For over 20 years, the Vallarta Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program has been dedicated to coaching and empowering the next generation of sailing enthusiasts and competitors in Banderas Bay
The program aims to introduce children and their families to the joy of sailing. With multilingual, highly trained instructors, the program is managed by the Junior Sailing Committee and supported by Vallarta Yacht Club staff, adult volunteer leaders, and Junior Sailing parents
The VYC Junior Sailing Program offers three levels of instruction for children ages 7 to 18. It provides them with the chance to learn to sail in a secure, supportive environment. Here, they gain skills and knowledge that will open the door to a lifelong passion for sailing. We take pride in the fact that graduates of our junior sailing program have gone on to compete at national, international, and Olympic levels.
Click to expand below for more information.
Beginner
For children with little or no experience, teaching basic skills The goal is to foster confidence and understanding. The students need only to know how to swim as a prerequisite. Class meets twice per week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Classes cover:
- Boating safety
- Basic elements of the Opti
- Rigging the Opti
- Basic knot-tying
- Reading the wind
- Points of sail
- How to accelerate, slow and stop
- How to sail out of the no-sail zone
Intermediate
Intermediate builds on the skills learned in Opti 1, covering more advanced skills. Classes meet twice per week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
Classes cover:
- A review of Opti 1 basics
- Basic rules of navigation
- International Trapezoid Course
- Starts
- Speed
- Trim and balance
- Capsizing and righting
- Participating in VYC local regattas for prizes
Advanced Team
Students who excel in Intermediate may be invited by the Junior Sailing Director to join the VYC Advanced Team. This ongoing course hones skills for regatta competitions in Mexico and North America. VYC hosts Opti and Laser regattas in Banderas Bay. Additionally, the National Optimist Association organizes four major regattas annually, open to both Optimist and Laser sailors. Qualifiers can compete internationally. Our team also competes for medals in the annual CONADE National Games. Opti Team and ILCA meets Mondays and Wednesdays.
Equipment: Includes Optimist dinghies, Laser Class boats, 420s, and Hobie16s provided by the club and donated by members.
Fees
VYC Flag Members: $2800 MXN/month (Included in membership fees).
Additional siblings: $2500 MXN//month
VYC Non-Members: $2800 MXN/month. Additional siblings: $2500 MXN/month.
Non-members can apply for VYC Flag Membership by either paying the Flag Initiation fee upfront or by paying lesson fees for at least six months, after which the initiation fee is waived.
Financial assistance is available.
For more information, please contact us at:
jrprogram@vallartayachtclub.org
+52 322 297 2222