Our Program’s Objective

The Junior Sailing Program aims to provide a quality, fun, and educational program for youth interested in sailing and racing, by giving students the opportunity and fundamental skills necessary to stimulate their interests and support their development in the sport of sailing.

• To make sailing accessible to youth ages 8 through 18 years
• To teach children how to sail to the best of their ability and interest
• To provide a safe environment for fun and learning
• To develop life-long values and skills such as sportsmanship, consideration for others, teamwork, self-worth, humility, self-confidence, organization, health and fitness, and an appreciation for nature and the environment
• To build seamanship, sailing, and racing skills
• To provide opportunities to develop competitive sailing 
• To provide fun youth-centered activities throughout the year, which include: Learn to Sail Camp, Bay Racers, scholastic sailing, club sailing, regattas, family functions & socials. 

SUMMER LEARN-TO-SAIL CAMP

NERYC’s ‘Learn to Sail’ camp program for youth ages 8-16 years follows universally accepted methods of teaching sailing and operates within the guidelines prescribed by US Sailing. Learning, safety, and fun are the cornerstones of our curriculum, and sailors are taught using a combination of lectures, visual aids, practical drills, and extensive on-the-water practice at our facility. No prior experience is required.

JR SAILING BAY RACERS

Eligible NERYC junior sailors ages 9-18 can take their sailing to the next level with high-level coaching and competitive racing. Team members compete in regattas that take place predominantly during the summer season. This includes a full schedule of CBYRA regional and selected state and national events. Our team of professional race coaches provides coaching and assists with team management and equipment transport. Our fleet travel trailers are equipped to transport Optis, Lasers, 420s, and coach boats. Team travel is coordinated with parents by our travel team coordinator and coaches. The majority of regattas take place during the week. Regatta participation requires commitment from competitors and parent support.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SAILING PROGRAM

Interscholastic sailing closely parallels the collegiate sailing format and competition is governed by the Interscholastic Sailing Assoc. NERYC is part of the Mid-Atlantic District, specifically, the MD Central League (MDISA) which covers the Chesapeake Bay region. Scholastic Sailing takes place during the spring and fall. Sailors will find it both fun and challenging. To participate, sailors must be in 8th-12th grade, be proficient sailors, they must be dedicated, and have the support of their parents regarding travel. Practices take place on weekday afternoon/s on the club fleet of Flying Juniors. Regattas are scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays and will require travel to other venues.

Coaching Staff

Our coaching staff are selected for their sailing ability, enthusiasm and leadership qualities, our team of experienced instructors are eager to share their expertise and passion for the sport. Many have grown up sailing at NERYC and some have continued their sailing careers in college and beyond. Coaches are tasked with providing lesson plans, drills and activities that are safe, stimulating and fun. Your sailor’s safety and enjoyment are their priority. All coaches are required to have attained the following certifications:

• US Sailing Small Boat Level One Instructor or international equivalent
• Maryland Safe Boating certification (NASBLA) or equivalent
• First Aid and CPR certification
• SafeSport training or equivalent
• Child safety and criminal background clearance in accordance with Maryland State Dept of Health