Program Introduction
On behalf of the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation, Inc. (DIYSF)
we welcome you and your family to our Learn to Sail Program. To those
who will be coming to our program for the first time, we extend a special
welcome. We hope your new skippers will enjoy the wonderful and challenging
sport of sailing and gain an interest in an exciting activity in which
they can participate for the rest of their lives.
Our goal is to promote the sport of sailing, encourage independence,
self-reliance, and good character. We feel an outdoor, on the water learning
experience with other young people, each person the "captain of his/her
own ship" is one of the most enjoyable ways to accomplish this goal.
We offer programs using Optimist Prams and Club 420 Dinghies.
Optimist Pram Learn To Sail
The Optimist Pram Learn to Sail Program is designed for children between
the ages of 8 -15.
Beginning sailors learn to rig, and de-rig the 8-foot prams followed
by sensing wind direction, departure, steering, points of sail, upwind
sailing, and landing. The basic boat handling skills of tacking, jibing
and weight placement are emphasized. Most sailing will be done in the
protected basin.
Intermediate sailors (those who have demonstrated competence in
the beginning skills) will build on their beginning skills. Emphasis will
be on sail trim, weight placement, dagger board and rudder work to enhance
performance on the 3 points of sail. Most sailing will be done in the
open bay.
Advanced/Learn to Race is a progression of the Learn to Sail program.
Our intention is to provide an avenue for the young sailor who is competitive
and wants to learn sail boat racing to acquire those skills and qualify
for the Davis Island Youth Race Team.
More information about the Optimist Pram boat may be found at
Vanguard Optimist Boats.
More information about the Class association may be found at
International Optimist Dinghy Association .
Following the Learn to Sail program, young sailors may participate in
one of the following:
Continuation Sailing
This program is designed for the sailor who has completed basic sailing
and would like to continue sailing in a non-competitive atmosphere.
Race Team
Sailors with the ability and desire may be invited to join the DIYSF Sailing
Team at the end of the summer. If you think you might be interested, ask
your instructor for more information.
Summer Fun Week
This is open to sailors who have participated in a learn to sail
program. Daily activities will include scavenger hunts, water relays,
sponge tag, boom tag, picnic cruise, etc.
Club 420 Learn To Sail
The Club 420 Learn to Sail Program is designed for youth sailors ages
12 and above.
Beginning sailors learn to rig, and de-rig a light, two person
dinghy. Class will focus on the basic terminology of sailing, safety procedures,
and basics of maneuvering a sailboat, such as tacking, jibing, upwind
sailing, and proper sail trim.
Intermediate sailors (those who have demonstrated competence in
the beginning skills) will include a brief review of rigging and safety
procedures, and then introduce spinnaker flying and trapeze techniques.
More information about the boat may be found at Vanguard Club 420 Boats.
More information about the class association may be found at Club 420 Association.
Race Team
Sailors with the ability and desire may be invited to join the DIYSF Sailing
Team at the end of the summer. If you think you might be interested, ask
your instructor for more information.
About the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation
Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
educational organization committed to support and promote the sport of
sailing for the youth of Tampa Bay in an environment which encourages
safety, good sportsmanship, self-reliance, and respect for authority,
the community and the marine environment. We are funded through donations
and proceeds from our Learn To Sail and Continuation Sailing programs,
as well as the Annual Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation Auction and
various other activities.
- E-mail Youth Sailing at diysf.info@gmail.com
- Call 813.251.1158 extension 273
