Discover the Joy of Sailing

The American Legion Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program introduces young sailors to the excitement, confidence, and lifelong skills that come from learning to sail in beautiful Newport Harbor.

Designed for youth ages 9–15 who are comfortable in the water, our program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience aboard modern training sailboats. Under the guidance of experienced volunteer instructors, students learn the fundamentals of sailing in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Whether your child is stepping onto a sailboat for the first time or looking to build on previous experience, our program focuses on developing both sailing skills and personal confidence.

What Participants Will Learn

• Basic sailing terminology and boat handling

• Rigging and preparing a sailboat

• Steering and sail trim

• Points of sail and wind awareness

• Safe boating practices

• Capsize recovery techniques

• Teamwork and sportsmanship

• Confidence and independence on the water

A Hands-On Experience

Our philosophy is simple: the best way to learn to sail is by sailing.

Most of each session is spent on the water, giving students the opportunity to practice skills in real-world conditions while receiving personalized coaching from experienced instructors.

Small Class Sizes

To ensure every student receives individual attention, enrollment is intentionally limited. Small instructor-to-student ratios create a safer learning environment while allowing every participant to gain meaningful time at the helm.

Safety First

Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Students participate in a swim assessment and learn important safety procedures, including capsize recovery, before advancing to on-the-water instruction. All activities are conducted under the supervision of trained instructors using modern safety equipment.

Who Can Participate?

The program is open to:

• American Legion Yacht Club member families

• American Legion Post 291 families

• Returning students

• Members of the local community, space permitting

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can children begin sailing?

Children ages 9–15 are welcome.

Do students need experience?

No. Beginners are encouraged.

Where are classes held?

Newport Harbor.

Do students need to know how to swim?

Yes.

Join Us

Whether your goal is to introduce your child to sailing, build confidence on the water, or inspire a lifelong love of boating, the American Legion Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program provides a welcoming environment where young sailors can learn, grow, and have fun.

For information about upcoming sessions, registration, and availability, please contact the American Legion Yacht Club.