Youth Sailing Camp 2026
Learn to Sail with the South Whidbey Yacht Club!
YOUTH AGES 10+
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn to sail! This day camp teaches kids from ages 10 to 17 the basics of sailing. Each student will be assigned their own boat in each weekly session. The course combines shoreside learning with lots of hands-on, on-the-water sailing experience. In addition to sailing, students learn boating safety, basic seamanship and knot tying. The focus is on safety, having fun, and learning. It is a requirement that each student must demonstrate the ability to stay afloat in deep water for 2 minutes without a life jacket. It is important that they be comfortable in and on the water. Intermediate students must be 12 years old and have achieved a Level 2 competency at the Beginner Level or with the permission of the Program Director.
These classes are offered in partnership with South Whidbey Parks and Recreation. Our Lead Instructors are US Sailing certified and will be assisted by experienced youth dinghy sailors. Sufficient staff will be on hand to ensure each participant receives personal attention. Our priorities are safety, fun and learning.
A detailed description of the class and student responsibilities can be found at www.swyachtclub.org/learn-to-sail/
An email will be mailed about one week before the first class with last-minute details and any changes that may have occurred.
Instructors: Our Head Instructors are US Sailing certified and will be assisted by experienced dinghy sailors. Sufficient staff will be on hand to ensure each participant receives personal attention. Our priorities are safety, then fun & learning.
Location: Deer Lake, check website for details. On the first morning of each camp students will meet at Deer Lake County Park at the end of Bucktail Rd for swimming assessment and orientation. Parents and drivers are required to stay onsite for this short session.
BEGINNING: AGES 10-15, LEVEL 1
Beginners’ Camp meets the first day at Deer Lake Park at the end of Bucktail Rd. for swim assessment and orientation, then that afternoon and the rest of the camp will be at a separate sailing site at Deer Lake (transportation required by parent/guardian). Returning sailors do not need to be assessed again, but should attend this orientation. Parents and drivers are encouraged to join us at the orientation. Max 10 per camp.
Session 1: Mon-Fri | July 13-17 | 9am–2:30pm | $325*
Session 2: Mon-Fri | July 20-24 | 9am–2:30pm | $325*
Session 3: Mon-Fri | July 27-31 | 9am–2:30pm | $325*
* $25 discount for SWYC members. Note: When registering online, fee will be posted as $300, then non-members will be charged an additional $25.
Registration opens Friday, April 10th at 9:00am
INTERMEDIATE: AGES 12+, LEVEL 2
Intermediate Camp meets the first day at Deer Lake Park at the end of Bucktail Rd. for swim assessment and orientation, then that afternoon and the rest of the camp will be at a separate sailing site at Deer Lake (transportation required by parent/guardian). Returning sailors do not need to be assessed again, but should attend this orientation. Parents and drivers are encouraged to join us at the orientation. Max 10 per camp.
Max 8 per camp
Session 1: Monday-Friday | July 13-17 | 9am–2:30pm | $350*
Session 2: Monday-Friday | July 20-24 | 9am–2:30pm | $350*
Session 3: Monday-Friday | July 27-31 | 9am–2:30pm | $350*
* $25 discount for SWYC members. Note: When registering online, fee will be posted as $325, then non-members will be charged an additional $25.
Fee includes a Junior membership SWYC.
Registration opens Friday, April 10th at 9:00am