors will use underwater cameras to conduce research off the docks and piers and even construct their own oyster reef! They will learn about oyster larvae and how to grow oysters. They will then deploy their oyster reefs and watch their oysters grow to help protect the Chesapeake Bay.
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 one-week long, full 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 Hampton Yacht Club’s Junior Regatta in the Opti Green Fleet.
Adventure Sail
Ages 8-12
This is a one-week long, full 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, RS Fevas, Sonars and canoes.
Double Handed Sailing Level 1
Ages 13-18
This entry-level class is a one-week long, full day program that is for new sailors or for sailors graduating from the Optis or looking to get into high school sailing. This class teaches sailors the basic rigging fundamentals, seamanship (knots and weather), water safety, sportsmanship and confidence in sailing all points of sail. This class will be taught on our new RS Fevas.
Intro to Double Handed Racing
Ages 13-18
This class is for sailors who have already completed Double Handed Sailing Level 1 and want to continue their progression. This is a one-week long, full day class that teaches sailors the introductory skills of racing. Sailors learn performance rigging, boat handling, asymmetrical spinnaker, how to start and rules of racing. We will have one home regatta that these sailors can participate in. This class will be taught on our brand new RS Fevas.
Opti Race Team
Ages 8-15 (Green, Red, White, Blue Fleet)
This is a one-week long to nine-week long program, full day program that is for sailors who have completed Intro to Opti Racing and have a serious commitment to training. You can either sign up for week-long clinics or receive a discounted price for signing up for all 9 weeks. Sailors will improve their racing skills and represent HYC in regattas around the Chesapeake Bay and East Coast. Tuition covers coaching up to 7 regattas and the use of boats (Optis are only available for first year racers), parents are expected to assist with transporting boats. For more race team information and regatta calendar – Click here.
c420 Race Team
Ages 13-21
This is a one-week to nine-week long program, full day program that is for sailors who have completed Intro to c420 Racing and have a serious commitment to training. You can either sign up for week-long clinics or receive a discounted price for signing up for all 9 weeks. Sailors will improve their racing skills and represent HYC in regattas around the Chesapeake Bay and the country. Expert coaching will be provided. Tuition may cover coaching cost at regattas and the use of boats, parents are expected to assist with transporting boats. You may sign up as a team or individually. For more race team information and regatta calendar – Click here.
