Operating out of the scenic City Island in Sarasota, the Sarasota Youth Sailing (SYS) is more than just a sports club—it is a community institution dedicated to character building and maritime education. Since the late 1970s, this 501(c)(3) non-profit has been transforming the lives of young people by using the winds of Sarasota Bay as a classroom for life.
More Than Sailing: Supporting Youth Development
The mission of SYS goes beyond teaching kids how to trim a sail. By placing children in charge of their own vessels, the program fosters a unique set of life skills that are difficult to replicate on land:
- Independence & Decision Making: In a sailboat, even a five-year-old is the “captain.” They must observe the wind, make a plan, and execute it, building immense self-reliance.
- Resilience: Sailing requires constant adaptation to changing weather. Students learn to handle frustration and “pivot” when the wind shifts.
- Environmental Stewardship: SYS is a leader in eco-conscious recreation. They enforce a “waste-free lunch” policy for campers and emphasize respect for the marine environment.
- Scholarship Opportunities: To ensure the sport remains accessible, SYS offers financial aid and program scholarships, ensuring that economic background isn’t a barrier to getting on the water.
2026 Summer Camp Programs
The 2026 summer season is one of the most anticipated yet, with registration currently open for sessions running from June 1st through July 31st, 2026. Camps are held at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and cater to all skill levels.
Camp Structure
Families can choose between two primary formats:
- Full Day Sessions: Monday–Friday (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) – $465
- Half Day Sessions: Two-week blocks, Monday–Friday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – $465
Programs by Age and Level
| Program | Ages | Description |
| Tadpoles | 5–6 | A “pre-beginner” intro on a 22ft cruising multihull. Focuses on water comfort and basic lingo. |
| Opti 1 & 2 | 8–12 | Using the “Optimist” dinghy, kids learn fundamental boat handling and safety. |
| O’Pen Skiff | 10–15 | A faster, more modern boat for kids who have completed basic training and want more speed. |
| 420 Basics | 13–18 | Introduction to two-person sailing, focusing on teamwork and more complex rigging. |
Building for the Future: The New Education Center
As of 2026, SYS is in the midst of a transformative $4.1 million project to build a state-of-the-art Sailing Education Center. This new facility will replace the older, non-climate-controlled buildings with:
- Expanded air-conditioned classrooms.
- Eco-friendly design features like solar panels and rainwater silos.
- Enhanced storage and workshop space to maintain their growing fleet.
This investment ensures that Sarasota will remains a premier destination for youth competitive and recreational sailing for the next 50 years.
Note to Parents: Campers must bring their own U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) with an attached whistle to every session.
