Level 1
What You'll Learn
- Rigging
- Skippering and Sail Trim
- Docking your sailboat
- Parts of the boat
- Points of sail
Upon completion of this class, students will be able to safely skipper a sailboat with limited to no assistance
Level 2
What You'll Learn
- Rigging various types of boats
- Refined skippering and sail trim
- Tips for speed and stability
- Cruising/ Adventure Sailing
Upon completion of this class, students will be capable skippers able to rig and safely navigate various types of sailboats.
Racing
What You'll Learn
- Racing Rules and Procedures
- Expert Boat Handling
- Racing Strategy and Tactics
- Skippering & Crewing Tips
- Spinnaker Flying
Upon completion of this class, students will be capable of competing in a race. Students will receive training both as skipper and as crew. Students will have the opportunity to compete in regattasStudents will also spend time learning larger sailboats used in LHYC Summer Fleet Racing and will be prepared to crew for one of our regular Sunday fleet members.
Class Requirements
Sailors must complete a basic swimming test in order to participate in ANY sessions.
Each sailor must supply their own USCGA Approved Type III life vest as well as a safety whistle
Sailors should also bring:
Shoes
Hat
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Towel
All classes will begin on-time and sailors should communicate with instructors when they will be absent or late.
Contact Us
For more information, please reach out to us at:
juniorsailingLHYC@gmail.com
The Boats
Optimist
The Optimist is an 8 foot pram style sailboat and is the introductory boat for our program. Younger beginners will often be paired in the boat as they learn however, once experienced enough, the Optimist is a single handed boat. These boats can be sailed up to the age of 15, although most students move into a larger boat before then. Optis are also an international class, with many regattas all over the world.
Open Skiff
The Open Skiff is the newest addition to our fleet. The boats were added in 2022 and are the next step for our single-handed sailors after the Optimist. Older beginners may learn their basic sailing skills on the boat but it is also used right up to the racing level.
Club 420
The 420 is a 2 person sailboat that our students generally move into after gaining experience in the Opti. This is a 14 foot boat that is often raced not only at the club and junior levels but it is also the most commonly raced collegiate class. The 420 is also an excellent opportunity for our students to transition into the larger classes raced at LHYC on Sundays.
Vanguard Nomad
The Vanguard Nomad is brand new to our program this year. This boat provides us with significant versatility in our instruction because it is the perfect boat for our instructors to hop into with our students and teach small groups with a little more of a hands on approach. It is also the boat that will be used for our adult, family, or small group private lessons. It will even be used to help introduce some kids and adults to the world of racing in a stress-free environment.
Adult Sailing Lessons
Group and individual lessons are also available to Adult members and non-members who would like to learn how to sail
Adult lessons work on flexible scheduling and classes can be catered to your specific goals and ability levels
Interested in Crewing?
If you are interested in crewing during Sunday races at LHYC, please follow the link below to complete a crew interest survey. This is not a guarantee of position, but your information will be shared with skippers looking to find crew.
LHYC Facilities
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club
75 N Bertrand Rd Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club was established in 1905 and remains one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States. The beautiful clubhouse and unmatched views of the main lake have been a jewel of Lake Hopatcong for over a century.
Water Front
The club facility is also accessible by motorboat with plenty of dock space for parents bringing their sailors to camp. The club also boasts a wonderful swimming area for siblings and for sailors to enjoy before or after class. Lakeside tables and lounge chairs provide a wonderful space for parents who wish to remain a the club during classes or even to soak in a few minutes of lake air during drop-off or pickup.
Snack Bar
The LHYC snack bar is open daily throughout the Summer, offering a wide variety of lunch, snack, and ice cream options for sale to sailors as well as their families including Non-members.
Non-Member Access
Non-members are permitted to utilize the facility during their child's lesson and may have access to the snack bar. Once lessons are complete, access is limited to LHYC members only. If you are interested in becoming a member, please