Recruit Program:

Recruits at HYC are the newest, youngest members of our youth program, and normally students take two sessions before graduating to Mates. No prior sailing experience is required, and indeed most have never sailed before. The typical age range for this class is from 8 to 11, but exceptions are considered with prior approval.

Recruits sail either the single-handed Optimist Dinghy or the newly introduced, double- handed, sloop-rigged RAD 420, which will replace our old fleet of JY15’s. While we start with the very basics of sailing, often with instructors in the boat, all HYC Recruits are given the opportunity, indeed encouraged, to skipper. One of the primary goals of the Recruit class is to competently skipper the single-handed Optimist Dinghy. Our instructors are experienced teachers and sailors, and help create a fun, positive learning environment.

Recruits spend at least two hours per class on the water. They will master useful knots and sailing terminology. They will learn rowing, rigging, dinghy handling, crewing, capsizing procedures, docking, yacht courtesy, and, above all, safety at sea. Our focus throughout is to teach the basics of sailing and seamanship, and to introduce youth sailors to racing. The Optimist Class Association sponsors “Green Fleet”, or beginner events and clinics, which we encourage Recruits to consider. Each Recruit receives a certificate of  completion at the end of each Session which includes useful suggestions from the Instructors.

Mates Program:

Mates at HYC must be successful graduates of our Recruit class, and ready to take on the challenge of the intermediate portion our youth program. Some prior sailing experience is required. Without completing our Recruit class, applicants must apply and receive approval from the HYC Program Director before being accepted into the Mates Program. The typical age range for this class is from 10 to 15, but exceptions are considered.

Mates extend the skills and knowledge they learned as Recruits. They build confidence through experience. Mates strive to feel comfortable in their sailing environment. They learn to set and fly a spinnaker, learn sailing rules of the road and the basics of navigation. Mates are introduced to racing and will occasionally sail with the Skippers class. The instructors use a variety of games and competitive events to continue to hone their skills. Mates sail Optimist Dinghies and RAD 420’s.

The overall goal of the Mates class is to prepare sailors for our most advanced sailing teams at HYC. Mates will continue to develop the skills learned in Recruits. Our focus throughout is to teach the next level of sailing and seamanship and to expose our youth sailors to intermediate level racing. Mates are encouraged to participate in Optimist “Green Fleet” (beginner) clinics and events. Each Mate receives a certificate of  completion at the end of each Session which includes useful suggestions from the Instructors.

Skippers and 420 Race Team:

The Skippers are those sailors who have mastered boat handling offered in the JY15s(prior to 2010), RAD 420’s and Optimist.  They have had some exposure to competition and are interested in gaining more experience.  The skippers group begins by learning how to transfer their sailing skills to the Club 420.   The class works on their boat handling and sail trim through formal and informal competition in the club’s 420 fleet. Although not all sailors aspire to be top competitors, we believe this format to be a fun and efficient learning experience. The fleet racing will also develop knowledge of tactics, right of way rules and teamwork. The science of navigation and weather will also be taught.  Skippers have the opportunity at HYC to go as far as possible with their sailing talents.

The 420 Race Team reflects both the growth and popularity of this boat along with the growth of our sailing program and the commitment of the club to excellence in youth sailing.  Members of the 420 Race Team must be extremely competent boat handlers and have the passion for higher level competition before being admitted to the program’s most advanced curriculum. Crews will be chosen by the instruction staff to represent HYC at the Sears, Bemis, Smythe, Leiter, and Midget Regattas as well as Marblehead Junior Race Week and other out-of-state regattas. Past HYC sailors have advanced to regional and national championships. Parents of these sailors will be required to participate in transportation to these regattas. This group may have the opportunity to sail their own Lasers and Laser Radials as we intend to grow this class here at HYC.

The typical age range for this class is from 12 to 17, but exceptions will be considered. Due to the depth of this program, team members are strongly encouraged to sign up for both sessions.

Ultimately, our sailors should leave HYC able to race competitively at the youth level and be very well prepared for high school and college sailing, or to enjoy performance sailing for the rest of their lives.

Special Events:

Students are encouraged to participate in our Thursday evening racing where parents can join students to share an evening on the water with a cookout to follow. We encourage both the student and family to join in the fun. Other events planned are specialized boat clinics, guest speakers, island day trips, big boat day, and visiting yachts to enhance their sailing experience.