The Eau Gallie Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program is a competitive dinghy-racing program designed for members and guests ages eight through eighteen. Kids are not required to have prior racing experience to join our racing program, however they must possess basic sailing knowledge and competency. Our program is divided into four teams based on skill level, size, and age. We sail Optimists (minimum age 8 maximum age 15) and Club 420s (age 12-18).
For potential new members of our program who do not have prior sailing experience, participation in the summer camp or private lessons will be necessary before being admitted to the racing program. Just like any sport, our kids are expected to attend practices on time, prepared with the necessary gear and attitude to learn and improve their skills. We travel to multiple regattas each season, so parents should be prepared for some road travel when their kids are at a level ready to compete.
Why sail? Any parent from our program will tell you the following: Sailing will change your kids’ life. The sport of sailing helps children develop critical thinking skills, responsibility, confidence, and even a better understanding of weather and physics. Sailors who commit to our program should expect a greater opportunity to land themselves at any of the more than 200 universities around the country with competitive sailing teams—including nearly all of the top academic schools in the nation.