Local Youth Development Program
The Local Youth Development Program is Hatteras Community Sailing's core youth pathway — structured around Optimist and Collegiate 420 sailing, with 12 classes per session, scheduled weather-dependently to get the best possible time on the water.
Sailing Littles — Ages 6 to 9 Introduction to sailing on Optimist dinghies. Young sailors learn the fundamentals: how a sailboat works, points of sail, basic boat handling, and water confidence. The focus is fun first — getting kids comfortable and in love with being on the water before technique takes over.
Opti Green Fleet Competition — Ages 9 to 13 Sailors who've outgrown the intro level move into structured Optimist racing. Green Fleet introduces race starts, mark rounding, tactics, and the competitive side of the sport. These are the kids who come back every year.
Collegiate 420 Sailing — Ages 12 to 18 The step up to a two-person high-performance dinghy. C420 sailing introduces teamwork, crew communication, upwind and downwind technique, and the kind of boat speed that only comes from repetition. Many of our 420 sailors go on to sail in college.
SAISA High School Interscholastic Sailing — Grades 8 to 12 Spring and fall competitive seasons with the Southern Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association. Student-athletes represent Hatteras Community Sailing in regional competition against high school programs across the Carolinas and beyond.
--- Sessions run 12 classes, scheduled weather-dependently. Scholarships and fully subsidized spots available for local youth — no child is turned away for inability to pay. Program fees from paying participants directly fund free placements.
What’s Included
- Training boats supplied by Hatteras Community Sailing
- Certified coaching and instruction
- Coach and safety boats on the water
- On-water course marks
- Certificate of completion
- Interactive sailing log (online)
- Life vest provided
- Course materials
- 2 regattas per session recommended
What this program actually costs
Your $200 session fee covers only a fraction of the real cost. The rest is funded by donors, grants, and the Hatteras sailing community — so every family receives a meaningful scholarship just by enrolling.
| Program Track | Ages | Actual Cost | Your Fee | HCS Covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing Littles | 6–9 | ~$858 | $95 | ~$763 |
| Opti Green Fleet | 9–13 | ~$858 | $200 | ~$658 |
| Collegiate 420 | 12–18 | ~$1,244 | $295 | ~$949 |
| SAISA High School | Gr. 8–12 | ~$3,097 | $695 | ~$2,402 |
Costs per student assume minimum enrollment (6–8 participants per session). SAISA costs reflect travel, regatta entry fees, and the coaching intensity required for competitive interscholastic sailing.
Hatteras Community Sailing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN 85-2684924). Donations are tax-deductible.
Hatteras Community Sailing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your program fee funds our youth sailing scholarships, community sailing days, and fleet maintenance — keeping sailing accessible to everyone on the Outer Banks. No child is turned away for inability to pay.
Learn about our mission →Select the program track that fits your sailor.
Questions? Contact us before booking.