AGES: 8-15
DURATION: 8:30-2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday plus Friday races, one week sessions
PREREQUISITES:  Completed 1-2 Opti All-Day camp sessions or instructor recommendation, interest in learning how to race

Young sailors with a solid understanding of Optimist sailing are invited to take the next step and start racing! Opti Learn to Race sailors will learn the skills and techniques needed to sail around a race course in a fun and supportive learning environment. Sailors will have opportunities throughout the session to participate in the “Green Fleet” for beginners at local Twin Cities Youth Sailing (TCYS) Regattas on many Fridays on lakes throughout the Twin Cities (schedule may be found here). Club races on White Bear Lake are also available. Opti Learn to Race will provide the foundation necessary to become highly competitive and successful at the sport of sailing. 

What to bring? 
All sailors need to bring a lifejacket, sunscreen, towel, and change of clothes. Shoes must be closed-backed (no flip-flops). 

Boats are provided for practice. For regattas, sailors must provide their own boat or charter one through White Bear Sailing School for a nominal fee. Please email sailwbss@gmail.com for more information. 

The White Bear Sailing School Summer Race Team Program is designed to be the next step for youth sailors who are excited and ready to use their foundational sailing skills in a competitive environment! All that’s needed is the desire to learn and grow along with the basic skills in sailing. Boat ownership is not essential–charters are available for families who do not wish to purchase their own boat. 

Participation in the Summer Race Team Program is open to any youth sailor with sufficient experience. WBSS staff can help you determine if your child is ready for our race teams, but in general, completion of our Learn To Race program, or experience on a high school sailing team, would give sailors enough experience to participate.