Our Race Teams

Our different race teams are designed to support sailors in building their racing skills in a supportive, age-appropriate setting. Sailors must receive an invitation to join the Narrows Race Team.

FALL NRT OFFERINGS:

Opti Race Team

8-15 Years of Age

Fall Opti Champ Fleet: September 26th - November 17th
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM and Saturdays 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Fall Opti Green Fleet: September 25th - November 17th
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM and Saturdays 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

This team practices and competes in the Optimist one-person sailboat class. If your sailor has taken an Opti Intermediate camp with us, they will already be familiar with this boat. The Optimist class provides a fantastic avenue for sailors to build their racing skills from the ground up, providing unique challenges and nuances for brand-new Green Fleet sailors and seasoned Champ Fleet sailors alike.

Who is this team for?

Instructor recommendation required
Sailors of ages 8-15, under 5 feet tall and under 110lbs. (best fit for the Opti - it is a small boat!)
Sailors who enjoy sailing alone
Sailors who are new to racing - Opti Green Fleet
Sailors who want to build a strong base for competitive high-level racing - Opti Champ Fleet

This team focuses on:

Building strong habits & routines
Developing robust & confident boat handling skills
Establishing a strong base of understanding for the Racing Rules of Sailing
Fostering a deeper understanding of boat setup for safety & handling in different conditions
Exploring sailing strategy & boat-on-boat tactics

Competition schedule: Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC) - Opti events

This team requires extra parent support for sailors to be successful - this may include lifting boats, loading & unloading them from trailers, towing trailers, and helping your sailor keep track of their equipment. These events will take place in preparation & cleanup for competitions, as well as our seasonal work parties.

Email us for your sailor's recommendation: info@gigharborjuniorsailing.org

Opti Race Team

8-15 Years of Age

Fall Opti Champ Fleet:
September 26th - November 17th
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM and Saturdays 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Fall Opti Green Fleet:
September 25th - November 17th
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 7:30 and Saturdays 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Who is this team for?

Instructor recommendation required
Sailors of ages 8-15, under 5 feet tall and under 110lbs. (best fit for the Opti - it is a small boat!)
Sailors who enjoy sailing alone
Sailors who are new to racing - Opti Green Fleet
Sailors who want to build a strong base for competitive high-level racing - Opti Champ Fleet

This team focuses on:

Building strong habits & routines
Developing robust & confident boat handling skills
Establishing a strong base of understanding for the Racing Rules of Sailing
Fostering a deeper understanding of boat setup for safety & handling in different conditions
Exploring sailing strategy & boat-on-boat tactics

Competition schedule: Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC) - Opti events

Email us for your sailor's recommendation

info@ghycjuniorsail.org

High School Sailing

Grades 8th - 12th

Fall: Racing FJ's in High School Sailing

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4:00PM - 7:00PM

This team practices and competes in FJ’s, Club 420’s, and ILCA sailboats. Racers with strong fundamentals that are ready to compete at a high level sail on our Varsity Race Team. The Varsity team competes representing their high schools during the Spring and Fall, and has opportunities to race in high-performance boats in the summers. These sailing opportunities push our racers and their skills to new heights through rigorous competition, and is the best pathway for becoming a certified Sailing Instructor with us!

Who is this team for?

Coach or Instructor recommendation required
Sailors of ages 13-18, over 5 feet tall or over 110 lbs.
Sailors who enjoy having a variety of sailing experiences
Sailors who want to compete at a high level

This team focuses on:

Developing a strong & nuanced understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing
Establishing a high-level understanding of boat setup & handling informed by fluid dynamics & kinesthetics
Competing in regional circuits at a high level
Building confidence, independence and leadership skills in a supportive team setting

Competition schedule:

Spring and Fall seasons: Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (NWISA) - FJ's

Summer season: Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC) - C420, ILCA, and FJ events

This team requires that sailors can work independently, have a team-oriented mindset, and have a strong desire to push themselves and their skills in a competitive setting. Sailors should be ready to put their skills to the test in all practices & regattas, participate in work parties every season they sail to care for boats & equipment, and demonstrate a desire to progress and grow as a team. Parents provide limited support via towing trailers, helping with attending regattas and filling key team volunteer positions as needed.

Email us for your sailor's recommendation

info@gigharborjuniorsailing.org

Register Here

Why Sailing?

Sailing is an excellent way to build leadership, self-reliance, and confidence for kids. Our race team members learn not only how to race, but also how to contribute to a community through teamwork, leadership, and stewardship. Narrows Race Team members often go on to become sailing instructor-certified, race with college teams, and share their love of sailing wherever they go!