Our Inner Lagoon Opti Program, formerly known as Seashells, is the entry point to the GLPYC Junior Sailing Program and is designed to introduce children ages 5 and up to the fundamentals of sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Held in the protected waters of the Inner Lagoon, this program allows young sailors to build confidence while learning basic boat handling, sailing techniques, racing rules, and more. There are three levels of Inner Lagoon Sailing:
C Class is designed for true beginners ages 5 and up who are comfortable in the water while wearing a personal flotation device. With two sailors per boat, students build confidence and learn the fundamentals of sailing through a combination of on-land instruction and on-the-water practice.
B Class is for novice to intermediate sailors, with two sailors per boat. The focus is on developing boat-handling skills, introducing racing fundamentals, and building confidence on the water. Sailors compete in Wednesday and Saturday races, earning points toward monthly awards.
A Class is the most advanced level of the Inner Lagoon Program, with one sailor per boat. Sailors refine their racing skills through instruction in starts, tactics, and the Racing Rules of Sailing while competing in Wednesday and Saturday races for monthly awards.
The Yacht Club owns 10 Optis that are available to rent for each class time. Students in B and C Classes who do not have a boat and who have not rented a Club-owned Opti will be matched with another student with a privately owned or rented boat on a best efforts basis subject to availability.
We also have a “Boat Sales/Rentals” forum under the "Member Resources" tab on the website (available only when logged in). Please use this (and/or the bulletin board in the Casino) if you are looking to buy, sell, or rent a Seashell or Optimist.
Completion of the Seashell Statement of Understanding is required for participation in the Seashell program.
Completion of the Inner Lagoon Sailing Statement of Understanding is required for participation in the Inner Lagoon program. Any questions may be emailed to jrsailingglpyc@gmail.com or office@glpyc.org.