Halifax Area Youth Sailing Foundation
The mission of the Halifax Area Youth Sailing Foundation is to foster excellence in young sailors on and off the water. Promoting self-discipline, perseverance, integrity and strength, the Foundation provides education and opportunity to our next-generation of sailors. It is our intention that these sailors learn to face every challenge they encounter with bravery and resolve.
We offer the following opportunities throughout the year for children to enjoy the sport of sailing:
Summer Sailing Camp
Children aged 9-17 can learn to sail in one week. The new sailors have an opportunity for non-stop fun in, on and around the water in a safe, clean, outdoor environment. No experience necessary. Over the duration of the course, students will progress through the ranks from Seaman to Skipper.
Click here for dates, registration and more information
Race Team
Sailors who have completed at least one week of sail camp during the summer and demonstrate good boat handling skills and attitude are invited to join the HAYSF Race Team. Racers practice every Saturday, January through December (taking off the months of June and July). The team attends one or two regattas a month. These regattas are held all around the state of Florida and Southeast U.S.
The Daytona Beach Optimist Dinghy Championship
At the end of the summer, HAYSF hosts a fun day of racing for new and experienced youth sailors in the Halifax River Area. This is an opportunity for new sailors to experience a day of racing, and experienced sailors compete for their name to be added to the perpetual trophy. It generally takes place the second or third week of August.​
Summer Camp Registration and Information
We are dedicated to teaching your kids to sail. Sailing is fun but also requires proper training since it involves water, speed, and moving structures. Our instructors are US Sailing Certified to teach sailing safely to all ages. Safety is our primary concern at all times. Every instructor is also certified in CPR and First Aid for your protection. All students must be able to swim and will be given a swimming test prior to their first class.
Students must have the following:
-
Properly fitting, Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device [PFD]
-
Water shoes which must be worn at all times at the shore (No crocs)
-
Sunscreen
-
Reusable water bottle - we are a green organization and have a filtered water fountain for students to use.
Not required, but highly recommended:
-
Wide brim hat that protects face and neck
-
Sunglasses with retainer strap
-
Long sleeve swim shirt