Why DCYC Youth Sailing

Most programs have a limited scope.
We don’t.

Around DFW, youth sailing usually means one of two things — elite racing or weeklong summer camps. Our DCYC Youth Sailing Program is built to be so much more. We encourage adventure, engagement, and a love for the water that turns a first-time camper into a sailor for life.

01

We provide boats for all stages

, , , , and more — a fleet broad enough to meet your sailor on day one and keep challenging them for years.

02

We offer more than just sailing lessons

Our camp traditions include pirate-themed events, bad-weather activities, “Big Boat” afternoon sailing, and ice cream celebrations “under the bridge.” Kids come for sailing and stay for the adventures.

03

Where kids become captains

Our program turns today’s young sailors into tomorrow’s leaders. From skipper to crew to captain, our sailors learn to navigate new experiences as a journey of self-discovery.

04

We welcome the entire family

Our social events, family fun sails, and a volunteer culture make DCYC feel like a second home — not just a day camp, but somewhere you can celebrate with family.

05

Cost shouldn’t keep a kid ashore

Equipment, trainings, and support through the Dallas Corinthian Education Foundation (DCEF) help lower barriers, providing more coach training while also getting more young sailors at the helm.

06

DCYC sailors for life

DCYC doesn’t end with just one summer — it’s a pathway to so much more. From first sail to first boat, our sailors share many experiences and adventures. Our campers grow up here and continue teaching the next crew before becoming captains of their own vessels.

Our Fleet

The Optimist

  • ~7.5 ft
  • Single-handed
  • Ages up to 15
  • Up to 130 lbs

Affectionately known as the “Opti,” this is a small single-handed dinghy, about 7.5 ft long, that looks like a “bathtub.” It’s the perfect boat for new sailors up to age 15 and up to 130 pounds, and the skills learned on the Opti translate to other boats as they grow and gain experience.

The Opti is sailed in over 120 countries, with more than 150,000 boats registered by the International Sailing Federation. DCYC youth Opti sailors compete in the Texas Sailing Association and the US Optimist Dinghy Association.

The Opti offers a GREEN fleet where children can receive instruction while competing in their first sailboat races. Once they feel confident in their racing skills, they can move up to the RED, WHITE, and BLUE age-based fleets.

Our Fleet

The RS Tera

  • 9.5 ft
  • Single-handed
  • 65–150 lbs
  • World Sailing class

The RS Tera is a fast and exciting single-hander that has been a World Sailing International Class since 2007. This 9.5-foot boat is packed with features that make sailing safe and easy for kids 65 to 150 lbs — it comes up dry from a capsize and is quick and simple to rig.

The RS Tera is part of the RS Sailing North America Class Association. This boat is new to the Texas area, and DCYC is proud to have one of the first competitive fleets!

Our Fleet

The ILCA (Laser)

  • Single-handed
  • 110+ lbs
  • 225,000+ boats worldwide

The ILCA — a.k.a. the Laser — is a single-handed racing dinghy for our older youth sailors. It’s a challenging boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques, and tactical excellence.

With over 225,000 boats in 140 countries, it is the world’s most popular adult and youth racing sailboat. Using different-size sails and spars, it can accommodate a variety of sailors over 110 lbs.

Our Fleet

The 420 & Flying Junior (FJ)

  • 14 ft
  • Double-handed
  • Crew 240–320 lbs

The 420 and Flying Junior (FJ) introduce our youth sailors to double-handed sailing and are popular high school and college race boats. Both are 14-foot double-handed dinghies sailed by a skipper — who steers the boat and handles the mainsail — and a crew — who balances the boat and handles the jib (front sail).

The ideal competitive combined crew weight is 240–320 lbs.