Youth Sail Training Program 2024-25

The BYS Youth Racing Squad is designed for youth members aged 12-17 who have progressed through the BYS Junior Sail Training program or a similar pathway at another club, and who are looking to further develop their boat-handling and racing skills in a new class of boat. Participants require their own personal boat, with the majority of our squad using Lasers, Sabres or Aeros, however two-handed dinghies such as 420s are also welcome.

This program has a special focus on acquiring the skills needed to compete in racing, and all our youth sailors are strongly encouraged to engage in BYS club racing, as well as participate in regattas held throughout the season.

Skill-levelled groups so sailors can progress at their own pace

Sailors will be split into groups based on their current skill level, allowing individuals to progress in their own time, supported by their coach.

Novice sailors: Sailors will become independent in rigging their boat and understanding sail adjustments, practise boat handling skills across a range of conditions and learn the fundamentals of racing.

Racing sailors: Sailors focus on the skills needed to prepare for racing and regattas, including advanced boat handling techniques. They will also learn racing tactics and race strategy, and gain a thorough understanding of the racing rules of sailing.

What equipment is needed?

Sailors in our Youth Sail Training program require their own boat to sail, and appropriate sailing gear including a life jacket and sun protection. Contact the Sailing Office should you need some help or advice about purchasing a boat.

When does Youth Sail Training start?

Youth Sail Training runs over the summer sailing season, commencing in November and concluding in February each year. We sail weekly on Sunday mornings from 10 am - 1 pm. From after Christmas through January we sail on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1 - 4 pm to make the most of summer, before reverting back to Sunday morning session for February.

This season there are 19 training sessions, including the Sail Training Opening Day on Sunday 10 November, the Commodore's Breakfast and Junior Skippers Race (with our teens onboard the Club's J/70s) on Sunday 12 January and the Sail Training Presentation Day on Sunday 9 February 2024. Each sailor also receives a Youth Sail Training tee-shirt to keep, plus use of a Sail Training bib which must be returned on the last day.

A full list of training dates and times can be downloaded here.

Registrations

Participant numbers for our Youth Sail Training program are capped for the 2024-25 program to ensure the quality of the program - this is different to previous years. We encourage early registration to secure your child's spot registration opens on 1 August 2024. You will be invoiced for your fees after registering.

No fee payment is needed at registration, training fees are due Friday 25 October 2024.

Youth Sail Training fees

     Youth Sail Training, BYS member, first child             $530 inc GST* (contact the office if you have additional children to register)

(* plus card transaction fee)

Boat storage

Sailors will also need to apply and pay for boat storage. Applications open on 1 August.

Parent involvement

Like all junior sports, we rely heavily on parents' involvement to ensure sessions run smoothly and to keep the program cost-efficient for families. It's also a great way to connect with other families and learn more about sailing and BYS. All families will be part of a roster over the season, helping with tower duty, launching and sign on/off. Arrange a swap with another family if you can't make it on your rostered day. All parents are required to supply a current Working With Children Check.