south carolina yacht club
High School & Middle School Sailing League 2026
We are excited to announce that the South Carolina Yacht Club (SCYC) will once again host the Hilton Head Island High School Sailing League for students in grades 7–12 from public and private schools on and around Hilton Head Island.
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This year’s program will feature an 8-week sailing season with instruction, practices, and regattas for all participating schools.
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High School Sailing: Your Edge in College Admissions! ⛵
Did you know most top universities have college sailing teams? Participating in high school sailing isn’t just fun—it’s a game-changer for your future!
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✅ Stand Out in Applications – Sailing shows leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
✅ Connect to Prestigious Schools – Almost all elite colleges value sailing experience.
✅ Build Skills for Life – Strategy, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure.
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Give your student the competitive edge they deserve. Join high school sailing today and open doors to incredible opportunities!
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Important 2026 Dates
February 9th
Parent & Sailor Information Meeting
6 PM
South Carolina Yacht Club
Week of March 10th (weather permitting)
Practices Begin
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Open Practice: Must attend two per week
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Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (possible Wednesday TBD)
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Start time 4:15 PM but understand public schools may attend later
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March 31st
Regatta #1
3 PM
South Carolina Yacht Club
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April 7th
Regatta #2
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April 10th–19th
Spring Break (Heritage & Easter)
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April 27th
Regatta #3
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May 1st
SCISA State Championship
1 PM
South Carolina Yacht Club
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May 5th
Kathy Miller Perpetual Trophy (HHISL Island Championship)
3 PM
Requirements
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Sailors must attend at least two practices per week
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Attendance will be tracked via the Stack Team App (details provided at the Feb 9th meeting)
Coaching
We are thrilled to have Sweta Shervegar, a two-time Olympic hopeful with extensive dinghy coaching experience, as our Head Sailing Coach.
Parent Involvement
We will need parent support for transportation to and from SCYC for practices and regattas.
Cost
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$275 per sailor
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Each school may have different policies; updates will come from your school’s Athletic Director.
Schools Participating
Hilton Head Prep, Hilton Head Christian Academy, John Paul II, Cross Schools, Hilton Head High School/Middle, Heritage Academy, Savannah Day, Home School of the Low Country.
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We look forward to an exciting season on the water!
​For details, contact Mark Newman mnewman@scyachtclub.com
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Junior Summer Competitive Sailing
The competitive racing programs prepare sailors for local, regional and national sailing events
ILCA RACE TEAM
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Team members will sail Monday - Friday unless traveling on the weekend with a few days off here and there. There is also an option for weekly drop-in for race-ready sailors that are preparing for an uncoming event.
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2 Sessions of 4 Weeks
Monday - Friday beginning June 1st
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Session One - June 1st - June 29th
Regattas included: SCYC Jr. Open,
ILCA ACCs CYC-SC, James Island Open
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Session Two - July 6th - August 2nd
​Regattas included: Hobcaw Jr. Open,
CYC-SC (D12), CYC-Wrightsville
Ages: 13 - 18
Practice begins at 2 PM
4 Weeks
Member $1,600 | Non-Member $1.950
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8 Weeks
Member $2,100 | Non-Member $2.500
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OPTIMIST DEVELOPMENT TEAM
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Develops basic concepts of serious sailors for the next level of racing and competing at local South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA) events. Boat rentals will be available, but boat ownership is encouraged.
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2-Week or 4-Week Sessions*
Monday - Friday Beginning June 1st
Two-Week Sessions
June 1 – June 12:
Regatta: SCYC Junior Open
June 15 - June 26
Regatta: James Island Open
Four-Week Sessions
June 1 - June 26
Regattas: SCYC Junior Open, James Island Open
July 6 - July 31
Regattas: Hobcaw Open, CYC-Wrightsville
Beach
*8 Week options TBD
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Ages: 8 - 15
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
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2 Weeks
Member $850 | Non-Member $1,025
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4 Weeks
Member $1.600 | Non-Member $1.950
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8 Weeks
Member $2,100 | Non-Member $2.500
Lunch Included
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OPTIMIST RACE TEAM
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The focus of this program is to prepare serious sailors for USODA and SAYRA optimist sailing events. The team has hopes of competing in
7-10 local, regional and national Optimist sailing events. Team members will sail Monday - Friday unless traveling on the weekend.
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2 Sessions of 4 Weeks
Monday - Friday beginning June 1st
Session One - June 1st - June 29th
Regattas included: SCYC Jr. Open,
James Island Open
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Session Two - July 6th - August 2nd
Regattas included: Hobcaw Jr Open,
CYC-SC Open, Opti Nationals**
Ages: 8 - 15
Practice begins at 2 PM
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4 Weeks
Member $1.600 | Non-Member $1.950
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8 Weeks
Member $2,100 | Non-Member $2.500
**Opti Nationals Additional Fee $275
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