Sailing, like so many sports, has a language and a culture all its own, which can be intimidating to outsiders. But even if yours isn’t a family that’s been yachting for generations, youth sailing might be just the right choice for a child who loves power, adventure, and wide expanses of sea and sky.
The basics: There are several different kinds of sailboats for learning, pleasure cruising, and racing.
• Small boats are under 25 feet long and can be sailed by one person. Many kids learn to sail in small centerboards (like the Sunfish) or daysailing keelboats.
• Keelboats are larger boats with a weighted keel. Basic keelboats are 20 to 30 feet long, while cruising keelboats are 30 to 60 feet long.
• Multihulls have more than one hull. Catamarans have two and trimarans have three. These come in many sizes and can be used for racing or cruising.
Age kids can start: From the age of 5 or 6, kids can begin learning to sail. They can begin racing at around age 8 and up.
Skills needed/used: Teamwork, decision-making, ability to swim.
Best for kids who: Love the water and are team-oriented.
Season/when played: Can be year-round depending on climate and conditions.
Team or individual? Both, depending on the race and the size and type of boat used.
Levels: Middle schools, high schools and colleges may have sailing teams, and sailing is both an summer Olympic and a professional sport. Beyond racing, sailors can enjoy cruising all over the world for pleasure or even for business (as a charter boat captain, for example).
Appropriate for kids with special needs: Yes. The Special Olympics has a sailing program for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Sailing is also a Paralympic sport.
The International Association for Disabled Sailing offers information and resources on making sailing accessible.
Fitness factor: Medium. The wind does some of the work, but sailors need strength and fitness to steer their boats and position heavy canvas sails and ropes.
Equipment: No, you don’t need your own boat! Taking youth sailing lessons or joining a sailing club or team allows kids to gain access to sailboats. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) is essential, and your sailor will need rain gear as well.
Costs: Joining a sailing club or team can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 per season, depending on the athlete’s age and the type of organization. Look for community sailing associations for the lowest prices. A student membership can be as little as $50. Lessons start at about $30 an hour but vary greatly by location and facility. Summer camps can be a cheaper option, breaking down to $10 or $15 per hour of instruction.
Time commitment required: This will depend on your child’s level of skill and level of interest. You can start off with a short sailing camp or series of lessons. Joining a team will mean more practice time, plus trips to races.
Potential for injury: Medium. Drowning is also always a risk anytime an athlete is in or on the water. Reputable coaches, teams, clubs, and facilities will have safety policies to help protect sailors. A 2009 study found that among recreational sailors, cuts and bruises (incurred in collisions with the boom and other equipment) are the most common injuries. Sailors also risk sprains and strains in the upper extremities.