Welcome 2026!
It’s shaping up to be a landmark year for youth sailing in New Jersey—mark your calendars for a busy and exciting summer on the water. July brings a once-in-a-generation opportunity as Opti Nationals comes to Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, giving local sailors the chance to compete on the national stage in their home waters. Opti Girls Nationals kicks off the week with a one-day Girl Power extravaganza on Tuesday, July 28. Green Fleet sailors will have opportunities to participate throughout the event.
Earlier in July, Toms River Yacht Club hosts Opti New Jersey States, an ideal warm-up for Nationals and introduction to regional competition in a familiar venue—summer sailors are encouraged to sign up! The season wraps up in early September as Lavallette Yacht Club welcomes Opti ACCs back to the Barnegat Bay. New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation will award Triple Crown honors to New Jersey youth sailors participating in these USODA events. More details coming soon.
Regatta dates and more can be found on our website. Get ready for an incredible summer of sailing in 2026! 🌊⛵
Sailing Pathways Zoom: March 24
To learn more and help navigate the journey, NJYSF will host a Sailing Pathways Zoom information session on Tuesday, March 24 at 8:00 PM. Board members will lead a conversation on common pathways for youth sailors in the region and spotlight local opportunities in 2026. Aimed at parents—but open to all—we’ll tackle the question: “My kid wants to sail more. Now what?” Registration is now open on Clubspot.
Recap: Team Race Chalk Talk 2026
New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation hosted a Team Race Chalk Talk on Saturday, January 10 at Colie Sails. Clay Johnson led a lively discussion on general team race strategy and shared his favorite plays and schemes in an interactive session over 90 minutes. The session emphasized practical concepts sailors can apply in training and racing and was an ideal warm-up for sailors heading to C420 and Opti team racing events in Florida later in the month.
“Clay was really engaging… he knows a lot!” — Lachlan C.
US Sailing Small Boat Instructor Level 1 Courses
New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation has arranged two US Sailing Small Boat Instructor Level 1 course opportunities in New Jersey for Spring 2026. The Mantoloking session on May 22-24 is currently over-subscribed but spots remain in Lavallette on June 5-7. Sign up today.
Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on youth sailing opportunities.