Sailing Education
Anyone in the Knoxville community can enjoy sailing and sailing-related activities at CYC. Programs are offered for both the general public and CYC club members.
Non club members can receive training through organized programs such as Summer Sail Camp (ages 8-16), the Adult Learn to Sail programs, and by participating in other sailing-related programs and classes offered throughout the year. In addition to these organized opportunities for members of the community to learn to sail, each week the University of Tennessee Sailing Team holds practice and the BSA Sea Scouts work to develop nautical, education and citizenship skills for boys and girls ages 13 to 21.
All programs are administered by Concord Sailing Center (CSC) under the direction of instructors who have met rigorous U.S. Sailing certification standards. CSC’s goal is to teach both children and adults how to sail, and provide opportunities to improve their skills. CSC relies heavily on the support of volunteers, whose dedication allows the programs to continue to grow each year.
Click the links to the right for more information.
Fleets
CSC programs include the following fleets:
OPTIMIST PRAM
Measuring just under 8-feet in length, the “Opti” is the smallest sized boat class in the training fleet. Designed for training the youngest sailors on the basics of the sport, the Optimist also has the largest youth racing class in the world. For more information on the Optimist class see the official Optimist web site.
O’PEN SKIFF
A modern design for a wet and wild ride, these are quickly becoming a favorite with our young single-handing sailors who want a different experience than the Opti. Local and national un-Regattas are a hallmark of the fleet. For more information on the O’Pen Skiff class see the official O’Pen Skiff web site.
FUSION
This two-manned boat is another modern design and a new addition to the fleet. A flexible format provides a stable platform for new sailors in either single-handed or double-handed modes. For more information on the Fusion class see the official Fusion web site.
CLUB 420
Known commonly as the “420,” this fleet is used for advanced racing training throughout our youth and college programs. Having a high sail area-to-weight ratio, the 420 can also be outfitted with a spinnaker and trapeze for advanced sailors. The 420 fleet is owned in part by the University of Tennessee and used by the UT Sailing Club for training and racing. For more information on the 420 class see the official Club 420 web site.
CATALINA 22
Measuring at just under 22-feet in length, this small keelboat provides the ultimate day-sailor experience. The two-sail design can be easily sailed by two or three beginning sailors or a single experienced sailor looking for a quiet evening on the water. The Adult Learn-to-Sail program at CYC uses the Catalina 22 fleet for training and certification. For more information on the Catalina 22 class see the official Catalina 22 web site.
MEMBER FLEETS
CYC proudly hosts a number of other one-design fleets, including Thistles, Windmills, Solings, Lasers, and Holder20s among many others. Fleets like this allow members to race identical boats against each other, as well as against mixed fleets or simply for sharing notes on boat handling and tuning practices. CYC also offers a Club Sailing Fleet that allows members access to a number of boats for an affordable annual fee.
