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Junior Sailing

Join the 2026 Douglaston Club Sailing Program (DJYS) – 8 Weeks of Fun and Learning on the Water!
 
Dear Douglaston Club Members,

Summer is around the corner, and we are thrilled to announce the 2026 Douglaston Club Sailing Program — an incredible opportunity for your children to develop sailing skills, build confidence on the water, and become part of our vibrant sailing club community.

Here’s what makes our DJYS program special:
  • 2-week after-school program for beginners – A great introduction to sailing before the summer season begins.
  • 8-week program at the 6-week rate – Flexible for members while supporting our commitment to a summer-long program and attracting experienced full-time staff.
  • 10% discount for siblings - sign up any additional sibling sailors for the 8 week program and receive 10% off the cost of enrollment. 
  •  Boat rentals available – A limited number of Optimist, Open Skiff (BIC), and Lasers are available for rent.
  • Experienced instruction & coaching – We’re excited to welcome back our Head Sailing Coach, Freddie Fisher in addition to Catherine King and Thomas Kelly.
  • Monday Night Racing – Focused opportunities for kids to learn and showcase their racing skills while parents and the community cheer them on. (Food trucks too!)
  • Extras – Enrollment includes a DJYS sweatshirt and two tickets to the DJYS annual awards dinner.
We are also exploring adding supplemental weekend sessions for learning 420s or for adults to try sailing a Laser — let us know if you're interested!

Sailing with The Douglaston Junior Yacht Squadron (DJYS) builds lifelong friendships and a connection to the water. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to advance their skills, our program offers a supportive and exciting environment to learn and grow.
Key Dates to Remember:
 
  • DYS Fleet Commissioning: May 16
  • · Start of 2-week after-school sailing program: June 15
  •  First day of 8-week DJYS program: June 29
  •  First Monday Night Racing: June 30
  • DJYS Regatta: July 23
  • DJYS Annual Sailing Dinner: August 6
Spaces are limited — sign up now and give your child an unforgettable summer on Little Neck Bay! It's a privilege and blessing to have our kids experience swimming, tennis, and sailing right in our neighborhood.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Best regards,
George Dunnigan
Douglaston Junior Yacht Squadron Chair
 
 

OPTIMIST 2 Week Intro Session - $775.00

  • Monday, June 15th  through Friday, June 26th
    3:15 pm – 5:15 pm at the Douglaston Dock

Designed for beginner sailors but open to experienced sailors as well. Includes boat rental during program hours. There are a limited number of spaces available on a first come first served basis.

8 Week Opti & Laser Sailing Program
Dates: 

  • Monday-Friday  June 29th – August 21st

OPTIMIST (AM) SESSION – 8 WEEKS 10:15am-1:15pm $3,395

For beginner/intermediate sailors with three or less summers of experience.

OPTIMIST (PM) SESSION – 8 WEEKS 2:15pm-5:15pm   $3,395

For beginner/intermediate sailors with more than one summer experience.

OPTIMIST FULL DAY SESSION – 8 WEEKS  
$3,750

For more advanced sailors 10+ years old. Opti sailors can qualify for the Racing Team based on skill and conduct. 

LASER/BIC ½ or FULL DAY SESSION 

8 WEEKS  $3,395 / $3,750

For more advanced sailors 14-18 years old. Laser/Bic sailors can qualify for the Racing Team based on skill and conduct. 
 
ADDITIONAL FEES (2 week program excluded)
  • JSA Fee Per Participant $75
  • Boat Rack Rental $275
  • Locker Share $65 (4 students per locker)
  • Non-Douglaston Club Member Capital Improvement Fee $100
  • More sailing, more flexibility—8 weeks for the cost of 6. Families can participate all summer while allowing room for vacation plans. 

NEW! Sibling Discount 10%! Enroll one sailor, and 10% off for each additional sibling. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

  • JUNE 15 – FIRST DAY OF 2-WEEK OPTIMIST PROGRAM
  • JUNE 29 – FIRST DAY OF 8 WEEK PROGRAMS
  • JULY 23 – DOUGLASTON OPTIMIST REGATTA
  • AUGUST 6 – END OF YEAR AWARDS DINNER
  • AUGUST 21 – LAST DAY OF 8 WEEK PROGRAMS
 
 
 
 

Welcome to the Douglaston Junior Sailing program!

Members who sign their children up for the Summer 2026 Junior Sailing Program
by February 20, 2026, will pay 2025 prices!

After February 20th, prices will increase to 2026 rates!

Those who sign up by February 20th will pay:
  • Optimist 2-Week Session: $750
  • Optimist 8-Week AM Session: $3,300
  • Optimist 8-Week PM Session: $3,300
  • Optimist 8-Week Full Day Session: $3,650
 
  • Laser/Bic 8-Week Half Day Session: $3,300
  • Laser/Bic 8-Week Full Day Session $3,650 

 Please email Bernadette Kelly ([email protected]) or 
George Dunnigan ([email protected])
to sign your children up for the upcoming season, or with any questions.

We’re looking forward to another great season of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and Monday night racing!

 

Save the Date:
Douglaston Regatta | July 22, 2026 
Junior Sailing Dinner | August 6, 2026

Name

Michel Fiechter

Title

Jr. Sailing Committee Chair

Name

Bernadette Kelly

Title

Junior Sailing Chair

Name

George Dunnigan

Title

Junior Sailing Chair