Junior Program

At Spray Beach Yacht Club, we strive for a welcoming, safe environment where Juniors can gain new skills, become comfortable and competent around the water, learn self-reliance and team work, and make lifelong memories at the Jersey Shore.

Spray Beach Yacht Club’s Junior Program (“SBYC”) offers a summer of sailing, swimming, tennis and fun events. The Junior Program began in the 1920s, and since the 1930s has been a core part of our Club’s sailing heritage. The Junior Program today includes professional sailing and racing instruction as well as opportunities to develop swimming and tennis skills.

SBYC also offers Member Families with younger children programs such as the Sand Crabs playgroup and Ducks, an introduction to sailing for ages 5-6.

Juniors 7-18 years

To participate in any of the Junior Program activities youths must have an SBYC Junior Membership.  Junior members (ages 7-18) can participate in our Junior Program which consists of Junior Sailing Program and Junior Activities.  Those interested in participating in the sailing program must register for lessons and a boat slip or club boat usage.   Participation in Junior Activities is open to all Junior members and include tennis, swimming lessons, Monday lunch, and a variety of fun activities for all ages led by volunteers.  In order to participate in any activities, parents of juniors must complete the participation waiver and registration form found on the Junior Program registration page.  To clarify, Sailing Juniors complete the information during their registration process and non sailors complete the Junior Activities registration process only. 

SAILING

SBYC began as a sailing club and is committed to continuing that tradition.  The Junior Sailing Program is designed to develop knowledgeable youth sailors and to instill in them a love for the sport of sailing.  Sailing instruction for Optimist, Ilca/Laser, RS Feva and Open Skiff fleets is held Monday through Friday, with programs for first-year sailors through advanced racers. Saturday instruction for beginner sailors is available on select weekends.  

Director, Parry Barclay, is a world-class sailor, former Optimist National Team coach, and middle school teacher. SBYC sailing instructors have participated in LBIYRA (Long Beach Island Yacht Racing Association) regattas, regional, national and international events. They continue to develop sailing techniques, provide skills-building and team-building opportunities while supporting youth sailors as mentors.  Instructor qualifications and experiences include SBYC training, SafeSport, US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, First Aid and CPR certificates. Sailors must pass a "swim check" prior to going out on the water.  

The Junior Sailing Program is an 8 week program; sailors may choose to register for the first four-week session or both sessions at a reduced rate.  

SBYC also welcomes Junior sailors who are not current club members, if space is available.
For more information, please contact membership@spraybeachyachtclub.com or jrprogramchair@spraybeachyachtclub.com.