Northport Junior Sailing Program: Fostering a Passion for the Sport
The Northport Junior Sailing Program is thriving this year, with a total of 47 enthusiastic young sailors honing their skills on the water. The program, hosted at the Northport Yacht Club, has become a beloved summer tradition, providing a structured and exciting environment for kids to learn and compete in the sport of sailing.
The program includes twenty Opti sailors, three beginner ILCA (Laser) sailors, one Feva sailor, and one Club 420 sailor. The journey with sailing bigger boats for the junior sailors begins in the beginnerILCA group, with progression to the competitive ILCA race group the following year. This year, there are 8 sailors in the ILCA Race Group.
When speaking with the junior sailors, it’s clear that racing is a passion shared by all, regardless of age. Jet, an Opti 3 sailor, highlighted his love for racing, meeting new people, and continuously improving after each race. “I love meeting all the different people at the races,” he said. This season, the Opti 3s have competed in the Waldo Cup and are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Make-A-Wish Regatta and the Centerport Yacht Club Ice Cream Cup. The Northport Junior Sailing Program enjoys a healthy rivalry with the Centerport Yacht Club junior sailing program. This friendly competition pushes the sailors to excel and fosters a sense of camaraderie among the young athletes. The Opti sailors from both clubs often come together to practice, enhancing their skills and building strong, supportive relationships.
According to head instructor Mark Mulvey, the ILCA Race Group is particularly tight-knit, with many of the sailors having raced together for years. RJ, a member of the ILCA Race team, expressed his excitement for racing, especially in high winds. His favorite boat to sail is the Ideals, and he takes pride in the significant improvements he’s made in his roll tacks and sail trim, thanks to the guidance of coaches Mark and Cain. “If it was not for Mark and Cain, I would not have improved on my roll tacks.” RJ’s love for racing is fueled by its competitive nature. 
Allie, another ILCA Race team member, echoed RJ’s sentiments about the competitiveness of the sport. This year, she is more committed to racing and sailing, having gained a deeper understanding of the courses and loves going on multi-day races. Her dedication is a testament to the supportive and motivating environment created by her teammates and coaches. “RJ pushes me and I work toward keeping up with him,” she states.
Irene Calanese, Junior Sailing Co-Chair, is immensely proud of the junior sailors. She notes that by the end of the week, the kids are exhausted but happy, having spent each day out on the water. Irene is particularly grateful for the incredible coaches, who have played a pivotal role in the program’s success this year.
The Northport Junior Sailing Program is more than just a summer activity; it’s a community where young sailors learn, grow, and forge lifelong friendships. As the season progresses, the passion and dedication of these junior sailors continue to shine, promising a bright future for the sport at Northport Yacht Club.
