Sailing Classes

Sailboats reach and run through young dreams on the Fox Islands. The Casino! Home of regional champions, Junior Olympians, America’s Cup competitors, adventure sailors... and most importantly lovers and practitioners of the art of sailing.

The program is soundly rooted in the fundamentals of sailing and racing, taught four times a week in Optimists and 420s. Emphases are placed on being comfortable on the water and on the vessel, letting the natural joy of the experience invigorate the sailor and speed him or her along.

We also offer Private Sailing Lessons beginning at any level. Click Here to learn more.

Sailing Class Details

  • The Opti Cruising class provides a comfortable environment for completely inexperienced or very young sailors to learn the basics of the sport. The class meets regularly in the morning (when the wind and the seas are at their calmest) and the young buckaroos that fill its ranks sail in pairs in Optimist Prams, small, entry-level boats that set the standard around the world for easily-handled, stable sailing fun

    Age Minimum: 7

    Weight Minimum: 50 Pounds

  • The Opti Racing class reinforces the information learned in the Opti Cruising class and prepares students for more advanced sailing concepts and skills, including by adding racing to the curriculum. Instead of meeting in the morning only, Racers convene throughout the week at different times and experience different weather and wind conditions.

    Age Minimum: 9 Years

    Weight Minimum: 65 Pounds

  • The 420 Cruising class provides an introduction to the fast, twin-sail 420. Students learn the ropes of a new boat in a controlled environment. The class meets regularly in the morning and its ranks are filled either with newcomers to sailing or with students who have already made their way through the Optimist classes. A strong emphasis is placed on basics of larger-boat sailing and all of the skills that students learned when sailing Optimists come back into play with 420s. Students rotate between being skipper and being crew and are presented with the challenge of calculated teamwork.

    Age Minimum: 11 Years

    Weight Minimum: 95 Pounds

  • The 420 Racing class is the final stage of the sailing program and, deservedly, is the most rigorous class. Each Friday, members of the racing class participate in the youth races. The class focuses on racing intricacies, the use of trapeze harnesses and spinnakers, and adapting tactics to varied wind conditions. There is some sailing in the other twin-sail craft, as well as the historic and iconic North Haven Dinghy, that are found on the island. In addition, there are various off-island racing opportunities for members of the racing class who wish to pursue additional competition.

    Age Minimum: 12 Years

    Weight Minimum: 100 Pounds

NOTE: Classes may be held in other boats at the discretion of the Head Instructor. Placement in the appropriate sailing class is based on age, weight (for those sailing 420s, Lasers, etc.), and prior experience.

Sailing Class Schedule & Pricing

Sailing classes are scheduled Monday – Thursday for two and one half hours each day, for a total of 10 hours per week. Youth Races take place on Friday afternoons using Casino sailboats. Youth Races start at 2:30 p.m. (rigging starts promptly at 2:00 pm) and will conclude by 4:30 pm. Note, only those students enrolled in afternoon racing classes (Optimist and 420 Racing) may participate in the Youth Racing Series, with the approval of their instructor.The sailing class schedule & pricing is as follows:

NOTE: Placement in the appropriate sailing class is based on age, weight (for those sailing 420s), and prior experience. Please sign up for what you believe is the appropriate class based on the class descriptions above, and then consult with the Head Sailing instructor on the first day of class regarding placement in the appropriate class for each of your children.

Sailing Class Pre-Registration

Note: Online pre-registration does not cover required sign up forms and waivers. Please accompany your student to the dock to fill out these forms prior to class.

Private Sailing Lessons:

The Casino’s sailing instructors offer private lessons for children and adults at times that do not conflict with an instructor’s class schedule. The base lesson rate is $100 per two hour session for the first student, but may vary depending on specifics. If you or your guests are interested in private instruction, please contact the Head Instructor.

Youth Racing Series

Youth Races take place on Friday afternoons using Casino sailboats. During the last week of sailing class, Youth Races are typically held on Thursday instead of Friday. Races begin in the first week of sailing classes in July and conclude the last week of sailing classes in August.

 Races start at 2:30 p.m. (rigging starts promptly at 2:00 pm) and will conclude by 4:30 pm. Note, only those students enrolled in afternoon racing classes (Opti and 420 Racing) may participate in the Youth Racing Series. Also, these races are not part of sailing class. Students will need to be able to sail independently to participate, and parents/guardians should expect to be involved and provide support (help rig, spectate, etc.).