August 2025

Winding Up Summer

Junior Sailing Camp Session 3 wrapped up the season with some of the best sailing of the summer. Our experienced sailors were able to begin racing and, when the wind turned light, Patrick launched the first ever Junior Sailing Camp Olympics. Competitions included Tetherball, Kickball, Sprit Pole races, four-man Opti paddling races, Jenga, and Watermelon Football. Congratulations to Team Sweat Hogs for their victory, with spirited competition from the Oompa Loompas. Awards were presented during the Night Under the Stars.

Racing Camp brought together eight excellent sailors who learned and practiced starting techniques, Right of Way rules, strategy, and sail controls. On Thursday and Friday, they advanced into the 420 fleet for more challenging practice. It was an incredible opportunity to grow racing skills and teamwork.

Night Under the Stars was a awesome night for sailors from Sessions 1, 2, and 3. The evening included a pizza dinner, Minute-to-Win-It games, a scavenger hunt, a private pool party, and a genuine campfire with s’mores and singing. Some people even got some sleep!  One of the most memorable moments was Otto’s surprise return at 5:30 AM, which campers and staff are still talking about.

This season’s Sail Camp was amazing—filled with great kids, unique personalities, and plenty of fun. IBYC continues its tradition of running a camp that allows children to play in boats while building both skills and memories that last a lifetime.  Registration for next summer’s camp will be open this fall.  Make this the first camp that your kids sign up for.

Racing Team

The IBYC Racing Team was officially established at Race Camp and is open to any student who has earned the Orange Band (Sail Setter Rank) or higher. The first practice was held this past Saturday and focused on the unique skill of sailing backwards on purpose. Every sailor who attended earned their White Band (Sea Scholar Rank). Practices will continue once a week through September. 

“It's amazing to see our sailors switching back and forth to different classes of boats so easily. The hopped into the 420’s and sailed them like they were sailing them all week.” – Sailing Staff

Adult Learn to Sail Program

Looking ahead, the Adult Learn to Sail Program (AL2S) will take place this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 22-24. This is a tremendous opportunity for our members and new sailors to join our community and experience the spirit of sailing at IBYC. Special thanks to the current sailing members that have volunteered to help teach from their boats.  This is the first step of a plan to revitalize the sailing program for generations to come.

As we head toward the fall, there will be great times and great sailing.  The waterfront isn’t cooling down.

See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John

Bottom of Form

Be sure to look for and follow our Facebook page IBYC Sailing for pics and video.