Optimist dinghies on the dock at Rush Creek summer sailing camp

Youth Sailing

Beginner Sailing

For kids ages 7 to 17 who want to build a strong foundation in sailing. Learn the essentials in Optimist Dinghies or Club 420 sailboats.

About the Program

From Dock to Race Course

Beginner Sailing is for kids ages 7 to 17 who want to build a strong foundation in sailing. Sailors learn the essentials in Optimist Dinghies or Club 420 sailboats, in small groups with certified coaches on the water every session. Group and private lessons are available.

The program covers everything from rigging and sail trim to starting a race and rounding marks.

Ages 7–17

All experience levels

Opti & C420

Boats provided

Group or Private

Lessons available

Youth sailors in colorful Optimist dinghies during Rush Creek sailing camp

You'll Learn

Rigging

Rigging and the parts of the boat. Setting up and breaking down correctly is the habit every sailor builds first.

Points of Sail

Wind direction, points of sail, and sail trim, so the boat goes where you want it to go.

Maneuvering

Basic maneuvers: tacking, jibing, docking, and capsize recovery.

Race Basics

How to start a race and go around a race course.

Teamwork

Responsibility for equipment and teamwork with a crew on the water and on the dock.

Rush Creek sailing camp coaches and campers group photo

Season Dates & Pricing

Season Runs Sept 5 to Nov 21

Season Start

Sept 5

Season End

Nov 21

OptionTimesPer Month
Saturdays onlySat 9:00 am – 12:00 pm$200
Tuesdays & SaturdaysTue 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 12:00 pm$300

Pricing is per month. Group and private lessons are available; contact the education team for private lesson rates.

Ready to Register?

Sign up online, or reach the education team with questions about scheduling, private lessons, or pricing.

education@rcyc.org|(830) 998-4220