Youth sailing program is for students 8 to 13 years of age who can prove their ability to swim. 
The program is divided in two parts, and instructional portion and an on-going portion. The instructional portion runs during the early, summer right after school is out for the summer. This is where the students are taught to sail prams. It is open to children of Club members, the City of Gulfport Community Center and to the wider community on an availability basis. Classes are from 9am to 12noon once each week.
The ongoing portion runs after the instructional portion is over. The class meet twice a month on a weekend morning from 0900 am to 1200 noon for the rest of the summer, weather permitting. 
We do activities such as boat tag (a ball is tossed into a boat to indicate who is “it”, sailing around in Boca Ciega Bay, sailing to Cat’s Point to explore the estuary, or sailing to Gulfport Beach for a swim at the beach. Our program is unique. We emphasize boat handling and safety over racing, with an emphasis on enjoyment of sailing. There is no cost to the student for participation in the Youth Program. This is one way Boca Ciega Yacht Club promotes sailing,
Slide Show / Youth Sailing School
Youth Sailing 2008
Boca Ciega Yacht Club announces the Youth Program for the summer of 2008. This year the summer instructional program, where we teach the basics of sailing, will begin on Monday June 23rd and run approximately to July 14th. The classes will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM until noon. There may be additional days added at the end of the scheduled classes for days that we can't sail for weather reasons.
We cover a lot of material in a short period of time and it's difficult to make up lost days. We ask, for that reason, that when you register you child, you dedicate them for those hours, to the class.
A parent or guardian must sign the application and fill out the emergency medical form.
By the end of the program students should be able to sail a pram and understand the principles and mechanics of sailing. The age of the students, however, will control the depth of this understanding. The very basic concept of sailing is difficult for most children under 8. We, therefore, require children to be at least 8 years old and they should be a mature 8. They must also pass a swim test which consists of treading water for 5 minutes, donning a life jacket in the water, and swimming on their back while wearing a life jacket. They must also demonstrate an at ease demeanor in the water.
Students must wear Sunscreen, hat or visor and water shoes. Flip-flops are not acceptable water shoes. They must be secured to the feet; sneakers, water shoes or boat shoes that can get wet are fine. If your child has a lifejacket they may bring their personal life jacket. Type III life jackets are worn in the boats.
Any parents interested in volunteering to help out please contact Elise Ruppert 345-2491.
For more information please call 345-5760 and ask for Joel Heyne.