Introduction to Racing Skills

This course meets twice a week and is designed to introduce sailors to basic racing knowledge and skills. Sailors will learn:

• Racing rules

• Starting and buoy roundings

• Advanced wind reading knowledge

• Basic boat handling

Students must have completed Opti/Butterfly II course to enter along with instructor approval. Sailors will be on Optis or Butterflys. After completion of this course the sailor will have basic racing knowledge and be able to successfully sail around a race course. Instructors build on sailors’ prior knowledge with each session.

Opti & Butterfly Racing Skills

This course meet twice a week course is for sailors that completed intro to racing with instructor approval and are looking to learn more advanced racing tactics. Sailors will learn:

• Advanced boat handling skills

• Deeper understanding of the rules

• Regatta preparation

• Sportsmanship and leadership skills

• Race course management and tactics

This course is designed for sailors to take their racing to the next level.  We have seasoned coaches that are ready to teach top secret tips to make the boat go faster and advance the sailors skills. **5 minute swim test required.

Racing Skills Sailing Curriculum

Friday Regatta Race Team

Includes four Friday Regattas; on-the-water coaching on each of the Opti and Butterfly courses; coaching help with boat setup; and Regatta Race team shirts. Race Coaches will attend the Friday Regattas, and sailors will receive a postcard of take-aways from the race coaches after each Friday Regatta. Boat pack-up for the regattas will take place after Racing Skills on Thursday afternoon for the Friday Regattas.

*For racers who are able to attend only one or two regattas, individual regattas are $75 each. Follow the learn more link below to sign up.

Some SLJSA Butterflys are available for Charter/rental. Rates vary depending on amount of days chartered.

Racing at SLYC - 2026