BYCF Junior Sailing Program
Our sailing program here in Buffalo grew out of the initiative to share the sport of sailing with the WNY community. We offer lessons to our community because we believe that sailing builds character and resolve. The Buffalo waterfront provides the perfect playground for kids and adults to enjoy sailing. This summer, take advantage of this awesome opportunity and enroll your kids in the Buffalo Yacht Club Foundation sailing program. Conveniently located just off the 190 at exit 9 next to the Peace Bridge.
BEGINNER PRAMS (AGES 6 – 8 YEARS OLD):
In this course, we teach the fundamentals of sailing as well as sportsmanship and water safety. In addition, sailors learn the essential roles of skipper, main sheet, and lookout. All sailing is done in Prams with two to three sailors per boat and are coached by a US Sailing Certified Coach. No experience is required for this course.
ADVANCED PRAMS (AGES 7 - 9 YEARS OLD):
In this course, we teach the basics of solo Pram sailing as well as an introduction to basic racing. In addition, sailors learn the essential aspects of boat handing, equipment, tactics, and strategy. All sailing is done in Prams with one sailor per boat. All sailors are coached by a US Sailing Certified Coach. Some experience is preferred for this course.
OPTI RACE (AGES 9 – 14 YEARS OLD):
Sailors in our Opti Race Team will refine their racing skills, strategy, and boat handling. In addition, these sailors will represent the Buffalo Yacht Club Foundation in local interclubs and regattas. To participate in this class, sailors must have previous sailing experience. This team will be led by an experienced Opti Race Coach that is US sailing certified. This course has a 2 week minimum sign up.
ADVENTURE SAIL (AGES 9 - 14 YEARS OLD):
In our Adventure Sail program campers sail primarily FJ's and J/22s, as well as an assortment of larger keelboats. This program is designed for sailors who love to be on the water and want to sail a variety of different sailboats but prefer not to be intensely focused on racing. Experience is not required for this course. A US Sailing Certified Coach will instruct participants in this class.
INTRO TO RACING (AGES 11 - 15 YEARS OLD):
For Intro to Racing our sailors sail in FJ's, expanding on their knowledge and experience of sailing and focusing on learning racing skills. This course is perfect for a child with some sailing experience who is eager to expand their knowledge and delve into the racing world. This class is coached by an experienced racing coach that is US Sailing Certified.
RACE TEAM (AGES 13 - 17 YEARS OLD):
Racer’s practice and compete in FJ’s & 420s. These sailors must have previous racing experience and want to fine-tune their racing, strategy, and boat handling skills. This class offers many opportunities to travel to Interclubs, regattas and compete with and against some of the best sailors in Western New York. Sailors are led by a highly experienced US Sailing Certified race team coach. This course has a 2 week minimum sign up.
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