The Mission of Peconic Gardiners Junior Sailing Association is to offer support for junior sailors at member junior sailing programs. The support offered is all encompassing with a focus on encouraging Juniors to experience the joy of sailing and an appreciation of the natural resources present on the Eastern End of Long Island.
PGJSA promotes the Corinthian spirit of sailing among its participants and encourages the teaching of positive lessons that create self-confidence, foster teamwork, build character and enable all members to have a life-long love of the sea and its benefits.
Using these guiding principles, PGJSA strives to support both serious competition and recreational opportunities for all sailors no matter what skill level.
PGJSA encourages members to sail in local venues as well as those outside the area and will offer opportunities for member clubs to share expertise and venues.
It is advised that sailors bring a gear bag daily with the following equipment.
Change of clothes
Sunscreen
Water shoes
Hat
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
Sweatshirt
Towel
Sea Squirt(Ages 6 - 8):
⛵ A Fun & Safe Introduction to Sailing! The Sea Squirt class is designed as a friendly and relaxed introduction to sailing for our youngest sailors. This program focuses on building confidence and comfort on the water while ensuring a fun and engaging experience.
- Sailing with Instructors & Peers: Young sailors will always be on a boat with a qualified instructor and fellow students, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
- Exploring Shinnecock Bay: Sailors will enjoy cruising along the bay, taking in the beautiful surroundings while getting familiar with a sailboat.
- Foundational Skills: Introduction to basic boat safety, rigging, and steering in a supportive environment.
- Capsize Recovery: Learning how to stay safe and react confidently if a sailboat capsizes.
⏳ We highly encourage first-time sailors to participate for two or more weeks before progressing to the next level or joining our Opti classes.
This is the perfect way for young beginners to build a love for sailing while having fun on the water! .
🕘 Schedule: 1-week sessions, Monday - Friday, for all 8 weeks
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Youth Sailing (Ages 9-11):
⛵ Building Confidence & Independence on the Water! The Youth Sailing class is perfect for young sailors looking to learn in a fun and safe environment. Sailors will begin with an instructor and their peers on board. As they gain experience, they will have opportunities to sail independently while an instructor follows in a safety boat.
🏆What They’ll Learn:
- How to rig and prepare a sailboat
- Finding the wind direction and adjusting sails
- Steering, tacking, and gybing
- Capsize recovery and self-rescue
⏳ We recommend new sailors take at least two weeks before advancing to Opti classes.
🕘 Schedule: 1-week sessions, Monday - Friday, for all 8 weeks
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Teen Sailing (Ages 12-18):
⛵ Exploration & Skill-Building for Teens! The Teen Sailing class is designed for older sailors who want to learn the fundamentals in a social, adventurous environment. Sailors will start with an instructor onboard and transition to independent sailing while being supervised from a safety boat.
🏆What They’ll Learn:
- Rigging and sail handling
- Steering, tacking, and gybing
- Navigating the wind
- Capsize recovery techniques
- Exploring Shinnecock Bay
⏳ Teens may also have the opportunity to join our racing class and racing team.
🕘 Schedule: 1-week sessions, Monday - Friday, for all 8 weeks
🕘 Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Opti Beginner (Ages 9-15, must be under 120 lb.):
⛵ Learning to Sail Independently! The Opti Beginner class is for sailors who have completed at least 10 days in Sea Squirt or Youth Sailing and are ready to sail on their own.
🏆What They’ll Learn:
- Rigging and launching an Opti
- Sailing independently
- Capsize recovery and self-rescue
- Docking and packing away the boat
⏳Sailors typically stay in this class for 2 - 3 weeks before moving on to the intermediate level.
🕘 Schedule: 1-week sessions, Monday - Friday, for all 8 weeks
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Opti Intermediate (Ages 9-15, must be under 120 lbs.):
⛵ Advanced Skills & Introduction to Racing! The Opti Intermediate class is for sailors who have successfully completed the beginner class or can already sail an Opti competently. In this class, sailors will work on more advanced sailing techniques and may begin learning the basics of racing.
🏆What They’ll Learn:
- Advanced boat handling skills
- Introduction to racing techniques
- Sail trimming for speed
- Understanding sailing rules and right-of-way
⏳Sailors typically spend 2 - 3 weeks in this class before moving on to racing.
🕘 Schedule: 1-week sessions, Monday - Friday, for all 8 weeks
🕘 Time: Mornings from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
