Mission Statement and Goals
    Our mission is to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for youth interested in boating.  We hope to instill youth with a love of boating as a lifetime sport, while providing the fundamental skills necessary for participants to advance as far as their desire, skill and hard work may take them.  We work to encourage skilled and confident youth who will respect others, their equipment, and the marine environment; and be willing to help fellow boaters on and off the water.  Our goal is to graduate our GHYC Junior Sail Program participants with an enhanced sense of self-reliance, knowledge of seamanship, appreciation of teamwork, and a solid foundation in boating.

    Safety

    The course is taught by two US Sailing certified instructors, and covers the US Sailing curriculum.  Competence in swimming is a prerequisite for our courses.  Students are responsible for bringing a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket; a limited number of life jackets are available for rental.  We require that all participants and staff wear life jackets at all times when on water, docks, or floats.  Course registration materials include suggestions for proper clothing and sun protection.  Instruction includes all aspects of safety on the water.  Students learn about capsize recovery and maintaining body temperature while in water, and are carefully supervised by our instructors to ensure their safety and well-being.  We provide an opportunity for students to have an adventurous experience, while in a safe, controlled environment.
    Classes are available on a first come, first serve basis and are limited in size so download the Summer 2011 Registration and mail it in now!

    Course Description

    The curriculum includes safety on water, small boat handling, sailboat nomenclature, wind awareness, sailboat rigging, docking, boat etiquette, and sailing knots.  Our instructors give personal attention to each participant to make sure everyone attains a firm grasp of the material.  Our courses are geared toward teaching students to be confident in their abilities as they progress and learn new skills.  Studenst will also gain knowledge of self-rescue skills, signals, and control, and good sportsmanship.  Instructors will guide students and encourage their progression towards mastering sailing technique.  We offer a beginner class for those with little to no boating experience, and an intermediate class, directed towards individuals who show both skill and confidence in small boat handling.
    Gig Harbor Yacht Club Members on the JuniorSail Program

    "Having been a teacher, and a sailor, I guess I simply wanted to see more kids have the opportunity to sail. I also know that the club will benefit in the long run, by serving the youth of our community and the area as a whole. It is a good cause that simply makes me feel good."
    - Bill Harter

    "It just seemed like the right thing to do for the great kids of Gig Harbor.  What a wonderful opportunity for them."
    - Dave Behrens

    "Janet and I have been lucky enough to have been boating in the Northwest for 30 years or so.  During that 30 years we have done extensive family cruising with our 3 children. Those 3 have now brought us 9 grandchildren. We regularly take them with us for weekend cruises. They all love the water and the boat life. The Gig Harbor Junior sail program is a natural extension for the James family. We plan on having the 3 oldest in the junior sailing program this summer. We are excited that the program is also serving our community and showcasing the best little harbor ever."
    - Terry and Janet James