Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club
2026 Summer Sail Camp

Our Summer C  amp is unique.  Teaching First Time sailors is a big emphais for us but also we feature a ladder of classes and a unique fleet of boats that create a logical progression so kids stay engaged and enthused as they progress.  Our classes are offered on a weekly basis making easy to include sailing with vacations ond other camps.

Our Classes:

      • First Timers 7 and 8:  With a smaller maximum class size we are able to give our youngest sailors extra attention and time on the water.  These classes are taught in Optimists which have a smaller sail which makes easy to handle as the breeze comes up. Sign up for a single week and the follow up class is "Second Week".  Target class size is 6, maximum is 7.
      • First timers 9 and up: First timers in this class are taught in US Sabots which are a SoCal classic.  With a higher boom and larger sail, it is more comfortable for older kids and has the power to move in light morning breezes.  Target class size is 7, maximum is 8.
      • Second Week:  We found that moving straight up to Intermediate after learning to sail can be intimidating to young or somewhat timid sailors.  This is the recommended class for our youngest new sailors.  Kids sail in the same type of boat they learned in and enjoy a small class size.  Step up class is "Intermediate".  Maximum class size is 6.
      • Intermediate:  New for 2026, Intermedaite is actually 2 classes with two instructors.  Two groups are established Monday morning based on the speed and comfort of each sailor (taking into account friendships, etc).  The less experienced group is smaller for more personalized instruction and may sail in an Optimist, Sabot or be introduced to the RS Tera.  The more experienced group sails the RS Teras.  Target group sizes are 7 and 10.  Next step is "Advanced Intermediate".
      • Advanced Intermediate:  We introduce the RS Feva and ILCA Dinghy (Laser) with the smaller 4.7 sail.  The Feva is our introduction to sailing with a partner as well as a spinnaker so sailors need to communicate and collaborate to achieve the potential of the boat.  The 4.7 sail on the ILCA Dinghy provides more power and speed on a comfortable platform.  Maximum class size is 8.
      • Advanced:  Up to 8 kids sail on C420s, 29ers, our foiling Nikkis and even go our for a board foiling session while the wind comes up.  In addition, they may be split into groups of 4 to sail our 20' keelboats.  The adventures are only limited by the imagination of the sailors and instructors!

 Program Dates and Times

Weekly sessions begin June 8, 2026 and end August 14, 2026
Monday - Friday (M - Th the week of 6/29)
9:00 am to 3:30 pm - 9:00am to 4:00pm for Advanced Classes
Aftercare is available at the rate of $25/day

   Summer Camp Tuition

Weekly Session for first time sailors $390 ($312 for week 4), which includes the cost of a "Junior Program Membership"

Weekly Session for Second Week, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate students $345 ($276 for week 4), Junior Program Membership not included

Weekly Session for Advanced students $350 ($280 for week 4), Junior Program Membership not included

No Additional Charter Fees! 

Financial assistance is available, please contact us for information.

SMWYC Club Members rate $273.75 per week for First Timer classes ($219 for week 4), Second Week, Intermdiate and Int. Advanced classes ($259/$207), Advanced ($262.50/$210). 

 

Registration - Now Open!

First Timer sailors sign-up in sessions based upon their age to better tailor instruction for the group. Registration for 2026 is now open on our Reservation System which will also allow you to sign waivers.  Should a week become fully booked, we will add you to a waiting list. For additonal information or questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SMWYC Juniors
13589 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Details

Registration for 2026 Summer Sail Camp is now open!

We look forward to another great summer of sailing.  With many of our favorite instructors returning and a bunch of newly implemented ideas that make learning to sail at all levels more fun.  Back for 2026 is the Second Week class for our youngest sailors and an improved currilculum and fleet of boats for our Advanced Intermediate and Advanced sailors.  Why mess with a good thing you ask?  We constantly push ourselves to make sailing at every level an adventure by re-examining how we run all of our classes and the results are,more fun and faster progression.  Click on our Summer Sail Camp tab, pick your week(s) of fun and make your reservations.  We are looking forward to another epic summer of sailing!

Details

2020 Sail Camp is sold out

Demand for Sail Camp has been extremely strong and most sessions are already closed to registration due to the size of the waitlists.  Sessions that are open to register have waitlists short enough that there is a small possibility that a new registrant could be accepted off the waitlist.  We are looking at ways to provide additional alternatives to help get more folks on the water and will announce them when we have staff confirmed to accommdate addition sessions or offerings.

Details

Last two weeks of Sail Camp may be sold out but we still have lots to offer!

Unfortunately, the last two weeks are sold out with waiting lists so we have removed those options from the registartion system.  We've had a unprecedented rush to sign up for the last two weeks.  Our regular Thursday After School Sailing restarts Aug. 22 and our Saturday Open Sailing restarts Aug. 24.  Monthly Learn to Sail packages begin Sept. 7.  We have the flexibility to add days if you like or create special classes for groups.  Visit of Programs page or email us for more information.

Details

Registration instructions for 2026 Sail Camp!

There are a couple of quirks you will face when registering so please read these instructions carefully and please don't hesitate to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

    • Due to IRS regulations for not-for-profit organizations, all students whose family is not a member of SMWYC will need to acquire a "Junior Program Membership", which allows them to participate in all of our youth sailing programs for a calendar year at non-SMWYC club member rates.  If you purchased a Jr. Membership last year and haven't renewed for 2025, you will need to renew in order to continue your registration.
    • When beginning the registration process for the first time, you will be asked whether you are a member or a non-member.  If you are not a SMWYC member and have not acquired a "Junior Program Membership, please click the word "join" which will be in blue letters.  After completing the application and paying the membership fee, you will be able to complete your registration.
    • For students that already are Club or Junior Program members, click the "Member" button and enter your name or email address and select your name from the pop-up list.  Two step verification is in place so a code will be sent to your cell phone or an email will be sent to if no cellphone number is on record.  Enter the code and proceed.

    • First Time Sailors, due to County Regulations, we no longer perform swim tests so your confirmation of your child's ability to swim is very important.  We do a Capsize Drill on the second or third day of camp, and that will confirm your child is comfortable enough in the water to continue.  In very rare instances, this drill has excluded student, in which case, we refund the balance of the week.

    • Life Jackets (PFDs) required, all campers are expected to supply a properly sized, US Coast Guard Type III personal floatation device.
    • Orientation Meeting:  We have an orientation meeting via Zoom prior to the opening of camp.  This will likely be scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 6pm.  Generally, we remember to record the meeting so it can be made available to those who miss it.
    • Online Attendance App:  We monitor attendance using an online service called Mykizday.  This will allow a designated parent/guardian to check in and check out their children.

    • Aftercare:  You will be able to use the reservation system to order aftercare and pay in advance.  After care sessions are generally set up very shortly before the next week's session.  Aftercare hours are 3:30 to 5:00 pm and the cost is $25. 

    • Lunch:  Students will need to bring their own lunch.

To begin Registration, click here.