Junior Member update
Activities and Updates for Junior Members
A number of new initiatives are being introduced alongside existing junior sailing programmes.
U20 Keelboat Team New
A new U20 keelboat team is being launched to support the transition from dinghy sailing to keelboat sailing for junior sailors.
Thursday Night Dinghy Coaching New
To encourage increased junior participation in club racing, coaching sessions will be offered during Thursday night racing. Cost is €10 to cover RIB and fuel. Sailors should be rigged and ready by 18:00, with a briefing at 18:00 in the Junior Room and launch by 18:30. Two races will follow, starting at 19:00. Juniors must be registered online and signed up for Thursday night Club Racing (complimentary for summer course participants). Register for coaching here and for racing here.
420 Coaching
Targeted at teenage sailors who have completed Improving Skills, the 420 group will focus on developing spinnaker and trapeze skills for participation in club-level regattas. Sessions will run Sunday mornings from 09:30 to 12:30, using club 420s (no personal boat required). Club 420s may also be used during Thursday racing once sailors are signed off. Registration is required, and places are limited. Register here.
Sunday Sailing – Cara Na Mara Coaching
Sunday sessions will continue through June from 09:30 to 12:30 using Club Picos. These aim to build water confidence and consolidate fundamental skills in preparation for summer courses. Registration is available online. Register here.
Optimist Coaching
Weekend Optimist coaching continues in June and through the summer. Two groups are active: the Baily Group for main fleet sailors and the Balscadden Group for regatta fleet sailors. Sessions run from 10:30 to 13:30 to alleviate parking issues. Club Optimists are available to charter—advance contact is required to arrange a boat. Details on Optimist events can be found via the Irish Optimist Class website. Sign up here.
Save the Date: Junior Sailing Gear Swop – June 14th (in aid of RNLI)
A Junior Sailing Gear Swop afternoon will take place on June 14th. This is an opportunity to donate and recycle good-condition junior sailing gear such as buoyancy aids, booties, and cags. Donations can be dropped to HYC in advance, and all items will be available for a small donation to the RNLI on the day. Junior gear only, please.
WhatsApp Groups
There are active WhatsApp groups for junior sailing and Optimist sailing where regular updates are shared. Access is available via the HYC Community WhatsApp section, the members area of the website, or by texting Matthew on 083 881 9083 with a name to request group chat access.