The Lauderdale Yacht Club Summer Sailing Program is an exciting chance for new and current young sailors in the Fort Lauderdale community to spend some time on the water while learning about sailing, seamanship and the environment! The Lauderdale Yacht Club Mission Statement includes LYC taking an active role in teaching sailing and seamanship to the community and Summer Camp is that opportunity! Summer Sailing is open to children of both Members and Non-Members alike. Keep scrolling down for more information about the different courses!
SUMMER SAILING IS FOUR TWO WEEK SESSIONS. SAIL THEM ALL OR JUST ONE!
Here is some information that will come in handy for you!
Pick up and drop off are at the gate in front of the Sailing Center. Please have your picture ID available for pickup.
FAQs
It’s raining, storming, cold etc……is there still class?
We will always put safety first at LYC. Staff routinely monitors radar for thunderstorms, and all coaches are qualified to run classes that maximize training value based on the conditions. However, if there is inclement weather not suitable for sailing, this summer sailors will need to be picked up when notified by the sailing program.
What should my child wear & pack each day?
• Lunch and snacks in a water-resistant bag. Please no potato chips or nuts. When potato chips spill in the boats it makes the deck slippery.
• Dress in comfortable clothes that can get wet.
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet are best. Please no flip-flops or sandals.
• Pack a towel
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rash guard, etc.)
• Coast Guard Type III approved life jacket
• Refillable water bottle.
• We recommend writing your child’s name on everything, as things tend to get left behind when kids are having fun. Having a bag or backpack to hold everything in is a must!
What food is provided each day?
LYC will have a daily buffet lunch for sailors including vegetarian options.
Where do I get sailing clothes?
In Fort Lauderdale we are fortunate enough to have one of the largest West Marine stores in the country nearby. They carry all of the gear you will need.
Are classes pro-rated if I have to miss part of a session?
No. Every year we have to turn many sailors away and put others on waiting lists because we operate on a first come, first serve basis. Under these circumstances we cannot justify prorating.
Can I make changes or cancel?
All requests for cancellations or changes must be made to the sailing office via email to sailing.admin@lyc1938.org. Cancellations made 7 days or more before the start date of the session will be refunded in full. After that, there are no refunds; however, we will offer a credit towards a future session (space permitting). There is no pro-rate for partial attendance.
Who are your coaches?
LYC coaches are at minimum US Sailing Level 1 as well as First Aid and CPR certified. For more details about US Sailing certification please refer to the Training section at ussailing.org. Several coaches also hold higher US Sailing certification, and additional relevant certifications.
What about supervision before and after class?
Please be on time dropping off in the morning and be prompt picking up at the end of the session or when notified due to inclement weather. Contact Liz Turner at LYC Kid’s Club for supervision outside of our normal class times liz.turner@lyc1938.org.
Can I stay and watch my child sail?
Parents are welcome to watch from a distance on our northeast floating dock. Our experience has shown that most young sailors learn best without the distraction of a parent. All of our coaches are trained to run safe and fun classes and appreciate being able to do so without parental input during class. Please ask the Sailing Director if you have any questions.
I lost my… Did you find it?
We have a lost and found dock box next to the Sailing Office. Please make sure to label everything very clearly with your name and phone number. With more than 500 junior sailors participating in our program annually, we have a very full lost and found by the end of each season. Unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each season.
Is there swimming?
There will be a swim test the first day of camp and weather permitting campers go for a lunchtime swim to cool off!
What is the Youth Sailing Guest program?
The Youth Sailing Guest program provides an opportunity for non-member children to participate in the youth sailing activities of the Lauderdale Yacht Club. The Youth Sailing Guest is for children enrolled in high school or younger who must be introduced to the program by a Member in good standing and approved by the Sailing Director. A completed registration form, waiver or liability signed by the Youth Sailing Guest and his or her parents if a minor, a signed code of conduct are required before beginning participation. The Youth Sailing Guest and their family will agree to follow the Club’s House Rules and the guidelines of the program.
How do I become a regular member?
Please contact LYC Membership and Communications at (954)527-2211 or email Membership Director, Shivani Patel, at shivani.patel@lyc1938.org
We’re looking forward to teaching your child the life lessons of sailing and seamanship! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Session 1 : June 10 – June 21
Session 2: June 24-July 5
(No Sailing on Thursday, July 4)
Session 3: July 8 – July 19
Session 4: July 23-August 2
MERCURY MENTORS- Ages 5-7
(Introduction to Sailing, 9 AM – 1 PM)
The Mercury Mentor Program is for beginning sailors ages 5-7 years old who want to get acquainted with the water! Mercury Mentors takes place during the Summer, Fall and Spring programs, so this is a real year-round program. We have a full array of curriculum which starts with water awareness and swim testing, safety and most importantly sailing and fun sailing games! The Mercury Mentor program uses LYC provided 15′ Mercury sailboats that fit multiple young sailors along with an instructor while they sail in the Stranahan River basin right in front of LYC! This is meant to be a stress-free environment that helps young sailors feel safe on the water leading into a life of watersport activities. Lunch Included!
Member $371 • Non-Member $562
(Session 2 – No July 4: Member $333.90 • Non-Member $505.80)
OPTI LEARN TO SAIL- Ages 8-12
(Learn to Sail in an Optimist, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Opti Learn to Sail focuses on basic sailing skills for beginners. New young sailors learn to steer and trim trim sails, parts of sailboats, knots, teamwork, competition, as well as learning about the environment. This class is designed to teach children self-reliance and esteem through sailing and boat care. The curriculum incorporates fun games and activities to introduce sailors to basic seamanship while they sail in front of LYC. This is a lead-in for LYC’s Fall Sailing Program if your sail wants to continue sailing! Lunch Included!
Member $515 • Non-Member $780
(Session 2 – No July 4: Member $463.50 • Non-Member $702)
GREEN FLEET- Ages 8-14
(Green Fleet, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM )
Designed for sailors who have participated in at least one season of LYC fall/spring Green Fleet or Opti Learn to Sail in the summer program in the last two years. This course is a great opportunity to sharpen their skills over the summer! The program focuses on boat handling, rules and how to get around the race track successfully. Classes incorporate fun days and a variety of drills and games. Lunch Included!
Member $515 • Non-Member $780
(Session 2 – No July 4: Member $463.50 • Non-Member $702)
420 Learn to Sail – Ages 12-17
(9:00 AM – 4:00 PM )
This learn to sail course is sailed on the 420 Sailboat, which is sailed by two people. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a partner when you register- we’ll pair you up! The program not only teaches sailing, but how to be a great teammate and partner. This is for sailors who are bigger (125 lbs+) and are in middle or high school. This is the beginner course for our fall 420 Program! Lunch Included!
Member $515 • Non-Member $780
(Session 2 – No July 4: Member $463.50 • Non-Member $702)
For additional information email our Sailing Director
John Casey john.casey@lyc1938.org