2024 Winter Break Program
Registration for our 2024 Winter Break Program will open on Friday, 12/6 @ 1230 PST.

Please note that there will be limited availability in this program.

Weather: Cancellations are possible on a day to day basis
Dates: Monday (12/16) - Thursday (12/19)
Time: 0900-1200

Class offerings:

  • Garibaldis

  • Novice Optimist

  • Intermediate Optimist

Class Descriptions:


GARIBALDIS (LEARN TO SAIL, LEvel 1)

Prerequisites: None! This is our introductory, learn-to-sail class for sailors 5-7 year olds. Sailors aged five years old must be currently enrolled in kindergarten

Description: Our Garibaldis class is aimed at the youngest sailors to learn sailing in a comfortable environment. Sailors are paired up with a partner and an instructor in a 14’ CFJ dinghy. Sailors get the opportunity to learn: steering, sail trim, nautical terminology, rigging, and points of sails. All with the comfort of having an instructor in the boat alongside them!

NOVICE OPTIMIST SAILCUBE (LEARN TO SAIL, Level 1)

Prerequisites: None! This is our introductory, learn-to-sail class for sailors 7-11 year olds.

This is our introductory sailing class geared towards first-time sailors and first-time program participants. Sailed in 8’ pram style dinghies, known as Optimist SailCubes, sailors gain hands on experience under the supervision of our instructors. This class has a linear progression that teaches and builds on fundamental skills such as; rigging your boat, steering, body placement, sail trim, tacking/gybing, sail theory and much more! Sailors spend their part of their time sailing doublehanded and part time “solo” in their Optimist Sailcube.

INTERMEDIATE OPTIMIST (Level 2)

Prerequisites: Enrollment in the SBYSF Spring or Fall, Novice or Intermediate Optimist Fleet prior participation in last summer’s Intermediate Optimist class.

Description: The Intermediate Optimist class is meant to be a launchpad from Novice to Green Fleet Racing. Sailors continue to build strong fundamentals such as; accurate steering, weight placement, sail trim, sailing on all points of sail and boat maintenance. Additionally, this class offers a light introduction to sailboat racing in a fun constructive manner! Sailors spend their time “solo” in their Optimist.