Setting Sail for Dreams: Empowering Youth

Want to join us in making a difference? We are Setting Sail for Dreams: Empowering Youth through the St. Augustine Sailing Center Fundraiser !!

In order to construct a true sailing center building, we are raising money thru the St Augustine Yacht Club Foundation Inc, along with the The St. Augustine Yacht Club (SAYC) Inc. and the St. Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center Inc. (SAYCSC) currently offering Youth Sailing to its members and non-members.

The Mission of the SAYC Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization) is to Promote Safety In Boating and Sailing Programs water sport safety, and racing programs for sailing and for the promotion of safe recreational boating in the Saint Augustine Florida area. Major Program Activities are the Youth Learn To Sail Programs, Boating Safety, Marine Environmental and Conservation Education. The Foundation provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to area children that can not afford to attend sailing programs.

It is difficult to name another sporting discipline that teaches the amount of life lessons learned through time on the water. Sailing is a unique sport that requires just as much mentally as it does physically. Self-confidence, problem solving, teamwork, wind and weather awareness and knowledge, environmental stewardship, history, and decision making are just a few of the many benefits sailing brings. Unplugging and adventuring is a must for all - give your child a lifelong skill set and be amazed at how they grow.

Since 2012, SAYC has offered on-water instruction to local youth and has grown into a multifaceted program reaching over 400 kids a year. The SAYC has literally run out of space to house the program. Through a very generous land donation adjacent to the SAYC, a building project is now underway. We need funds for construction. So far, through donations previously raised, funds have been exhausted for the demolition of an old house, the bulkhead, the land prep, the foundation, and the dock which are near completion. Your funds will help us complete the actual structure of the building and its interior finishes and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the youth of Northeast Florida desiring to learn the life skills to sail.

We have an established Summer Sail Camp program that is open to all children aged 6 – 17, operating annually from June through August with a weekly Monday through Friday schedule from 9:00am – 3:00pm. It is designed to both introduce the basics of sailing and seamanship and build on existing sailing skills. Children learn to sail on Optimist sailboats, 420 sailboats, and Laser sailboats, as well experience sailing on a multi-hull Hobie Cats and a Flying Scot. In addition to Sail Camp, we offer an Adventure Camp for kids aged 8 – 17, and a half-day Little Skippers Camp for children aged 6 – 7 (9:30am- 1:00pm), with additional full day care available.

​Led by US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructors, our Summer Camp is not only affordable, but is the most fun and educational experience for youth in our community.

The Sail Team is comprised of an Opti Development & Practice, team, Opti Green team, an Opti Advanced (RWB) team, a Laser team, and a c420 team. The SAYCSC race team is a unique experience and has been growing in size over the years. As a member of the SAYCSC Sail Team your child will attend multiple practices a week under the coaching and supervision of US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructors, and participate in 3-7 traveling regattas per season. In addition to regattas, SAYCSC hosts clinic days for each team, coached by world championship sailors and coaches. These clinic weekends are immersive and challenging, and scheduled just before our Junior Olympic regattas.

Our Sail Team mission is "To encourage all Sailors to strive to for excellence both on and off the water while having fun and being a team player. SAYCSC Sail Team emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, and personal character to produce well-rounded athletes and foster a team spirit." We pride ourselves upon our inclusive family atmosphere and personal growth opportunities both on and off the water.

Your Contribution is completely TAX DEDUCTIBLE as St. Augustine Yacht Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. There are naming rights for various high donors. Please consider DONATING today. Thank you so very much!