Welcome to Summer 2026 Youth Sailing!

 

We are happy to announce our upcoming Summer Program for 2026. There are three levels of Novice sailing, six levels of Intermediate sailing, and opportunities in Advanced Racing on the local and national circuit. Whether you are interested in, simply learning to sail well, or in competitive sailing, our instructors and coaches are trained and certified, by US Sailing, to help you reach your goals.

Classes are Monday-Friday except May 25 (Memorial Day) and July 3rd (4th observed). Hawaii schools celebrate different summer schedules. We try to accommodate that by having classes offered as early as May 26 and as late as July 20- July 24, for most of our students, we have additional classes for the week of July 27, but with the requirement that the students have sailed at least two weeks during the summer of 2026. This week is reserved for intermediate and advanced sailing. There is also a class the week of August 3 but it is an advanced class only (A separate application will be handed out to selected students).

If your sailor is just starting out, then our morning novice class is the obvious choice. This class meets from 8:30-11:45. Novices sail in our fleet of 12 foot Topper dinghies which have 1 sail and can accommodate 2-3 sailors. Novices begin by learning fundamental skills, like rigging and capsize recovery and quickly move on to balance, sail trim and steering. As novices progress to the next stage they will primarily focus on steering—Finally, they will progress to solo sailing. Each student is unique and will move through these phases at different rates depending on their age, enthusiasm and the number of days they sail per year. A typical student who is sailing sixty or more days per year will take about 3 or 4 years to move through the three phases.

The Intermediate group meets in the morning from 8:30-11:45 and sails a combination of Toppers, our 8 foot El Toro Dinghy, our 9 foot Open Skiff and 420’s. This is an introduction to racing group. There are several events to train for in the summer. Each Wednesday and Thursday are race days for this class. Racing teaches efficient sailing and demonstrates a mastery of the art of sailing as well. An attention to using your body position, to steer the boat and an introduction to more effective tacks and jibes are important skills that are built upon from the foundation laid in Novice sailing. Finally, there is an advanced class called the Junior Olympic Prep class. This class is by recommendation only. This class will sail Lasers, 420’s El Toros and Toppers. This class progresses from where intermediate sailing leaves off.

We are pleased to announce that you can register for our program in two ways. The first way is for those who are already members to turn in a form and pay the member fee. In the past, there has always been a higher fee for non-members. We are happy to say that, this fee will include a one-year youth membership. Our hope is that this added value will allow your child to make use of the club and its facilities. If you sign up for additional classes during the year, you will then get the benefit of the member rate. If you are extending the membership from last year's one year membership, please make sure your membership is current by paying the new member fee for the first class you enroll in this year. Also, please note that there will be an additional $20 one-time fee for the access card. This fee will be paid at the front desk when your child picks up their card.

As always, for all sessions, sign-up is on a first come, first served basis and payment in full is necessary to reserve a spot in the class. These classes are popular so sign up early to secure space. Also, please note that for the same reason, there is no refund for unused portions of the course. We anticipate that all programs will be full. We will be on a first come, first served basis within the following priorities:

1. Approved Skippers who are currently primary skippers
2. All other sailors from the Spring program
3. Sailors who have sailed with us in this year
4. New incoming sailors

The best way to fast track your sailor for that spot is to turn in the application. You will be notified if there is a spot. We will then charge the tuition to reserve your spot. Groups 1 and 2 will be given priority until May 1. It will open up to group 3 on May 2. Group 4 will open up on May 15. Thank you for your patience.

Our goal is to make sailing a safe and fun experience that can last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing you out on the water. Please make sure to check out the program guidelines page so your sailor knows what to bring on the first day.

Scholarships, Half Scholarships and Quarter Scholarships are available based on need.

Sincerely,
Guy Fleming, Director
Waikiki Yacht Club Sailing Program

 

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PROGRAM GUIDELINES

 

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress is very casual, as sailors will often get wet. Covered shoes are required at all times for safety reasons. Old tennis shoes or reef walkers are a good choice. Plan on a change of clothing or at least a spare T-Shirt. Swimsuits or shorts are preferable. A hat is helpful in protecting from the sun. As clothing is often misplaced, please mark clothing with a waterproof marker so we can identify the owner.

LIFE JACKETS

Life jackets are required to participate in the sailing program for safety reasons. Each child will need to provide their own life jacket as it needs to be fitted to them. A Coast Guard approved Type III life jacket (vest type) is the type we use. The Personal Floatation Device (PFD) should be fitted to each individual so it will not float up around their ears when they are in the water. The PFD should have their name marked in permanent marker.

SUNSCREEN

Hawaii's sun is very damaging to the skin. You are encouraged to apply sunscreen prior to class and to reapply several times during each class. If for some reason you get too much sun and do not plan to come the following day, please call the yacht club to let us know that you will be absent.

ILLNESS

We would appreciate a call any time that you are not able to attend class. Please call 955-4405 and leave a message at the office. Note that the office opens at 9:00 am.

VALUABLES

It is not possible to provide security for all bags and things brought from home. We discourage bringing large amounts of cash, IPod's, Cell Phones, and Skateboards Etc. If for some reason, you need to bring money, please let the instructor know so that it can be locked away when we are on the water.

DEPARTURE AT THE END OF THE DAY

All of the boats need to be stowed at the end of the day. We do not dismiss anyone until all the boats are stowed. If you have a special reason for having to leave early (A dentist appointment or something), please ask your parent to write a note ahead of time to advise the instructor that you will be leaving early that day.

For questions, please email Guy Fleming at [email protected]