Join Sarasota Youth Sailing coaches for Sunday morning introductory Optimist sailing lessons!

This course is geared towards youth sailors ages 6-12 who are interested in learning the basics of Optimist sailing, and are perhaps interested in joining our Green Fleet Race Team in the future!

Time: This class operates in 2 week sessions, taking place Sunday morning from 9am-12pm.

Fall 2026 Dates:

Session A: September 20 & 27

Session B: October 4 & 11

Session C: October 18 & 25

Cost: $120 for a 2 week session. A one day “drop In” rate $70.

Registration

No regattas fees or additional fees, charter included.

Each class registration has a minimum of 4.  If we have less the minimum sailors registered, we reserve the right to cancel class.

What to bring: Please wear clothes or swim gear that you can get wet, a change of clothes, closed toed shoes that will protect your feet from rocks, sun protection (sunblock, hat, sunglasses, sun protective hooded or long sleeved shirt if possible), life jacket, refillable water bottle with a clip or hook to attach to your boat.

Questions? Call or TEXT 941.504.4236

Our Home School Sailing Program will continue this fall season.  Using the RS Zests (and similar boats) this program will teach both beginner and intermediate levels of sailing.  We strive to help students reach their goals, weather it be learning to sail as a beginner, build confidence on the water, or even joining a a race team.  The SYS Home School Program offers a unique opportunity to learn hands on in beautiful Sarasota Bay.

Students will learn;

• Water and Boat Safety
• Wind Conditions
• Knot Tying
• Boat Rigging
• STEM Concepts

Classes will be held on the water and in the classroom.  This is a great way to make friends, practice teamwork, and build independence.

This will be a 6 week course. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Course dates for Fall 2026: September 22- October 27

Recommended ages 8-14.

Cost: $360 for the 6 week session

Homeschool Sailing Registration

Each class registration has a minimum of 4.  If we have less the minimum sailors registered, we reserve the right to cancel class.

What to bring: Please wear clothes or swim gear that you can get wet, a change of clothes, closed toed shoes that will protect your feet from rocks, sun protection (sunblock, hat, sunglasses, sun protective hooded or long sleeved shirt if possible), life jacket, refillable water bottle with a clip or hook to attach to your boat.

Parking: You may drop off your sailor at Sarasota Youth Sailing, but parking inside the club is reserved for Sarasota Sailing Squadron members. Memberships are always available and recommended for parents.

We are proud to be a Step Up, PEP Scholarship provider. Please reach out if you require assistance registering with the scholarship.

We are excited to offer a Tadpole Fall Sailing program for the first time ever!

Pre-requisite: 5 years old by the first day of the session (no students older than 6 years old allowed in the class)

Age Guidelines: 5-6 years old

Tadpoles is a “pre-beginner” program designed to introduce younger children to formal sailing instruction. The Tadpole class is designed to challenge the cognitive abilities of children five to six years of age. Tadpoles introduces children to the activities of SYS, rather than providing a broader “day camp” atmosphere. Children will be introduced to boats and water activities, including swimming, sailing, and basic sailing terms. Classes are taught on various SYS sailboats.

Cost: 

$240 for 4 week session

Each class registration has a minimum of 4.  If we have less the minimum sailors registered, we reserve the right to cancel class.

Meeting Times:

Sundays 9am-12pm

4 week session

Fall Season Dates – September 27, October 4, October 25, November 1

(Due to race team schedules and conflicts, we are unable to provide 4 consecutive weeks. Please note that the schedule is structured as 2 consecutive weeks, followed by 2 weeks off, then 2 consecutive weeks)

 Tadpole Registration

What to bring: Please wear clothes or swim gear that you can get wet, a change of clothes, closed toed shoes that will protect your feet from rocks, sun protection (sunblock, hat, sunglasses, sun protective hooded or long sleeved shirt if possible), life jacket, refillable water bottle with a clip or hook to attach to your boat.

Parking: You may drop off your sailor at Sarasota Youth Sailing, but parking inside the club is reserved for Sarasota Sailing Squadron members. Memberships are always available and recommended for parents.