Junior Sailing Program Makes a Splash with Summer Classes

Coronado Yacht Club Junior Program coach Jon Rogers knows a thing or two about sailing. With a leader who's won four world titles, eight U.S. titles, has experience with the AmericaOne Challenge, and is a former director and instructor for J World Sailing School, it’s no wonder the Coronado Yacht Club Junior Program is considered to be the best on the West Coast.

Now Rogers and his talented staff want to teach your kids to sail. Grab your life vest and read more about splash-worthy summertime classes and the varied lessons the prestigious maritime sport offers.

From rigging boats to sailing underneath the bridge over to the ferry landing for ice cream, summer classes are available for kids ages 6-18. The Scallywags course is designed for adventurous 6- and 7-year-olds and emphasizes pirate-themed fun and comfort on the water. Sabot, Laser and Adrenaline sailing classes for 8- to 18-year-olds are also offered, among others. Rogers takes advantage of the popularity of the X Games when planning courses for older kids.

“We’re taking a bold turn toward high-performance boats like 420s and 29ers,” he said.

Junior sailing classes are open to the public; parents need not own a boat or be a club member to enroll their children in the program.

Rogers’ message is simple.

“We pride ourselves in going sailing, rain or shine,” he said. “We like to get kids on the water instead of bombarding them with classroom time. Our curriculum is measurable—it’s not just a babysitting service.”

The drill-based program “does not take a high-pressure approach.”

Rogers’ curriculum not only teaches the principles, strategies and communication specific to boating, but also teaches valuable life lessons.

“We teach kids to be mentally under control with an ‘I can’ attitude. Sailing is a moderate-speed sport that teaches patience. Kids learn to get results at a slower pace,” Rogers said.

He also emphasizes the importance of instructing participants to be self-reliant, confident sailors. As evidence of practicing what he preaches, Rogers has won the San Diego Yachtsman of the Year Award twice, and has also received the Alonzo de Jessop Service Award and the John M. Rumsey Award.

Junior Program Director Becky Nygren agrees with Rogers’ belief that sailing offers valuable lessons.

“Sailing teaches kids they must go with the strides,” she said.

Nygren believes the sport offers kids “independence and a unique sense of freedom and ability they don’t get in most sporting programs.” Program youth also enjoy a sense of ownership; each child must care for their own boat, whether rented or owned.

This summer, make a splash with your kids and enroll them in the acclaimed Coronado Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. For more information, visit www.juniors.coronadoyc.org or call (619) 435-0522.