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Youth Sailing Academy

KBYC’s Youth Sailing Academy trains young sailors of all levels with expert coaching and top-tier programs. From beginner Optimist to advanced ILCA and windsurfing, sailors develop skills, race competitively, and thrive on the water.

Key Biscayne Yacht Club - Optimist Sailing Program

At the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, our Optimist Sailing Program is designed to introduce young sailors to the world of sailing, guide them as they grow, and prepare them for high-level competitive racing. Our program is divided into three progressive levels, each focused on developing skills, character, and a love for sailing.

Optimist Sailing Program

a child sailing

Optimist Green Fleet Fall Season 2025

Ages: 8-14 | Experience: Completion of Learn to Sail or equivalent skills

In Green Fleet, sailors begin applying their sailing skills in a more structured and competitive environment — but always with a focus on fun and personal growth.
Key highlights of the program:

  • Most sailors at this stage acquire their own Optimist boats, though club boats are available for use.
  • Training is built around "learning through play", where sailors are taught the fundamentals of racing in a supportive atmosphere.
  • Sailors are introduced to racing techniques including starts, mark roundings, and basic race strategy.
  • Regular participation in local and regional regattas begins, helping sailors gain valuable experience in a friendly and encouraging setting.
  • Focus on building sportsmanship, resilience, and a love for competition.

Coach

 

Practice Schedule 

August 30 - December 7

Wednesdays | 4:00 - 6:30/7:00 PM

Saturdays & Sundays | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(Weather permitting; schedules may adjust slightly depending on season.)

Price

$1,750 Per Season (Member)
$1,925 Per Season (Non-Members)

sailing boats

Opti RWB Racing Team Fall Season 2025

Ages: 9-15 | Experience: Advanced racing skills

The RWB Team is our top-level Optimist racing group for dedicated and experienced sailors. This team is designed for athletes who are committed to reaching their highest potential in the sport.
Key highlights of the program:

  • Focus on advanced racing tactics, technical boat handling, physical fitness, and mental preparation.
  • Training covers both Fleet Racing and Team Racing, developing versatile skills critical for sailors who wish to continue racing at the High School and Collegiate levels.
  • The team travels to compete in local, regional, national, and international regattas, representing KBYC at major events.
  • Sailors are taught to manage their own equipment, develop regatta preparation strategies, and build leadership and resilience through racing challenges.

Coach

 

Practice Schedule 

August 30 - December 7

Wednesdays | 4:00 - 6:30/7:00 PM

Saturdays & Sundays | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(Weather permitting; schedules may adjust slightly depending on season.)

Price

$2,100 Per Season (Member)
$2,300 Per Season (Non-Members)

Our Program Values

At the heart of the Optimist Sailing Program at KBYC is our commitment to shaping young sailors both on and off the water. We believe that sailing is much more than a sport — it's a journey that builds character, responsibility, and lifelong friendships.

Our core values are:

  • Safety First: All activities prioritize the safety of our sailors through trained coaching staff, rigorous supervision, and top-quality equipment.
  • Progress with Purpose: Our tiered program ensures that every sailor progresses at their own pace with clear benchmarks for advancement.
  • Respect and Sportsmanship: We teach respect — for teammates, competitors, coaches, and the sea — promoting fairness and integrity.
  • Confidence Through Challenge: By pushing limits and celebrating milestones, sailors build lasting self-confidence.
  • Fun and Community: Above all, we foster a fun and inclusive environment where young sailors find a second home, develop friendships, and create unforgettable memories.

Why Choose the Key Biscayne Yacht Club Optimist Program?

  • World-class coaching and structured development pathway.
  • Emphasis on safety, education, and personal growth.
  • Opportunities for competition at every level — from local regattas to international championships.
  • A strong, supportive sailing community that nurtures lifelong skills and passion for the sport.

ILCA, Windsurfing & Satellite


 

ILCA Racing Team Fall Season 2025

(Ages 15 & Up)
 

After the tremendous success of this program, we will keep working and putting all our efforts to bring it to the next level! The ILCA program requires sailors with previous sailing experience. This program will have a dedicated and top notch International Olympic Coach running sailing practices on the weekends for all ILCA 4 & 6 fleet sailors. Having your own boat is required however the club can charter you a boat for the season based on availability (limited to 1 season).

The season fee includes supported events in our ILCA Regatta Calendar. In the case of a non-supported regatta, the club will charge/prorate an additional coaching fee.

Note: Enrollment in this program is limited, priority will be given to KBYC members & returning team members. Coach approval needed for participation.

Coach

Pedro Mascarenhas & Bernart Gali Bou

Dates/Times

August 30 - December 

Friday | 4:00 - 6:30 PM

Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Price

$1,850 Per Season (Member)
$1,950 Per Season (Non-Members)
 

 


 

Beginner & Transition Windsurfing Fall Season 2025

(Ages 7-16)


This course lays the foundation for wind foiling, covering general sailing principles, foil gear, setup, and safety. Smaller boards are provided for young sailors.

Note: Equipment is provided.

Coach

Carlos Beckmann

Dates/Times

Session 1: 

Session 2: 

Sundays | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Price

$ 600.00 Per Session
 

Intermediate & Advanced Windsurfing/Wind Foiling Fall Season 2025

(Ages 10-16)


For experienced windsurfers on traditional boards who want to take their windsurfing skills to a higher level or are ready to move into wind foiling, we offer an intermediate, advance windsurfing and wind foiling course. This course builds on the sailors’ skills, helping to advance their technique, as well as prepare students for racing.

Note: Equipment will be provided.

Coach

Carlos Beckmann

Dates/Times

August 31 - December 7 (14 Weeks Thanksgiving Off)

Wednesdays| 4:00 - 6:30 PM

Sundays | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Price

(Member)
(Non-Member)
 

OPTI SATELLITE RWB & Green Fleet Program

(Ages 9-Up)

This program has been created to offer non-local sailors an opportunity to join our RWB Race Team. They can join us for some scheduled practices or events. Having your own boat is required, however boats can be chartered from Simmons Boat Works: https://simmonsbw.com/

Coach

Edgar Diminich RWB Race Team & Juan Pablo Carranza Green Fleet

Dates/Times

January 8 - April 17, 2025
 

RWB

Saturday | 12:00 - 6:00 PM

Sunday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Green Fleet

Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Price

$150.00/Session (MIN 5 SESSIONS)

Boat Storage for Season: $150.00
 

RWB Register Now Green Fleet Register Now


 

 

ILCA ‘Satellite’ Sailor Program

(Ages 15 & Up)

This program has been created for sailors that would like to participate in our ILCA program but can’t commit to a full season and would like to join us for some scheduled practices, or events. Having your own boat is required, however Boats can be chartered for the season based on availability. Please email Coach Pedro at Pedro@kbyc

Coach

Pedro Mascarenhas

Dates/Times

January 11 – May 4

Saturday & Sunday

Hours:
TBD (will be announced each week)

Price

$150/Session (MIN 5 SESSIONS)

Boat Storage for Season: $150.00

Register Now