The Narrows Race Team
The Narrows Race Team, supported by both GHYC Junior Sail and TYC Junior Sailing programs, offers opportunities for sailors ages 8 to 18 to learn, grow and compete in youth regattas throughout the year. Team members receive professional coaching at practices and regattas, the camaraderie of a close-knit group, and support from dedicated volunteers who provide facilities, program support and boat maintenance.
Scholarships are available for participation in GHYC Junior Sail and TYC Junior Sail for race team and camp programs for families who demonstrate financial need. See our Scholarship Application for details.
Interested sailors attending any school program in our area, including home school, are welcome to try-out for our team.
The Narrows Race Team
Varsity Race Team
The Varsity Race Team is designed to offer a competitive program to Middle and High School age sailors who wish to participate in local and national regattas. The team practices on weekday evenings and participates in regattas on weekends. The team offers growth focused practices to help participants gain life skills like self confidence, self reliance and problem solving. A range of skills levels are welcome on the team. If you are ready to work hard, learn new things, make friends, and have a great adventure the team would be a great fit for you! Eligibility: Sailors must demonstrate the maturity, work ethic, and skill to sail on the Varsity Team. Must have achieved intermediate or advanced sailing skills and have the ability to swim 50 yards
- There are many Collegiate Sailing opportunities and many of our alumni sail on their college teams
- Boats are provided & scholarships are available!
- Sailing is a co-ed sport and all sailors compete together equally
- Sailors travel around the NW to regattas. As sailors advance, they may attend events outside of the Pacific Northwest region.
Fall and Spring – Scholastic High School Sailing
- High School Sailors must be in 8th-12th grade (younger sailors may participate in our Opti or Junior Varsity program during the school year)
- High School Sailing is governed by the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA)
- The Narrows Race Team is comprised of multiple High Schools who share a coach, practice together, and compete with and against each other depending on the level of competition.
- Full Teams are comprised of at least four sailors from the same school. Currently, The Narrows Race Team supports full teams from Charles Wright Academy, Gig Harbor High School, and Bellarmine Preparatory Academy. ALL SAILORS MAY PARTICIPATE representing their schools on “mixed teams” and we are always looking to build additional teams
Summer – Varsity Laser and 420 Race Team
- The summer program competes in the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit facilitated by The Sailing Foundation
- Events are attended by all Narrows Race Team programs with appropriate fleets (groups) at all ages and skill levels attending the same event
- Practice groups will be organized by boat type to maximize learning during the season. Varsity sailors will sail in 420s or Lasers for the season.
- Younger sailors may participate in the Varsity program if skill level and boat size are appropriate
Seasonal dues vary based on program but average a cost of $50/week
Register Here for Summer 2023 – Dues for Summer 2023 will be $800 for the season. The summer varsity season requires a full season commitment.
For more information of if you have any questions Email: [email protected]
Junior Varsity Race Team
The Junior Varsity Race Team is designed to work as a development program for the Varsity Race Team. The Junior Varsity program is focused on skill development, building comfort with racing and event attendance, and as an opportunity to gain experience prior to participating in the High School and Varsity Laser and 420 programs. Depending on the season, sailors may move back and forth between the Varsity and Junior Varsity programs to find the best fit for their sailing goals. The Junior Varsity program is a great place to learn to skipper, try out new boats, build friendships and gain confidence. Participants should come ready to learn!
- Boats are provided & scholarships are available!
- Sailing is a co-ed sport and all sailors compete together equally
- Sailors travel around the NW to regattas. As sailors advance, they may attend events outside of the Pacific Northwest region.
Fall and Spring – Scrimmages
- Practice two days per week
- The Fall and Spring team is designed for sailors ages 8th grade and below, however it is also a great place for new High School racers to build skills.
- The fall and spring program competes in the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit Development Series facilitated by The Sailing Foundation. Development events are learner friendly and focused on growth and having fun. They are usually a shorter commitment than the High School style events organized for older sailors.
Summer – Junior Varsity FJ
- The summer program competes in the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit facilitated by The Sailing Foundation
- Events are attended by all Narrows Race Team programs with appropriate fleets (groups) at all ages and skill levels attending the same event
- Practice groups will be organized by boat type to maximize learning during the season. Junior Varsity Sailors will participate in FJs
Seasonal dues vary based on program but average a cost of $35/week
Register Here for Summer 2023 – Dues for Summer 2023 will be $600 for the season or $350 for 1/2 summer sessions.
For more information of if you have any questions Email: [email protected]
Opti Race Team
Our competitive Opti Race Team program is designed to be age appropriate, engaging, and growth focused. Please review the “Opti Racing Explained” article provided by The Sailing Foundation for a great overview of what to expect as an Opti Race Team family. The Narrows Race Team facilitates sailors at both Opti Championship Fleet and an Opti Green Fleet as discussed in the article during the summer months. Our goal is to help families get involved in the sport and provide a space for kids to experience the joy, challenge, and growth found through sailing.
- Boats are provided, but families are welcome and encouraged to purchase their own & scholarships are available!
- Sailing is a co-ed sport and all sailors compete together equally
- Sailors travel around the NW to regattas. As sailors advance, they may attend events outside of the Pacific Northwest region. It is our goal to broaden the scope of our Opti program over the coming years to include more travel events.
Fall and Spring – Opti Race Team
- Practice two days per week
- The Fall and Spring team is designed for sailors with experience racing Optis
- The fall and spring program competes in the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit Development Series facilitated by The Sailing Foundation. Development events are learner friendly and focused on growth and having fun. They are usually a shorter commitment than the High School style events organized for older sailors.
- Fall and Spring Opti Champ Fleet sailors may also be invited to attend larger skill appropriate travel events local open events as coaching is available.
Summer – Opti Race Team
- The summer program competes in the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit facilitated by The Sailing Foundation
- Events are attended by all Narrows Race Team programs with appropriate fleets (groups) at all ages and skill levels attending the same event
- The Opti Championship Team will participate in “Champ Fleet” at these events. It is likely that sailors may start in Green Fleet for their first event and then progress as appropriate
Seasonal dues vary based on program but average a cost of $100/week
Register Here for Summer 2023 – Dues for Summer will be $1,000 for evening and weekend events. Summer race team requires a full season commitment.
For more information of if you have any questions Email: [email protected]
Scholarships are available for participation in GHYC and TYC Junior Sail Camp, and Narrows Race Team programs for families who demonstrate financial need.
Narrows Race Team is designed for sailors who are proficient in basic sailing skills. Please email us at [email protected] to discuss participation in the program.