FAQ

Absolutely. Our Learn to Sail Small Boat (ages 8–12) and FJ Sailing Camp (ages 13+) are designed for total beginners. Most of our campers start with zero sailing experience. As long as your child is comfortable being in the water while wearing a life jacket, they're ready.

Sailors should be comfortable in the water, but they don't need to be strong swimmers. All campers wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times on the water, and our certified instructors and safety boats are always nearby.

• Life Jacket (Coast Guard approved Type III)
• Wetsuit (O'Neill's has a great children’s exchange program)
• Close-toed shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops)
• Helmets are provided, but you can bring your own
• A brown bag lunch, water bottles, and snacks
• Recommended: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

We provide the boats for all classes.

Sailing happens in real weather — that's part of the fun. Our instructors make daily go/no-go calls based on safety, not comfort. If conditions aren't safe for sailing, we run land-based instruction (knots, rigging, navigation, sailing theory). Camps are very rarely cancelled outright.

Camps run Monday–Friday at 244 4th Ave, Santa Cruz. Morning camps: drop off at 9:00 am, pick up at 12:30 pm. Afternoon camps: drop off at 1:30 pm, pick up at 5:00 pm.

Yes - and many do! Each week builds on the last. Sailors who do multiple weeks progress noticeably faster and often move into our intermediate and advanced classes in the fall.

Refund up to 14 days before camp start (full fee minus the payment processing fee). No refund within 14 days, but you may transfer your registration to another camper.

Yes. We believe every kid who wants to sail should be able to. Full and or partial scholarships maybe available from the Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation. More details and information is on the website at santacruzsailingfoundation.org applications are confidential and welcomed.

Our camps are led by experienced sailors and certified instructors. Our Junior Sailing Director, Andreas, oversees the program — feel free to email him at juniordirector@scyc.org with any questions.

Call us at 831-295-3893 or email juniordirector@scyc.org. We're happy to help you figure out the right camp for your sailor.