Ages 8–10
Clippers
A welcoming first step for new sailors: boat parts, rigging, steering, tacking, gybing, knots, and water safety.
Sailing at AYC
Learn to sail in York Harbor.
From a child’s first day in an Opti to race coaching and private adult lessons, every AYC program is built on safety, seamanship, and plenty of time on the water.
Junior sailing
Four classes, from first tack to open water.
For more than 50 years, AYC has taught young people the fundamentals of sailing, seamanship, and safe conduct on the water. Classes meet rain or shine and are limited to 13 students with at least two instructors.
Students must be 8–18, demonstrate swimming competency, and bring a Coast Guard–approved Type III life jacket.
Ages 9–11
Schooners
For younger sailors with some experience, with more boat handling, points of sail, weather, seamanship, and an introduction to racing.
Ages 10–13
Cutters
An intermediate class focused on confidence, sailing in varied conditions, and navigating double-handed boats.
Ages 12+
Galleons
Advanced, non-racing instruction in navigation, rules of the road, anchoring, and boat handling across a range of boats.
2026 rates and registration documents (past-season reference)
Session formats are changing. Next-season dates and rates will be posted when confirmed.
2026 junior rates
Two four-week sessions
Clippers, Schooners, Cutters & Galleons
Single session$1,250Members: $775
Full season$1,600Members: $1,000
New: 2-week Clippers$750Members: $465
Race teams
Represent AYC at regattas across New England.
Race-team coaching is for intermediate and advanced junior sailors ready to develop boat speed, starting tactics, mark-rounding strategy, racing rules, sportsmanship, and competitive confidence.
Opti Race Team
Younger intermediate sailors. 2026 full season: $925.
420 & Laser Race Team
Advanced older sailors, including double-handed 420 work. 2026 full season: $1,085.
Race teams require a full-season commitment and full AYC membership. Multiple-child discounts: 5% for two sailors and 10% for three or more.
Read the race-team handbookPrivate lessons
Private lessons, tailored to you.
AYC’s US Sailing–certified instructors tailor each lesson for new adults, returning sailors, J/22 certification, or a child who wants a quieter introduction before joining a class.
Lessons are available across the fleet, including Optis, RS Quests and Zests, Lasers, C420s, and J/22s. Lessons may be scheduled up to one week in advance.
Lessons also make a great gift for the sailor-to-be in your life.
Buy a lesson gift cardTwo-hour lesson
Member$125+$30 each additional sailor
Non-member$150+$50 each additional sailor
Book a lesson
Weekend activities
Not just for the kids.
Adult clinics, Women on Waves, parent-and-child lessons, powerboating, harbor tours, and other mini sessions fill the weekends throughout the summer.
See 2026 weekend eventsAll aboard
Not sure which program fits?
Tell us a little about the sailor and we will help with class placement, scheduling, and registration.