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Program Overview

El Toros
(age 8-14)

Scholastics
(8th-12th grade)

Summer FJ
Racing Clinic

West Marine
Fun Regatta

Application/Forms

Photo Gallery

Links

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Pinto Lake El Toro Program

Fleet of boats on lake

El Toro fleet manuevers, photo by S. Ely

The Santa Cruz Yacht Club (SCYC) Pinto Lake El Toro Sailing Program is an entry-level racing program designed for sailors aged 8-14. Its goal is to introduce children to sailing, and teach basic through advanced small boat skills that will enable them to them to enjoy it as a lifelong pursuit.

El Toro chalk talk

El Toro chalk talk, photo by C. Degnan

The program teaches the basic fundamentals of rigging, boat handling, and trim, as well as weather, history, sailing theory, and racing tactics and strategy. There is a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, seamanship, and sportsmanship.

Boats racing around a mark

Close quarter at a mark, photo by S. Ely

In addition, the program can prepare young sailors for the Scholastic Racing Sailing Program that is available to high school students.

El Toro chalk talk

Swim test fun, photo by S. Ely

All that's needed is an El Toro sailing dinghy, the ability to swim, and a willingness to learn.

SCYC has a limited number of boats that are available for charter for a nominal charge and grants are available through the Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation for both charter and program fees.

What is the cost? The program itself is free; however, there are some associated costs. Each skipper must be an SCYC junior member at an annual cost of $55. Season parking fees at Pinto Lake are $25.

All skippers must have an El Toro sailboat and required safety equipment. If you charter an El Toro from SCYC, the fee is $15 per month and you must provide proof of $300,00 in liability insurance (homeowners and renters policies qualify). The boats can be transported on a car-top rack or a small trailer.

How to get started? Get an application for Junior Membership from the Santa Cruz Yacht Club or click here for a Junior Sailing membership application form. Submit the application and contact Paul Tara (phone: 831-336-3622 or email: zoop@cruzio.com) to be put on the Pinto Lake List. Then, show up at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor on September 30, 2007.


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El Toro on lake

El Toro, photo by C. Degnan

For a more detailed description of the current year's program and fee structure, and to get started:

El Toro on lake

Mmmmm!, photo by S. Ely

Useful Hyperlinks:

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SCYC, 244 Fourth Av, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-3835
831-425-0690, info(at)scyc.org
http://www.scyc.org/juniors/2005/2007-02-pinto.html
Revised August 31, 2007, by CHD