Youth Summer Sailing
Our dynamic Summer Sailing Program runs from mid-June through mid-August, ten weeks. Our day camps provide the perfect chance to get young sailors comfortable with the water and eager to continue developing their skills and confidence. Courses are carefully constructed for specific age levels to maximize learning and growth opportunities.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM beginning June 10th through August 16th, 2024. Students can sign up for however many weeks they wish, from as little as one week to as many as ten weeks. Though not a requirement, we recommend choosing consecutive weeks, if your sailor's summer schedule allows, to maximize skill retention.
Please use this chart only as a guide, considering age and experience. There is no set or correct "track" for what classes you can or can't take. Both tracks are interchangeable when no previous experience is required. If you are interested in racing, this chart helps show what some of our previous sailors have done in the past to refine their skills and compete at a high level.
Youth Summer Sailing FAQs
Q: When does registration open for Youth Summer 2024? Should I register right away?
A: Our registration opens on December 4th, 2024. We recommend, as soon as you know your summer schedule, to secure your spot. Our classes are very popular and fill up quickly.
Q: What should my child bring to summer sailing lessons?
A: Students should come to class prepared to sail in any weather conditions (hot, cold, sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, etc.). Sailors must dress appropriately for the conditions: rash guards, sun protective clothing, thermal layers, spray gear, wet suits, sailing boots, beanies, gloves, etc., are strongly recommended. Stay away from cotton! Bring your own towel, snug-fitting US Coast Guard Approved Type III PFD, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, shoes that can get wet, and a complete change of clothes. Please ensure all gear and personal items are marked with your student’s name in permanent marker. COLSS is not responsible for any lost items.
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Q: Does my child need a life vest?
A: Each student is required to have their own life vest. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) should be approved by United States Coast Guard (USCG) and fit correctly. USCG Type III PFDs are strongly recommended. If your child forgets their life jacket one day, not to worry COLSS does have a few extras on hand, but we recommend purchasing your own. We recommend looking at Crowley's Yacht Yard, West Marine, and Amazon for an appropriate life jacket.
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Q: Where can I drop off/pick up my child from COLSS?
A: Drop-off and Pick-up for sailing lessons at COLSS occur inside the club ship. Students 12 years of age and under must have a parent pick them up inside the ship. Students over 13 may leave after class if they have a parent permission slip on file. Parents may temporarily use the Columbia Yacht Club parking lot for pick-up and drop-off. Parents who leave their vehicles unattended in the traffic circle run a high risk of receiving a traffic citation.
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​Q: Will there be a swim check?
A: Each student will participate in a swim check on the first day of camp, supervised by their respective instructor. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the swim check. Swimming speed and proficiency are not being tested; instructors primarily look at the student’s comfort level in the water.
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​Q: What happens when the weather is not ideal for sailing?
A: Safety is our number one priority, and we constantly monitor the weather. We only take the children on the water if conditions are safe for their boats and their experience level. If the weather doesn’t allow for on-the-water activities, we combine classroom instruction and fun off-the-water activities to keep children engaged throughout the day.
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Q: Is there camp on July 4th?
A: We do not have class on July 4th when it falls on a weekday. It is a short week, and we do not allow make-ups or price breaks as it is one of our most popular weeks with out-of-town family members joining us.
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Q: What if we go on vacation and will miss a class?
A: If you know your child will miss a class, please notify the instructor ahead of time. If your child is missing several classes, please tell the Manager. If your child misses many classes, you may want to consider private lessons if you want your child to keep up with the class. Classes are not pro-rated for missed classes.
Q: May my student bring a friend to class?
A: Unfortunately, due to liability, COLSS cannot allow guests in sailing classes. Medical reports, swim tests, enrollment fees, life jackets, knowledge of the water, and boat availability prevent guests from attending classes. Instead, encourage your friends to sign up!
Q: How does payment for camp work?
A: Payment is taken in full when you go through the registration process here.
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​Q: What if we need to cancel?
A: Refunds will be issued minus the credit card processing fee. Students who cancel 21 days prior to the program start date will be eligible for a full refund (with the processing fee deducted). If cancellation occurs within 20 days of the start date, the student will receive a 50% refund (with the processing fee subtracted). No refunds will be provided for cancellations within 14 days of the program start date.
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Please feel free to reach out to sail@colyc.org with any questions or concerns! We look forward to helping sailors get on the water in the summer of 2024!
After Care
Aftercare is available every afternoon throughout our 10-week summer camp, operating from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Any pickups after 6:00 PM will be subject to an additional fee. This service accommodates working parents with younger sailors requiring extended supervision.
For your convenience, if you are aware of your schedule in advance, you can opt for prepayment weekly at a rate of $100. If you need Aftercare for a single day or find yourself running late on a particular day, there is a $20 charge applicable for pickups after 4:00 PM.
During Aftercare sessions, sailors will engage in various activities such as games, swimming, and watching movies—a delightful mix to unwind after a day on the water!
