Sailing Programs
Opti Learn to Sail
The optimist is a 7'9" long single-handed sailing program. Sailors in 3rd-5th grade or under 110lbs. Sailors are taught to sail independently, and once proficient in the boat can move to a racing level, if they choose to do so. The opti is the biggest youth racing class in the world.
Beginner sailors meet typically two days a week, options below:
- Wednesday and Friday mornings from 11 - 2 p.m. for Homeschool Sailors.
- Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
- Wednesday afterschool from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays mornings from 9 - 12 p.m.
This program has a nominal fee of $100. No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
After completion of the beginner class, sailors move into an intermediate Opti class. Intermediate Opti meets on Saturdays from 9 - 12 p.m. and Thursdays after school from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
Opti Racing
Sailors coming out of Intermediate Opti that would like to be competitive can join our Advanced Opti Class. This class is geared towards entry level racers. Sailors will practice with the integrity to be competitive in the Florida East Coast Series. This series is local and sailors can expect to travel from Palm Beach up to Melbourne on four Sundays throughout the season. This class meets on Saturday afternoons from 12 - 4 p.m. and Thursdays afterschool from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
This program has a nominal fee of $200. No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
After completing the Advanced Racing Class sailors can be chosen to be a part of our Shelby Racing Team. This is a competitive Opti Racing Program that competes in the Florida East Coast series and in other high-level regattas across the state of Florida. Sailors meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 - 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 - 4 p.m.
This program has a nominal fee of $350. No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
Feva Adventure Sailing
This program focuses on the skills and fundamentals needed for double handed sailing. These classes are offered in a fun and recreational environment, catering to beginner and intermediate sailors, with beginners focusing on the crew position and intermediate sailors focussing on driving the boat. This program is perfect for sailors that are interested in learning how to sail but are too big for the Opti, or are not interesed in joining a racing focussed program.
This programming is offered in conjunction with the US Sailing Siebel Sailors Program. This is a grant-based program geared towards middle school aged sailors from diverse backgrounds who wish to learn to sail. This intro level program uses RS Fevas, pictured to the right, and practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 - 2 p.m. or 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
This program has a nominal fee of $100. No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
High School and Middle School C420 Sailing
The C420 is a double handed boat that is perfect for beginners and highly competitive sailors a like. Here at YSF we offer C420 classes at 3 different levels, Beginner, Intermediate, and Varsity Racing
Middle school aged kids just getting into sailing for the first time, who are looking to be on the Vero Beach High School Sailing team down the road, can join our beginner 420 class. This class will teach sailors the fundamentals of sailing.
After completing the Beginner 420 class, Adventure sailing, or for sailors coming out of Advanced Opti and Racing programs, sailors can join the Intermediate 420 Class. This class is geared towards preparing sailors for the competitive format of High School Sailing.
Beginner 420 classes meet on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30 - 6 p.m. This program has a nominal fee of $100.
Intermediate 420 classes meet on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30 - 6 p.m. This program has a nominal fee of $200.
No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
The High School Sailing Team represents Vero Beach High School and the team practice's with the integrity to be competitive in High School level regattas. Sailors practice Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 - 6 p.m. and travel around the state of Florida on weekends to compete.
This program has a nominal fee of $350. No fee should prevent a sailor from sailing, scholarships are available upon request.
Adult Sailing
- Beginner & Intermediate sailing course
- Private sailing lessons
- YSF Community Sailing (sailing rental membership)
Adaptive Sailing
for individuals with special needs
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the freedom and exhilaration that sailing can provide. YSF makes that possible for sailors with disabilities with our specially trained instructors and uniquely equipped sailboats. Military veterans are also encouraged to participate and may be accompanied by service animals or caregivers.