Youth Programs
Fall 2022
Registration is live for our fall youth programs – follow the link below to sign up. These programs offer an exciting opportunity for children ages 8 to 17 to either be introduced to sailing and begin their journey on the water, or develop their existing sailing skills in our intermediate and advanced classes. We offer a variety of classes tailored to skill level, from introductory to Race Team.
Sunday Classes start September 11 and run through October 23.
Sunday 9 am – 12 pm: Beginner Youth and Beginner Teen
Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm: Intermediate/Advanced Youth, Intermediate/Advanced Teen, Jr. Race Team and Race Team
Friday Night Youth/Teen/Adult (guest) Racing start September 9 to October 14 (six-week series).
Full description of classes and more info below
Summer 2022
Camps are open to children ages 8-12 and teens ages 13-17 and will be running this year from June 13 – Aug 12 from 9am to 4pm. All camps will be based on the beautiful Clipper Cove which provides safe and unrivaled opportunities for your young sailor to develop their skills, make new friends and most importantly have a lot of fun!
Beginner Youth, Intermediate Youth, Advanced Youth, Science and Sailing, Beginner Teen, Intermediate Teen, and Instructor in Training will all be offered as two-week sessions:
June 13 – June 24 ➣ June 27 – July 6 ➣ July 11 – July 22 ➣ July 25 – August 5
Harbor Seals, Splash Camp, and Race Team Camp will be offered as one-week sessions all summer long, from June 13 – August 5.
Registration for our summer programs will go live on Monday, February 14. For qualifying San Francisco residents, scholarship applications are open now – please click here to apply before registering.
Fall 2022
Our fall programs offer an exciting opportunity for children ages 8 to 17 to either begin their journey on the water, or develop their existing sailing skills in our intermediate and advanced classes. Register here.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please click here and complete your scholarship application before registering.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Ages 9+
TISC’s purpose is to improve our community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities. The Friday Night Feva Racing is a six-week series that offers short course racing for Youth and Adult (guest) Sailors in the RS Feva, a two-person sailing dinghy. This series focuses on community-building, collaboration, multi-generational racing mentorship, and cultivating lifelong sailors.
Arrive between 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm to begin rigging team boats and preparing for the first horn at 5:00 pm sharp. Dinghy teams are determined based on experience, leadership skills, developmental strategies, and attendance.
Scholarships are available. Attendance to all races is highly encouraged but not mandatory.
SUNDAY AM
Ages 8-12
Students in the Beginner Youth Sailing Program will develop confidence on and off the water, gain familiarity with fundamental sailing skills, wind and sea awareness, and enhance their respect for a clean ocean. Students will also learn safety skills such as rules of the road, capsize recovery, overboard recovery, and safety position. They will learn the standard skills of jibing, tacking, steering, getting out of iron, and points of sail. Students begin sailing in our BUGS, and, when ready, progress to sailing single-handed. This self-paced class may take up to two years to build a foundation and progress into mastery of general sailing skills.
- No prior swimming or sailing experience is required, but must be comfortable in a lifejacket in the water.
- Students should come dressed in their swimsuit, and wear closed-toe shoes. We will provide wetsuits, helmets, and lifejackets.
- Students should bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection including sunglasses and a hat.
Ages 13-17
Students in the Beginner Teen Sailing Program will develop confidence on and off the water, gain familiarity with fundamental sailing skills, wind and sea awareness, and enhance their respect for a clean ocean. The students will learn safety skills such as rules of the road, capsize recovery, overboard recovery, and safety position. They will also learn the standard skills of jibing, tacking, steering, getting out of iron, and points of sail. Confidence, leadership, personal reliance, and judgment are defining elements of this program. This self-paced class may take up to two years to build a foundation and progress into mastery of general skills.
SUNDAY PM
Ages 8-12
Continuing to develop confidence on and off the water, students in the Intermediate Youth Sailing Program will build upon previously achieved sailing skills. By enhancing their experience via teamwork and heightened self-awareness, sailors will learn theoretical knowledge and general skills.
Theoretical knowledge of seamanship (i.e., knot tying, sails and lines, hull and rigging), navigation, emergency procedure (i.e., the international signal of distress), current, wind and land effects, and fundamental knowledge of equipment and use are some examples. Other general skills include roll tacking, jibing, sailing a windward leg, sailing a reach, sailing downwind, and proper sail/boat trim.
Ages 13-17
This class is for sailors who have graduated from Advanced Youth or Beginner Teen. Sailors practice skippering and crewing in Fevas, developing a solid understanding of sailing theory, working on teamwork, and taking on windier conditions. General skills learned include roll tacking, jibing, sailing a windward leg, sailing a reach, sailing downwind, and proper sail/boat trim. Theoretical knowledge includes seamanship (i.e., knot tying, sails and lines, hull and rigging), navigation, emergency procedure (i.e., the international signal of distress), and fundamental knowledge of equipment and use.
Ages 9-12 Tryouts or coach recommendation only.
Opti Racers will have mastered specific nationally recognized sailing skills in the advanced courses and are ready to race. The learning targets are understanding basic racing rules (i.e., port/starboard, windward/leeward, overtaking, mark rounding) and understanding sail adjustments on each leg (i.e., proper use of vang). These sailors will practice race starts, become familiar with different race courses, and competitively practice against their peers to enhance their skills.
Ages 12-17
Tryouts or coach recommendation only
Race Team is for students ready to focus on race theory, fitness, strategy, and teamwork between skipper and crew. RS Feva, a two-person sailing dinghy is the boat of choice for this team.
Weekend regattas are typical in this class.
Summer Camp 2022
TISC’s summer camps are a wonderful way for children to learn about sailing, water safety and the environment. Everyone who sails on our little gem in the Bay, Clipper Cove, leaves with a renewed self-confidence and a big smile.
Our camps are open to children ages 8-12 and teens ages 13-17 and will be running this year from June 13 – Aug 12, 9am to 4pm. We’ll also be offering extended care from 8-9am and from 4-5pm for those that need it. All camps will be based on the beautiful Clipper Cove which provides safe and unrivaled opportunities for your young sailor to develop their skills, make new friends and most importantly have a lot of fun! Registration is open now!
- Scholarships are available, please click here to complete your application before registering.
- Please read the Youth Program Manual and FAQ page for more information on what to expect
PROGRESSION PROGRAMS:
BEGINNER YOUTH (ages 8-12)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
Designed as a fun and exciting introduction to small sailboats, this is for kids that are newer to sailing. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
INTERMEDIATE YOUTH (ages 8-12)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
For sailors that are able to tack properly and can get out of irons. These sailors develop the skills to sail to the beach and back. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
ADVANCED YOUTH (ages 8-12)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
Aimed at sailors that can jibe properly and are no longer getting stuck in irons. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
BEGINNER TEEN (ages 13-17)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
In this introductory class, sailors learn basic dinghy sailing skills, knots, boating, water safety and more. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
INTERMEDIATE TEEN (ages 13-17)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
For sailors who have graduated from Beginner Teen or Advanced Youth, and are able to sail upwind, tack properly and jibe with control. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
INSTRUCTOR IN TRAINING (ages 14-17)
Cost: $600 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $550)
Instructor in Training is an opportunity for experienced youth participants at TISC to start their journey as instructors. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 24
June 27 – July 8 (closed July 4)
July 11 – July 22
July 25 – August 5
SPLASH CAMP (ages 8-12)
Cost: $350 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $300)
Our newest program, Splash Camp, builds comfort in the water through adventures on kayaks, SUPs, and swimming at the beach. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 17
June 20 – June 24
June 27 – July 1
July 5 – July 8
July 11 – July 15
July 18 – July 22
July 25 – July 29
August 1 – August 5
HARBOR SEALS (ages 8-9)
Cost: $350 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $300)
Harbor Seals introduces our youngest sailors to sailing in a small group on a keelboat with an instructor. Each sailor learns at their own pace as they take turns trying out different roles on the boat. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 17
June 20 – June 24
June 27 – July 1
July 5 – July 8
July 11 – July 15
July 18 – July 22
July 25 – July 29
August 1 – August 5
RACE TEAM (ages 8-17)
Cost: $350 (except for programs over the July 4 holiday, which will be $300)
This class is by invitation only. For kids interested in Race Team, please contact Carisa Harris-Adamson for more information. Race Team is for students who are ready to focus on race theory, fitness, strategy, and teamwork between skipper and crew. Click here for full info on this class.
Dates:
June 13 – June 17
June 20 – June 24
June 27 – July 1
July 5 – July 8
July 11 – July 15
July 18 – July 22
July 25 – July 29
August 1 – August 5
August 8 – August 12
Ages 8-12
Have fun getting your feet wet and learn to feel safe in the water! This is an experiential program designed to build confidence in the water and on boats. Between learning how to safely use kayaks, SUPs, and playing games on the beach, this program prepares youth for sailing classes and boating adventures. Leadership and life skills are learned while on the water.
Ages 8-9
This week-long camp for our youngest sailors introduces sailing and water safety using fun games and playful learning activities. Sailing takes place primarily in small groups with an instructor on J24s, allowing campers to learn at their own pace and take turns trying out different roles on the boat. Sailors will spend afternoons on the beach in Clipper Cove, trying out kayaks and SUPs with their instructor.
This class is being offered to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.
This introductory course combines learning how to sail with exploring the intricacies of the San Francisco Bay watershed, using a lens of scientific observation. In addition to working together to improve their sailing skills, students will build understanding around food webs, symbiotic processes of ecosystems, pollution, and the dynamics of the Earth’s oceans. Throughout the course, students will learn the importance of citizen science and how to be an effective watershed steward.
Ages 8-12 (ages are not strictly enforced, feel free to reach out and see if Teen or Youth would be a better fit)
Designed as a fun and exciting introduction to small sailboats, this is for kids that are newer to sailing. In this class sailors start off with a partner in the boat and progress to sailing the boat on their own. Sailors learn about points of sail, tacking, parts of the boat, knots, and proper sail trim. Sailors stay in this class until they exhibit such skills as tacking with all the proper steps and being able to dock and launch independently.
- Students must be comfortable in a lifejacket in the water.
- Students should come dressed in their swimsuit, and wear closed-toe shoes. We will provide wetsuits, helmets, and lifejackets.
- Students should bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection including sunglasses and a hat.
Ages 8-12 (ages are not strictly enforced, feel free to reach out and see if Teen or Youth would be a better fit)
This is for sailors that are able to tack properly and can get out of irons. Intermediate Youth sailors communicate respectfully and effectively with instructors and peers, using right-of-way rules while on the water. In this class sailors learn how to put together an opti and how to tie a few more knots. These sailors further develop the skills needed to sail to the beach and back, jibing properly and using their tell tails. Sailors stay in this class until they can jibe with all the proper steps and use their tell tails correctly on the way to and from the beach.
Ages 8-12 (ages are not strictly enforced, feel free to reach out and see if Teen or Youth would be a better fit)
This is for sailors that jibe properly and are no longer getting stuck in irons, and who have a strong awareness of other boats while sailing. This class fine-tunes and builds on the skills the sailor learned in beginner and intermediate TISC classes. Sailors will start to learn roll tacks and be introduced to racing, including the Rules of Sailing, starting sequences, course management, mark rounding techniques, and race strategy. These sailors are ready to learn more advanced boat handling techniques in more challenging conditions. Sailors stay in this class until they show the race team coach that they are ready to take on bigger concepts and travel to regattas.
Ages 13-17 (ages are not strictly enforced, feel free to reach out and see if Teen or Youth would be a better fit)
This teen learn to sail class is sailed in Fevas, a two-person boat, in Clipper Cove. Sailors learn basic dinghy sailing skills, knots, boating and water safety, seamanship, the basic right of way rules, alongside steering and sail trim. This class uses drills and sailing games to help sailors gain confidence and boat handling skills to be able to sail in the rougher waters outside of Clipper Cove when they get to the higher level classes. Sailors stay in this class until they exhibit such skills as tacking with all the proper steps and being able to dock and launch independently.
Ages 13-17 (ages are not strictly enforced, feel free to reach out and see if Teen or Youth would be a better fit)
This class is for sailors who have graduated from Advanced Youth or Beginner Teen, and are able to sail upwind, tack properly and jibe with control. Sailors practice skippering and crewing in Fevas, developing a strong understanding of sailing theory, working on teamwork, and taking on windier conditions. Roll tacks and racing concepts will be introduced, including starting sequences, course management, mark rounding techniques, advanced boat handling, and race strategy.
Sailors that demonstrate sailing efficiently upwind, controlled tacks/gybes, start/stops, starting sequences, course management, and crew dynamics, may be eligible to join the Race Team.
Ages 13-17
Sailors will learn how to sail windsurfers. They will learn how to rig and handle their gear, launch independently, and tack using three progressive levels. Sailors graduate from beginner windsurfer when they are able to sail from TISC to the beach in a seabreeze.
This class is by invitation only. For kids interested in Race Team, please contact Carisa Harris-Adamson for more information.
We will be sailing Fevas and continuing our lessons from prior seasons. Race Team is for students who are ready to focus on race theory, fitness, strategy, and teamwork between skipper and crew. If Covid guidelines allow, we hope to be attending regattas this season.
Please make sure that your sailors arrive with enough time to rig and get dressed in time to start at 1 pm.
Please join us on one of our Open Sail days. Bring a young person who has been enrolled in one of our classes to qualify.
This time is for sailors who meet certain requirements to go out on the water and enjoy the bay. There will be safety boats on the water and a prescribed sailing area, but this is not a coached sailing time. Contact the Youth Program Director or refer to the Open Sailing Policies document to find out what the requirements are. Open Sail is available this spring, summer, and fall starting March 19th, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 4 pm (please note that there is no Open Sail on holiday weekends).
Guests: Please make sure any under 18 guest who is not signed up here has their parent / guardian fill out the TISC Waiver before arriving.
Ages 14-17, summer only
Instructor in Training is an opportunity for experienced youth participants at TISC to start their journey as instructors. IIT’s receive training in taking on a leadership role, including coaching fundamentals, safety management, and how to work with diverse young sailors. Participants will also gain practical experience through assisting instructors. Afternoons will be focused on developing sailing skills (IIT’s can do Race Team or another camp in the afternoon). As part of our Junior Leadership Program, Instructor in Training is a pathway towards working as a Junior Instructor (ages 15 1/2 – 17). IIT can be repeated – there’s always more to learn!