FBYC Junior Program Information

2025 FBYC JUNIOR PROGRAM

“Fishing Bay Yacht Club is one of the premier Junior Programs on the Chesapeake Bay and maybe the country.”
— Scuttlebutt Sailing, November 2016

Program Overview

The mission of the FBYC Junior Division is to provide a safe, fun, and challenging environment where young sailors can grow and excel. Over the years, the program has evolved into one of the most respected Junior sailing programs in the region, thanks to the continued support of the Board of Trustees, dedicated parents and club members, and the enthusiasm and commitment of our sailors.

Many of our Juniors start as young as five years old in Opti Kids, progressing through Junior Week, race teams, and beyond. Alumni frequently go on to sail competitively in college and return to FBYC as coaches, volunteers, or to enroll the next generation of sailors.

Today, our Junior program spans over 55 years of tradition and excellence. It’s not unusual to see three generations of one family on the water—coaching, volunteering, or competing. Our sailors represent FBYC across the Chesapeake Bay and beyond, competing in prestigious events in states including Texas, Florida, New York, and as far as Canada.

FBYC also proudly hosts major regattas, including the Opti Atlantic Coast Championships, Opti Nationals, Virginia State Championships, and the Annual Fishing Bay Junior Regatta. For a complete schedule, visit the FBYC calendar of events.

Organizational Structure

The Junior Program is organized into three areas:

Education
Racing
Support

Family involvement is central to our culture. Parents and grandparents are not only encouraged to participate—they’re essential to our onshore and on-the-water volunteer efforts. Our belief is simple: when kids have fun sailing with friends, they’ll keep coming back.

Over 250 Juniors, both members and guests, took part in last year's programs.

Junior Equipment and Facilities

FBYC has made significant investments in its Junior fleet and infrastructure:

30 Optis
8 Club 420s
Multiple trailers
5 RIBs and 3 outboard powerboats for coaches
Larger powerboats for regattas and Junior Week
Dedicated Junior Building for rigging, storage, and race equipment
Rental cottage for coaches
Leased vehicles for regatta travel

All boats and equipment are also available for use by other club members when not in use by the Junior Division.

Commitment to Safety

At FBYC, safety is our top priority and the foundation of every Junior sailing program we run.

In 2012, the Junior Division adopted a comprehensive Safety Manual and Risk Management Policy, which outlines protocols for everything from on-the-water coaching to regatta logistics. This document is distributed to all coaches, instructors, staff, parents, and Junior participants prior to their involvement in any program.

Additionally, all FBYC Junior coaches and staff are required to complete U.S. Center for SafeSport Certification.
The SafeSport program is a national training and certification initiative developed by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. It educates coaches and youth program staff on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to misconduct in sports, including bullying, harassment, hazing, and abuse. This training ensures that everyone involved in our program is equipped to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for our Junior sailors—both on and off the water.

Together, these policies and requirements ensure that FBYC continues to offer one of the safest and most professionally run Junior programs in the country.

2025 Junior Events and Programs

⛵Opti Kids

Ages: 5–8
When: Two consecutive weekends in early summer
A perfect introduction to sailing in a safe, low-stress setting. Parent participation is required. Check the FBYC calendar for dates.

⛵ Junior Week

Ages: 6–18
When: One week in summer
A day camp offering instruction for all skill levels—from first-time sailors to advanced racers.
Classes include:
- Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Opti
- Opti Racing
- Beginning & Advanced Laser Racing
- 420 Beginner & Racing
- Group Keelboat Sailing
Instruction provided by professional coaches, certified US Sailing instructors, and experienced volunteers.

⛵Sailing School

Ages: 6-13
When: 9-week summer series
Structured group classes in Optis and 420s designed to build sailing skills and comfort level.
A great follow-up to Opti Kids or Junior Week.
Small class sizes, flexible scheduling.
Details: FBYC Sailing School
Note: Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, PFD, and water shoes. Adult supervision required during lunch break.

⛵Development Race Team

Ages: 7–15
When: Thursdays–Sundays (flexible attendance)
For novice racers ready to level up.
Coached by college-level sailors, many of whom are FBYC graduates.
Focus on fundamentals: boat speed, handling, tactics, starts, and confidence.
Fleets:
- Opti Green Fleet
- Opti White/Blue/Red Fleet
- Laser Team (with 5+ participants)
Regattas include local events at Ware River, RRYC, HYC, and FBYC’s own summer regattas.

⛵Opti Race Team

Ages: 10–15
When: 5 days/week
Advanced team for experienced Opti racers.
Coached by a professional world-class coach.
Own boats required.
Travels across the Chesapeake and to select national USODA regattas.
Strong focus on high-level performance and technique.

⛵Laser Race Team

Ages: 13–18
When: 5 days/week
For experienced sailors with racing backgrounds.
Coached by professional racing coaches.
Own equipment required.
Competes in regional and national events; extensive travel required.

⛵420 Race Team

Ages: 13–18
When: 5 days/week
High-performance team for advanced racers.
Trained by top-level coaches, travels regionally and nationally.
Own equipment required.

🏆 FBYC Annual Junior Regatta

When: Weekend following Junior Week
Open to all Junior sailors.
Classes include Green Fleet (with on-the-water coaching), RWB Optis, Lasers, and Club 420s.
A great first regatta for new racers.
Teams from across the region attend.
Register through our website
For more about CBYRA High Point Regattas: CBYRA Junior Sailing