Since Seaford Yacht Club’s inception in 1978, the SYC Junior Sailing program has been a vital component of who we are. Our program is designed to provide young sailors, ages 8-18, with the skills and confidence they need to safely navigate the water while having a blast. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already has some sailing experience, our program offers something for everyone. We offer a fun and educational sailing program designed for beginners to learn basic sailing skills and to build on the skills of those sailors with prior experience. In addition to boat handling skills, sailors are taught the value of teamwork, basic weather and tide forecasting, the importance of protecting the marine environment and maritime rules and regulations.
Check out our YouTube Channel for Junior Sailing Camp slideshows.
2025 SYC Junior Sailing Camp Dates
Our Junior Sailing Camp sessions are open to members and non-members ages 8-18.
2025 SYC Junior Sailing Camp Session fees are $310 for SYC members and $340 for non-members. (We offer a multi-session discount: $20 off if attending more than 1 session.)
Session 1: June 23rd-27th
Session 2: June 30th-July 3rd ($20 off discount with no camp on July 4th in observance of Independence Day)
Session 3: July 7th-11th
Session 4: July 14th-18th
Session 5: July 21st-25th
Session 6: July 28th-August 1st – Introduction to Racing Sailboats (ages 10-18 w/ at least 1 previous sailing camp experience)
Session 7: August 4-8 (waitlist only until a minimum of 10 are signed up)
Click HERE to register for SYC Junior Sailing Camp Session(s).
SYC Junior Sailing Liability & Medical Form 2025 (Download pdf and open in Adobe to fill out the form electronically.)
*Please note sessions are booked on a first come, first serve basis. If the camp session is full, you will be contacted to see if you want to be on the waitlist or choose another session.
Camp is “rain or shine”. In the case of inclement weather, the instructors are prepared to keep the campers learning and having fun indoors. They will watch the weather and try to maximize the amount of time on the water when it is safe to do so.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn to rig and sail a variety of sailboats including Opti, Laser, and 420.
Day 1 of camp includes safety training, evaluation of swimming abilities, capsizing drill.
Last day of camp includes a free pizza lunch, time for family to watch the participants sail, a slideshow of pictures from the week and a certificate of completion.
Junior Sailing Regatta
We will have an end of summer regatta and picnic for all participants and their families to attend. Information will be provided to you by the Junior Sailing Committee.
If you have additional questions, please contact juniorsailing@seafordyachtclub.com or call/text 757-231-6967.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to SYC Junior Sailing camp?
All participants should bring the following with them to class each day:
• Lunch – for each day of the session plus a snack
• Water bottle; labeled with participant name.
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Life vest (Personal Floatation Device, PFD) – Coast Guard approved and appropriately sized. PFD can be provided from SYC with advanced notice.
• Helmet (optional, but recommended. This can be bike helmet or sailing helmet)
• Boat/water shoes – NO FLIP FLOPs
• Sunglasses (recommended)
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Backpack or bag to store personal items
What should my child wear to SYC Junior Sailing camp?
A life vest and boat shoes are required. We recommend dressing in a bathing suit with comfortable athletic clothes, sunglasses, a towel and a change of clothes.
What happens if there is inclement weather during my scheduled camp?
Camp is “rain or shine”. In the case of inclement weather, the instructors are prepared to keep the campers learning and having fun indoors. They will watch the weather and try to maximize the amount of time on the water when it is safe to do so.
Can I stay and watch my child sail?
On Fridays at 2 PM, parents/guardians have the option of watching from the pier to see what their children have learned during the week.
What is covered in a SYC Junior Sailing camp?
Our sailing program is designed for beginners to learn basic sailing skills and to build on the skills of those sailors with prior experience. In addition to boat handling skills, sailors are taught the value of teamwork, basic weather and tide forecasting, the importance of protecting the marine environment and maritime rules and regulations.