Youth Classes

Designed as a fun and exciting introduction to sailing for our sailors of 6 years of age. Harbor Seals will focus on water safety aboard our J24 Keelboats. Sailing with an instructor, they will become comfortable with water skills such as; knots, seamanship, how to safely move around the vessel, and sailing terminology. In the afternoons, our Harbor Seals will participate in a variety of water / sailing activities including, kayaking, STEM activities, stewardship, and by the weeks end be introduced to our smaller sail boats.

Harbor Seals is limited to students 6 years of age.

Ages: 6 yrs of age
Cost:  $350 / per 1 week session
Rating: None; Age requirement only

The Explore Sailing program is a one-week introduction course that focuses on water safety, familiarization with wind and sea awareness, an enhanced respect for the ocean, all while exploring a variety of watercraft. Sailing will take place primarily in RS Ventures and other non motorized watercraft such as paddle boards and kayaks. Through the Explore Sailing program, students will graduate with a heightened self awareness, a new love for the environment, and will be ready to advance to our Beginner Youth (ages 7-12) program. No previous sailing or boating experience is required, general comfort around the water is beneficial. Students will progress into our Beginner Youth class.

Ages: 7-12 yrs old
Cost: $350 / per 1 week session
Rating: No rating

NEW PROGRAM !!
For Youth  8 – 12 years of age. 

This one-week camp is for new sailors who are curious about the world around them and how things work! The program combines on-the-water games and adventure sails, with shore-side sailing and science-related lessons and projects. Students will graduate with heightened self-awareness, a new love for the environment, and will be ready to advance to our Beginner Youth (ages 7-12) program.  No previous sailing or boating experience is required, general comfort around the water and an interest in science are beneficial. 

Only offered for two weeks this summer, June 15-19th and August 10-14th. 

Ages: 8-12 yrs old
Cost: $350
Rating: No rating

Designed as a fun and exciting introduction to small sailboats, this program will give kids a running start into the world of sailing. Students will be taught basic water safety principles, knots, rigging, seamanship skills, points of sail, along with steering and sail trim. Games and drills on and off the water will help build their confidence and self awareness in a fun and safe environment. Students begin sailing with a partner in our BUGS, and when ready progress to sailing single handed. Participants should be comfortable near and around the water, no prior boating or sailing experience is required. Swim check and capsize drills are administered on the first day of programming.

Ages: 7 -12 years old
Cost: $600/ 2 week session
Rating: Explore Sailing or Equivalent

In this class students will learn to apply more advanced sail concepts based on sailing conditions and sail shape. This class is taught in Optimists (Opti’s) and continues to develop sailors single-handed small dinghy skills with the introduction of more subtle and advanced boat handling techniques. Sailors will also develop an understanding of right of way rules, docking and mark rounding, and a deeper respect for caring for their equipment. At this level, sailors are expected to set goals and are given the tools to achieve them. This two-week program is for those advancing out of our Beginner Youth program or equivalent. Students must be able to single-hand a small boat.

Ages: 7-12 years old
Cost: $600 / 2 week session
Rating: Beginner Youth or equivalent

Building on skills learned in Intermediate Youth, advanced students will be introduced to racing including right of way rules, starting sequences, course management, mark rounding techniques, boat handling, and race strategy. Sailors will continue to build confidence on the water in addition to learning good sportsmanship as they begin racing.

This class is designed for our most advanced youth sailors who already have a strong understanding of sailing theory and are able to demonstrate more advanced boat handling techniques in a wide range of conditions.

Advanced skills: Sailing upwind, controlled tacks/jibes, start/stops, and ability to navigate around a course,  

Ages: 7-12 years of age
Cost: $600/ 2 week session
Rating: Intermediate Youth or equivalent.

Opti Race Team will be working on mastery of skill and race techniques. The Race Team will participate in planned regattas, organized through Bay Area Youth Sailing and held locally. Our intention for the Opti Race Team is to build a consistent team that works together. We have implemented a year round racing and practice schedule. TISC provides boats and euipment, wetsuits, and life jackets along with the team coach(s).

All interested parties should contact Program Manager for more details; manager@tisailing.org.

Ages: 9- 13 years of age
Cost: Contact Office
Ratings: Advanced Youth or coach approval. 

A youth keelboat class designed as a developmentally appropriate way to introduce young junior sailors, with a range of sailing skills, to big boat sailing. Beginners can learn the ropes in a big boat setting while experienced junior sailors can apply their small boat skills to a new challenge: in either case, students will work with an experienced keelboat instructor to develop their sailing skills as well as their communication and teamwork skills. This class, adapted from the US Sailing Junior Big Boat program, will run on Sundays during the fall and spring seasons.

Ages: 7- 12 years of age
Cost: $350 / 1 week program
Ratings: Beginner Youth or equivalent

This class is designed for teens who are new to sailing. In this class sailors will learn basic dinghy sailing skills, knots, boating and water safety, seamanship, basic right of way rules, alongside steering and sail trim.Taught primarily in RS Ventures, students will participate in drills and sailing games that will prepare them to progress to Intermediate Teen or Jr. Big Boat. The goal for this program is to prepare teens for sailing  Club FJ’s and will join our Intermediate Teen class toward the end of their two week session.

No experience necessary.

Ages: 13- 17 yrs old
Cost: $600 / 2 week session
Ratings: None

In this class sailors develop their double-handed small dinghy sailing skills in Club FJ’s. Students will continue to work on their recognition of points of sail, proper sail trim, and body positioning while developing new skills such as; right of way rules, docking and mark rounding, and distance sailing. A large component of this class will focus on team work as a double-handed boat requires students to work together in order to properly handle the boat. Teens will get the chance to sail with our Advanced and Race Team students as they progress through the program.

Ages: 13- 18 yrs old
Cost: $600 / 2 week session
Ratings: Beginner Teen or Equivalent

Building on skills learned in Intermediate Teen, students will be introduced to racing including the Rules of Sailing, starting sequences, course management, mark rounding techniques, advanced boat handling, and race strategy. This class is designed for our most advanced teen sailors who already have a strong understanding of sailing theory and are able to demonstrate more advanced boat handling techniques in a wide range of conditions. A large component of this class will focus on teamwork as students will need to operate as a team within their boat in order to tackle the more complex components of racing in the platform of a double-handed dinghy sailing.

For sailors that demonstrate the following skills; sailing upwind, controlled tacks/jibes, start/stops, starting sequences, course management, and crew dynamics, may be eligible to join the Race Team during the Summer Regattas. Contact our Program Manager for more details.

Ages: 13- 18 yrs old
Cost: $600 / 2 week session
Ratings: Intermediate Teen or equivalent

Race Team will be sailing within our Advanced Teen class, however in addition to the goals of the standard course, they will be working on mastery of skill and race techniques. Our intention for the FJ Race Team is to build a consistent team that works together, encouraged to sign up for at least 4 weeks of Advanced Teen program and attend at least 2 regattas. For more information and for those interested in Racing during the BAYS Summer Series, please contact our Program Manager at manager@tisailing.org.

Ages: 13- 18 yrs old
Cost: Contact Office
Ratings: Advanced Teen or Equivalent

A teen keelboat class designed as a developmentally appropriate way to introduce teenage sailors, with a range of sailing skills, to big boat sailing. Beginners can learn the ropes in a big boat setting while experienced junior sailors can apply their small boat skills to a new challenge: in either case, students will work with an experienced keelboat instructor to develop their sailing skills as well as their communication and teamwork skills. This class, adapted from the US Sailing Junior Big Boat program and is intended for those looking for recreational sailing opportunities. Jr. Big Boat Teen is offered on Sunday afternoons during the Fall and Spring seasons.

Ages: 13-18 yrs old
Cost: $350 / 1 week program
Prerequisite: None

The Junior Leadership program is designed for our oldest sailors, 15-17 who are looking to gain leadership experience while continuing to develop their own sailing skills and knowledge. This program is intended for Advanced sailors and will introduce them to leadership, communication skills, class management and teaching fundamentals. Junior Leaders will act as a role model and leader to the younger students on and off the water.

This is a one-week training camp designed to provide Junior Leaders with the skills needed to complete their US Sailing Small Boat Instructor Level 1 Course (details given during camp week). This includes passing Small Boat Sailing Standards, delivering land and water based instruction, and safe powerboat handling. After completion of Junior Leadership Camp, selected individuals will have the opportunity to sign up for the Instructor in Training program for the summer season. The goal for this camp if to prepare our students for future employment as Certified Sailing Instructors.

Please contact our Program Manager for more details.

*Junior Leadership Camp is not limited to TISC students.

Cost: $350
Ages: 15-17 years of age
Rating: Advanced Teen or Equivalent

This is a free program where selected Junior Leaders aged 16-17 years old will gain practical teaching experience, working alongside a mentor throughout the summer season. The goal of the Instructor in Training (IT’s) program is to continue to develop their teaching and powerboating skills while in a leadership role in order to prepare them for future employment as a Sailing Instructor. Our IT’s are expected to act as a role model to our younger sailors and are an integral part of our youth progression and development program. They will be assigned to a specific camp and will set goals with our Program Manager each week in order to keep track of their progress and get experience in areas where they need improvement. IT’s will be expected to sail and should show up prepared to do so. Must meet Applicant Requirements below.

Instructors in Training: Eligible students must meet the following applicant requirements and contact our Program Manager before April 15th.  This applies to all IT’s wishing to return from prior year.

Instructor in Training Applicant Requirements:

• Be 16 years old on or before July 1
• Have successfully completed Advanced Teen and Junior Leadership Camp
• Email a resume and cover letter to the Program Manager at manager@tisailing.org Please include availability in your cover letter.
• Commit to volunteering for 100 hours during the summer starting on June 22nd through August 21st. Include availability in your cover letter.

* Students just completing the one week Junior Leadership Camp will complete the above requirements during the last day of camp and selected students will be invited to volunteer that summer. Instructors in Training must reapply each year.

We strongly encourage Parents/Guardians to take advantage of our Extended Care Option in the case that you need to drop our camper/s off early or pick-up a little later.

• Extended care is offered from  8:00AM – 9:00AM before the start of camp, and 4:00PM – 5:00PM after camp is over.
• Late fees may apply is picking up later than 5:00PM.
• Extended Care is only available while our Summer programs are in session.
• Financial Assistance is available to those in need.

Private lessons are a great opportunity for students to rapidly improve their skills in a 1:1 setting with one of our instructors. Private lessons can be taken in addition to any of junior sailing programs classes, as a stand alone class, or as recurring private instruction. Private lessons are scheduled on an individual basis, accordingly TISC is able to accommodate most schedules. Private lessons are offered at a minimum of 2 hrs. For junior sailors, private lessons are offered in Bugs, Optimists, and FJs. Private lessons in J24s may also be offered to junior sailors in certain circumstances.

The Explore Sailing Program is a week long sailing and boating camp offered to all San Francisco community based groups during our 11-weeks of Summer Camp. Students are taught basic water safety and will gain comfort near and around the water. We begin teaching in an open dinghy sailing with an Instructor, by the weeks end each student will have the opportunity to steer the boat and trim the sails. Mornings are spent learning sailing terminology, knots, and team-building skills, while sailing within the protection of Clipper Cove. In the afternoons, groups participate in a variety of sailing related games and activities on or near the beach. Afternoon activities may include swimming, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, stewardship activities, or sailing small boats off the beach.

• A Certified Sailing Instructor will work with your group the whole week.
• Our student to instructor ratio is 1:5.
• Space is limited 15 students and they must attend all five days of programming.
• Transportation is not provided, class time is 9am – 4pm, but is flexible.
• Wetsuits, lifejackets, sunscreen, and afternoon snack is provided.
• Students must bring, a lunch each day, refillable water bottle, swim suit, towel, and closed toed shoes that can get wet and dirty.
• Refundable deposit of $5 per child is required upon booking

For more details about our program or to schedule your groups week long sailing adventure, please contact our Program Coordinator at programs@tisailing.org!

Our 3-hour orientation sails are designed to introduce community groups to sailing without the week long commitment of our Explore Group Program. Orientations are taught aboard our stable keelboats and will focus on how to properly wear a life jacket, how to safely move around a vessel, sailing terminology, and give students a chance to steer with an instructor while enjoying the nature that surrounds Clipper Cove.

• No experience necessary
• Life jackets provided.

For more details about our program or to schedule your groups sailing adventure, please contact our Program Coordinator at programs@tisailing.org!
Refundable deposit of $5 per child is required upon booking.