The Seattle YC Junior Race Team
The Seattle Yacht Club Junior Race Team (SYCRT) is a year round team that trains for and competes in local, regional, and national regattas.
The SYCRT is made up of sailors that are 8 - 18 years of age. Sailors train and compete in Optimist and ILCA (aka Laser) sailboats. Most sailors own their own boat, but SYC does have a charter boat program.
Sailors interested in joining the team should have a good foundation of sailing skills and knowledge. There are no try outs for the team, but interested sailors may be advised to take more classes or participate in other programs before joining the race team. Seattle Yacht Club has a world class Summer Sailing School and Green Fleet Program to prepare sailors for the race team. Interested sailors and parents should contact the Coach for more information.
Practice schedule
The SYCRT practices year-round on Shilshole Bay. During the busy summer season, practices are held two days a week - scheduled around traveling regattas and other sailing events. During the late fall, winter, and early spring practices are scheduled on the weekends. After school practices are also scheduled one or two days a week during late spring and early fall when daylight allows enough time on the water. Click here FOR THE RACE TEAM CALENDAR.
Practice locations
The SYCRT has a floating dock at the North end of the Shilshole Bay Marina (W dock). Click here FOR MAP. This is the primary location for all practices. Other training and practices are scheduled at event locations where the team travels to compete.
Regatta schedule and support
The bulk of the racing season is comprised of the North West Youth Racing Circuit. This circuit is comprised of regattas hosted by local clubs in Washington and Oregon. These regattas are open to sailors of all skill levels. All NWYRC events are supported with coaching by the SYCRT.
The SYCRT supports many events outside of the NWYRC. These events are listed in the registration contract. Events not part of the SYCRT contract can be supported with additional planning and cost. Contact the Coach for more information.
SYCRT does not organize or supply housing for sailors at ANY event. Nor does the SYCRT supply any transportation of any sailor to or from events, practices.. etc. Sailors and parents are expected to organize their own travel and lodging
Benefits of being on the team
Coaching at approximately 75 scheduled practices, individual or small group coaching when necessary.
Coaching for NWYRC events and other selected regattas. Race Team Coach will provide basic information and facilitate access to local and regional clinics.
Free participation in the Spring Sailing program.
Access to SYC equipment including SYC dock space, double-handed boats, SYC Jr. Clubhouse facilities, trailers, and coaches.
Access to Race Team boat charter program.
SYC Race Team gear and eligibility for year-end Race Team participation awards.
Invitation to SYC Tuesday Night Sailing.
The fun, support, friendships, and camaraderie that develop from being a part of a nationally-competitive sailing team.
Race team dues do not cover
Regatta registration fees
Boat charter fees
Lodging at regattas
Support at regattas not listed in the SYCRT registration contract
Class membership dues
Boat charter
SYC has club level Optis and ILCA/Lasers, these are available for charter to all members of the Race Team. These boats will help new sailors get into the sport. However, we recommend that all sailors eventually buy their own boats once they know which path they will follow. There are a limited number of boats available, and they will be chartered on a first come, first serve basis. Email the coach to arrange a boat.
