In our first year, New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation focused on programs and partnerships that support our strategic pillars. Our 2026 activities built on existing strengths and invested additional resources to advance youth sailing across the state.
Developing Young Sailors
Building skills, knowledge, and confidence on the water.
Team Race Chalk Talk | January – Brought two dozen sailors together for land-based session exploring practical team racing concepts, strategy, and tactics with national-level team race umpire.
High School Sailing Pre-Season Clinic | August – Sponsored two-day on-water training for eight high school teams, highlighting boat handling and tactics specific to scholastic sailing.
Strengthening Instruction
Investing in those who teach the next generation.
US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Courses | May and June – Organized two local sessions for 30 aspiring instructors and promoted additional regional offerings to expand access to the certification needed to staff many summer sailing programs.
BBYRA Instructor Prep Day | June – Partnered with the Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association to expose more than 50 sailing instructors to best practices in rigging, instruction, and safe powerboat handling ahead of the summer season.
Connecting the Community
Making resources, pathways, and people easier to find.
Sailing Pathways Zoom | March – Helped over 20 families navigate New Jersey’s youth sailing landscaping by sharing pathways and opportunities for young sailors.
Website and Digital Resources | Ongoing – Continued developing NJYSF’s role as an information hub through coaching job listings, race management resources, a consolidated calendar of opportunities, and social media reach to over 10,000 viewers.
Expanding Opportunities
Strengthening the competitive sailing landscape.
Regional and National Regatta Support | April-October – Advanced opportunities in popular youth classes through service on race committees, regatta leadership, and featured speakers at USODA, C420, and ISSA regional and national events.
Celebrating Achievement
Recognizing young sailors’ accomplishments.
NJ Optimist Triple Crown 2026 | July-September – Created initiative to raise awareness, encourage participation, and celebrate more than 90 New Jersey sailors competing across three major Optimist events in Summer 2026.