"Racers"

No Excuses… We are "the Home of Sailing Champions!"

Sailors from the Miami Yacht Club honor the sign at our gate that says:  “Home of Sailing Champions.”  They (and the “old” kids who came before them) are well known not only in South Florida… but around the world.  According to Coach Leandro Spina, young sailors from around the world know about the Miami Yacht Club’s “No Excuses” Sailing Team and the Club’s sailing program.  And that’s why they gravitate toward MYC for training, coaching and racing.  Almost every major sailing magazine or sailing blog in the world has mentioned something about the concept of our team.  We are a multiclass effort and share the experience from kids to Olympic level sailors.  The No Excuses team is made up of sailors from different classes, different states, countries and even members from other sailing clubs who find Miami Yacht Club one of the best places to train.  Many have gone on to become full members of MYC.  On the No Excuses web page you can find the 2007 Recap article with information about our great 2007-8 performances with great results at the International Valentine’s Day Regatta, Lake Garda Meeting in Italy, Magic Marine Regatta in Holland, Optimist South Americans in Peru, Snipe Midwinters, Florida States Opti Championships, US Sailing Mutilhull Championships and the Tybee 500. Recently the team took the top three spots at the Florida States Team Racing Championships in Optimist (or Optis, for short).  In addition to their phenomenal sailing skills and top results, our sailors are also known for good sportsmanship and act as excellent role models for younger sailors.  What more could you ask for!   Go to: www.noexcusessailingteam.org or call 305-527-8102 for more information.  For more details on current racing results, click No Excuses.

Leandro Spina, one of the YSF's racing coaches

RACING FLEET PRACTICES

Instruction is ongoing in sailboat racing.  Students focus on developing their racing skills through games and drills and work to gain a complete understanding of the racing rules, reading the wind, reading the waves, optimizing speed, optimizing sail and boat trim, understanding racing tactics, using tactics to advantage, develop a personal training program for physical fitness and participate in regattas locally and nationally.

It is important that Racers have fun and enjoy sailing while developing their boat handling and racing skills.  Self Discipline, Good sportsmanship, "Corinthian Spirit" , commitment, respect for fellow sailors, being an example to and helping the less experienced fleet is emphasized.

Invitations to participate on the racing team are based on behavior, sportsmanship, commitment and sailing skills.  Racing Team members are expected to attend one weekend practice a week and weekday practices if possible.

Rounding the Mark

Optimist RWB & G Mandatory Practices on Sundays 1 - 4 pm, September to December for ages 7 to 16.

Additional practice and racing schedule to be determined by the Racing Coach.

Laser, 420, and Catamaran Youth Racing team slots are still available.

For more information:  contact Vice Commodore Sean Ferrell or the MYC Office (refer left), or email learntosail@miamiyachtclub.net (which is directed to the Vice Commodore), or info@maimiyachtclub.net (which is directed to the Office).