Junior Sailing Program

The Dana Point Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program is a distinguished initiative committed to cultivating the next generation of sailors. Designed for youth ages 6–16, the program provides a structured pathway from introductory instruction to elite, Olympic-level preparation.

Through comprehensive training with an emphasis on teamwork, honesty and integrity, patience and respect, and competitive excellence; and participation in regattas spanning local to international waters, DPYC Junior Sailing equips young sailors with the skills, discipline, and experience to excel. In doing so, the program will proudly uphold and advance the traditions of the Dana Point Yacht Club, representing it with distinction at both national and international levels.

Program Vision and Mission

Vision: To inspire and cultivate the next generation of sailors by instilling skill, discipline, and passion for the sport of sailing. Through world-class coaching, mentorship, and a supportive community, the Dana Point Yacht Club Sailing Program empowers young athletes to chart their course from local waters to the global stage.

Mission: To provide a safe, supportive, and competitive environment for youth sailors to learn, race and represent DPYC in Southern California and beyond.

2026 Schedule and Classes

Class Levels

Harbor Explorers
Focus on water safety, basic sailing skills, fun, confidence.

Local Sailors
Advanced sailboat control, intro to racing, local regattas, teamwork.

DPYC Race Team
Expert sailboat control, advanced race strategy & tactics, travel regattas, physical fitness.

Swim Test Requirement

All Junior Sailors are required to pass a swim test on their first day of camp. The swim test consists of:

Swimming two 15-yard laps.
First lap: Any swimming stroke of the junior's choice.
Return lap: Swimming on their back using any backstroke of their choice.
Upon reaching the end, the junior must float on their back in a starfish position for 5 seconds.

The purpose of this swim test is to ensure each junior has the basic swimming skills and confidence to remain safe in the water until an instructor or safety boat can reach and assist them if needed.

Summer Sailing Program

Nine consecutive weekly sessions
June 8 thru Aug 7
Monday - Friday, 9am – 4pm
Ages 6+

Participants are not required to be members of Dana Point Yacht Club.
Children and grandchildren of DPYC members are eligible for member pricing.

Families may enroll in any weekly session or all of the sessions.
Price per session – $450 Non-members / $400 Members
(3% processing fee added for credit card, PayPal and Venmo payments)

ALL SESSIONS SOLD OUT!

After submission of your registration forms, payment may be made online with credit card, by Member charge, Zelle or check dropped off in the office. Payment must be submitted to confirm registration.

Schedule

The program officially begins at 9:00am though students may arrive as early as 8:30am but no earlier. Supervision is not provided prior to 8:30am.

Pick up time is 3:30 - 4:00pm. Please do not cause the coaches to have to stay late to wait for you.
The parent or guardian must sign their sailor IN and OUT each day and if there is a change in plans (friend or relative to pick up the kids), please indicate at check-in.

Generally, the participants will be on the water for 2 hours in the morning, break for lunch, and sail for a few more hours in the afternoon. However, this schedule may vary depending on lessons, fieldtrips, sails around the island or out to the ocean, and adverse sailing conditions (too much or no wind).

Safety Requirements

Safety is crucial in all our programs. Students must demonstrate comfort in and around water to participate. We will be following these precautions:

Swim Test (see above)
Signed Medical Release Form
Submitted Insurance Card
Report all absences by 9AM to [email protected]