Mission Statement

The Mission of the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound is to support junior sailors at member programs and to encourage them to experience the joy of sailing and learn about and appreciate the complexities of the marine environment.

The JSA promotes ethical behavior among its sailors and encourages the teaching of life-long lessons which seek to build character, foster teamwork and strengthen respect for self and others.

Through its programs and policies, the JSA seeks to support both serious competitors and recreational sailors at all levels of skill and to encourage their sailing in local waters and beyond.

The Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound supports its member junior sailing programs through leadership, training, communication and event-scheduling. Its member programs are sponsored by yacht, sailing, beach and shore clubs, associations, and youth and community organizations. The programs are located on tidewater in Connecticut or New York.

Founded in 1924 and incorporated in the State of New York in 1958, the JSA of LIS is an independent, non-profit corporation that is tax-exempt under Sect ion 501 (C) (3) of the US Internal Revenue Code, and also in the State of New York. The JSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by representatives from its member programs (See By-Laws).

The JSA is a member of US SAILING and US SAILING’s Area B Council. The Board of Directors of the JSA also serves as the Junior Sailing Committee of the Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound (YRALIS).

Activities of the JSA

COORDINATION OF INTER-PROGRAM EVENTS

  • Schedules, promotes, and monitors training clinics, regattas, contests, and meets, which are run by Member Clubs including the YRALIS Association Championships
  • Determines eligibility criteria, regatta conduct standards, safety practices, and sailboat classes to be raced – Optimist, Blue Jay, Pixel, Laser, Laser Radial and Club 420
  • Awards Championship, season, and special-event prizes
  • Encourages joint events and special-instruction pooling by small groups of neighboring Programs

SUPPORT OF INSTRUCTION

  • Maintains liaison with the US SAILING Training Committee, supports its local instructor-training clinics, and promotes use of its publications
  • Sponsors specialized instructor training not otherwise available
  • Produces special events and printed materials that stimulate a high quality of instruction and curriculum development
  • Creates a variety of events that develop excellence in sailing, ranging from completely non-competitive events to fleet racing, and some of which emphasize boathandling, seamanship, navigation, and other sailing-related skills

COMMUNICATION

  • Publishes information via a yearbook and online tools
  • Maintains directories of Program Chairmen, Instructors, and its own membership
  • Holds three general membership meetings a year
  • Sends delegates to the annual National Junior Sailing Symposium and relays information gathered there back to its Member Programs
  • Maintains liaison with the Optimist, Blue Jay, Pixel, Laser, and Club 420 Class Associations, and

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES

  • Conducts an annual survey of Member Programs and publishes the results
  • Holds an annual midwinter conference of Program Chairmen which includes speakers on specific Program Management topics and also an organized information exchange between experienced Program Chairmen and new ones
  • Informally assists in instructor job placement
  • Promotes Program-Chair and Head-Instructor attendance at a variety of relevant workshops

CONTRIBUTION REQUEST

Contributions in addition to dues are vital to these activities. JSA thanks parents, instructors, and friends for their past support and hopes they will make additional contributions this year. Dues and contributions are tax-deductible within legal limits for U.S. Income Tax purposes.