Sailing into Spring
Snow may still be on the ground, but New Jersey’s spring sailing season is within sight.
High school sailing kicks off with the Ice Breaker Regatta on Saturday, March 14 at Toms River Yacht Club. Check out NJYSF’s all-in-one calendar and NJISA for the full high school spring schedule.
Local C420 and Optimist training is set to begin in mid-March. New Jersey Opti sailors are gearing up for USODA Team Trials in Fairhope, AL in April. Closer to home, 73 Sailing will focus on team racing and skill development for newer C420 sailors during the opening weeks of the season. Sailors interested in crewing are encouraged to contact Coach Jeff at 73 Sailing to learn more about spring training opportunities.
While we wait for warmer weather at home, local youth sailors have been on the water this winter with results to show.
Club 420 News
All-New Jersey team Show Ponies secured 3rd overall at the Club 420 Team Race Midwinters for the Liam O’Keefe Trophy in January at Biscayne Bay Yacht Club in Coconut Grove, Florida. Despite uncooperative and shifting conditions, the race committee powered through more than 130 races over three days of intense team racing.
One of the largest fleets in event history — more than 150 boats strong — gathered at the US Sailing Center of Martin County for three days of fleet racing at the Club 420 Midwinters Championship in February. New Jersey sailors rose to the heavy-air challenge with top-ten finishes from Jude Ryon (Beach Haven) & Liam Marcell (Beachwood); Jules Buczkowski (Point Pleasant) & Julia Palmisciano; and Cole Buczkowski (Point Pleasant) & Maryn Demand (Toms River).
Summer C420 Highlights: Mark your calendars for an exciting summer of local racing in Club 420s. Seaside Park Yacht Club will host two major events:
Club 420 Mid-Atlantic Championship: June 23-24
Club 420 NJ States: August 10-11
US Sailing Development Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Coach Jeff Bonanni (Little Silver) on being named US Sailing Development Coach of the Year. As founder and leader of NJ-based 73 Sailing and the Raritan Bay High School Sailing Foundation, Jeff has built one of the premier developmental programs in the country.
The award recognizes his impact on youth and junior sailors and his unwavering leadership in athlete development. Read the full announcement: US Sailing Coaching Awards Recipients.
Sailing Pathways Zoom: March 24
Wondering how to manage your sailor’s transition to the next boat? Looking to sail beyond the eight weeks of summer? Got other questions? We’ve got answers!
NJYSF is hosting 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 free and open to all — we’ll tackle the question: “My kid wants to sail more. Now what?”
Registration is now open on Clubspot.
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 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.
South Jersey clubs hosting Small Boat Instructor courses later in June include Avalon Yacht Club (Level 1 on June 13-15 / Level 2 on June 16-17), Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (June 14-16), and Spray Beach Yacht Club (June 17-19).
The Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay is offering grants to BBYRA junior program instructors earning Level 1, 2, or 3 certificates. More information can be found on SFBB’s website.