Westminster & CGSC Sailboat Racing

For any student interested in learning to sail or race a High School and College 420 sailboat, Westminster has a new relationship and varsity team home at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), where they offer world class 420 coaching and training. Their seasonal and camp programs are excellent opportunities for individuals, or groups of friends to start and progress their sailing abilities in our exciting 420 doublehanded boats. Westminster values these partner youth programs and experiences, and will consider the completion of these programs, and coach recommendations when selecting varsity team members for upcoming seasons.

Additionally, we have identified a number of excellent private instructors that can teach you 420 or ILCA (Laser) racing. See below for all the opportunities

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CGSC 420 Camps (Dec 23-27 and Dec 30th – January 3rd)

Five-day 420 and J24 sailing boot camp, sailors will have the opportunity to gain new confidence-building skills while discovering the thrill of sail-powered sports on the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay National Park. It’s a week full of sailing and new learning experiences on the water and in the classroom in two of the best learning boats available.

WINTER CAMP INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PAGE – CGSC

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CGSC 420 Seasonal Club Programs (Winter/Spring Jan 15th – May 2nd 2025)

Beginner 420s

This class introduces sailors to double-handed sailing with skipper and crew aboard the Club 420 sailboat, the USA’s premier double-handed trainer.  The course will teach students how to leave and return to the dock, steer, tack and gybe on all points of sail, rig their boats, develop a basic understanding of right of way concepts and sailboat racing among other concepts. Sailors are required to weigh a minimum weight of 110 pounds. Once a sailor demonstrates proficiency at the basic skills, he/she can be invited to join the C420 development team.

Intermediate 420s:

After successful completion of the Beginner class, sailors who wish to advance their sailing skills but are not ready to commit to a racing schedule can step up to the Intermedia group. The class will build upon the beginner course and focus on fine tuning boat handling skills, skipper and crew communications, wind awareness understanding, proper rigging in different weather conditions as well as additional exposure to sailboat racing. Sailors in this class are encouraged to join the Development Team.

420 Development Team

The class is for those sailors who have at least a year’s worth of consistent C420 sailing experience and are ready to make a commitment to the sport.  The course will is designed to prepare sailors for regatta racing. Practices will center on improving their boat handling skills on all points of sail and during the various maneuvers encountered during a race. Developing an understanding of sailing theory, strategy and tactics will also play an important role. Depending the coaches’ skill assessment of each member, sailors may be invited to participate in local regattas. Sailors on this team must be 13 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.

C420 CGSC Racing Team

This is CGSC’s competitive option for double-handed sailors.  The 420 racing team will travel to local and regional Club 420 class regattas with the goal of developing a serious contender for North American championship. As part of their continued development, instruction will focus on trapeze, spinnaker sailing and overall boat handling, team communication, as well more advanced racing strategy and tactics theory. Sailors must be 13 years of age and weigh 110 pounds to participate and compete in the class. Boats will be provided for the sailors.

WINTER/SPRING INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PAGE – CGSC

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High School Varsity 420 Racing Team (Westminster & MAST Academy)

This is a school sponsored competitive option, for a limited number of experienced and selected sailors.  The 420 racing team travels to local and regional 420 High School class regattas with the goal of developing a serious contender for North American High School Championships. As part of the team’s continued development, instruction focuses on advanced sailing and overall boat handling, team communication, team racing, and more advanced racing strategy and tactics theory. Sailors are required to be in 8th-12th grade and weigh 110 pounds to participate. Boats will be provided for the sailors.

The varsity team is always looking for talented skippers and crews to fuel its racing team and if you think you have what it takes, please send your sailing resume by email to Joe Logan (icdirector@cgsc.org) for review. Sailors will be selected and invited to the team based on experience, skills, drive, sportsmanship, work ethic, performance, commitment, team fit, and need.

Schedule:

Tuesday and Thursday Practices 3:30 – 6:30pm
Saturday Regattas

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Private Lessons

Private lessons from accomplished racing instructors are available to anyone looking to develop and accelerate their sailboat racing skills (Beginner – Elite). Contact any one of the coaches below to fast track your sailboat racing as a 420 crew or skipper.

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Current offerings visit: https://cgscic.org/youthsailing

You can also contact:

Joe Logan (CGSC Youth Sailing Director)
P: 305.444.4571 x11
E: icdirector@cgsc.org

Rob Conley (WCS High School Assistant Coach)
P: 262.501.5151