AYC Sailing School

2024 Sailing School Registration is open.

sailing students

The American Yacht Club (AYC) has been providing its popular learn to sail programs to Youngsters and Adults in the beautiful Newburyport Harbor for over 60 years.

Over the years, our staff instructors have taught hundreds of kids, families and adults the joy of sailing from our Club House on the banks of the Merrimac in downtown Newburyport.

Our courses are not only instructional, but also great fun, with games and competitions designed to improve boat handling skills attracting students back each year.

We use Catalina Capri 14.2’s as our primary training boat which provides good stability for our basic and intermediate levels of training and has proven to be a safe and enjoyable platform for the beginner. It also sails well as the student progresses and is sporty enough for the exercise and races we use to develop boat handling skills.

The course size is designed to have either two or three students per boat, depending on age and size. Instructors evaluate students accordingly and follow on our well-equipped chase boat providing direction and for safety.

Sign up is quick and easy through our on-line portal, so please visit our sailing school pages for more information. The only pre-qualification is we request everyone provide proof that they can swim!

You don’t have to be a Club member to participate and open up the exciting world of sailing!

Click the appropriate link below for more information.