Youth sailing thrives when the community comes together to develop the next generation.
Colie Sails: A Special Partner Helping Shape Youth Sailing in New Jersey
That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of the New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation’s (NJYSF) strategic partnership with Colie Sails.
Over the past year, Colie Sails and Owner Clay Johnson have put their expertise, time, and resources to work for sailors, coaches, and programs throughout New Jersey.
Sharing Knowledge
One of the most valuable contributions a sailing industry partner can make is sharing its expertise.
In January 2026, Colie Sails hosted a Team Race Chalk Talk in its loft, bringing sailors together to discuss tactics and deepen their understanding of team racing. Creating space for these off-season season conversations helps turn theory into practice while strengthening connections among young sailors across the region.
That commitment to education continued in June, when Clay coordinated the BBYRA Instructor Prep Day and led a rigging clinic focused on the Optimist. Investing in summer coaches strengthens instruction and creates better learning experiences for young sailors in these programs.
In August, Clay brought his coaching experience directly to young sailors, leading a two-day high school pre-season clinic that helped eight teams across the state prepare for the fall sailing season.
Celebrating Sailors
Colie Sails also found creative ways to recognize young sailors and celebrate their achievements.
For the NJ Optimist Triple Crown 2026, Colie Sails created and donated personalized sails for the prize winners. These unique awards gave the top finishers a lasting reminder of a milestone season of Optimist racing in New Jersey.
This combination of knowledge, engagement, and generosity is what makes a partner like Colie Sails special.
We want to do whatever we can to support opportunities that capitalize on the tremendous resources in our state – premier sailing venues, top level coaching talent, healthy junior sailing programs, and the commitment of those who came before.
Colie Sails is pleased to partner with NJYSF in its mission advancing youth sailing across New Jersey.
– Clay Johnson
Colie Sails
A Partnership Built for the Long Term
NJYSF’s partnership program is designed to strengthen youth sailing in New Jersey through shared resources, expertise, and engagement. Colie Sails exemplifies that vision.
We are grateful to Colie Sails for its continued commitment to the New Jersey youth sailing community. Their involvement demonstrates the impact a strategic partner can have through time, knowledge, mentorship, and thoughtful investment in the next generation.