Summer Fun: Learn to Sail; Youth Program Starts June 8 at Waukegan Harbor
The Junior Sail program, sponsored by the Waukegan Yacht Club Youth Foundation, has been teaching children age 8 to 18 the basics of seamanship, safety, racing, sportsmanship, and respect for the environment for 50 YEARS.
Junior sailors make new friends, develop new skills and learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime. Our fleet of Prams, Optis and Club 420s let children learn to rig and sail up to three different craft as they advance their skills.
The program sails from the Waukegan Yacht Club in the sheltered waters of Waukegan Harbor for all beginning sailors. For advanced sailors, race coaching is offered with the opportunity to compete in area regattas with other junior programs.
Safety is a priority. All instructors are certified in CPR and Illinois DNR boating safety; lead instructors have achieved U.S. Sailing Level One certification. Life jackets are worn at all times; instructors in safety boats accompany students on the water; water safety drills are taught. All program boats have flotation and are designed to be righted and sailed away. Many fun activities are provided as part of this educational experience.
The Junior Sail program accepts children as young as 8 and is ideally suited for students of elementary and middle-school age.
The Waukegan Yacht Club is a short walk from the Metra station (Union Pacific / North Line). Arrangements can be made to meet your child at the station and walk them to and from the Club.
Learn more about the program and meet current sailors and parents:
Spring Fling: Learn About Junior Sail Event
Sunday, April 24 from 2 – 4 pm at the Waukegan Yacht Club
Meet junior sailors and parents, learn about the program and sailing in general, enjoy a pizza buffet, and have some fun, including racing in a rain gutter regatta! Those who register for the program at the event receive a tuition discount (up to $90 for half-day and $180 for full-day sessions).
RSVP by April 17: Email Junior Sail at jrsail@wyclub.com. Provide your contact information and let us know who will be attending, including the ages of potential sailors, so we have enough pizza and fun activities for everyone.