The Edward Teach Youth Sailing Association (ETYSA) Junior Race Team, sailing out of Blackbeard Sailing Club (BSC), offers young sailors an exciting opportunity to learn the fundamentals of competitive sailing or to advance their existing racing abilities in a fun, supportive environment. The ETYSA Jr. Race Team is organized and managed by members of the Edward Teach Youth Sailing Association, whose mission is to promote youth sailing and sailing education for all throughout eastern North Carolina. Whether a sailor is completely new to racing or already has regatta experience, our coaches are committed to helping each participant develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the racecourse.
Who Can Participate?
The Junior Race Team is open to sailors ages 8 through 18 who have a desire to learn competitive sailing or improve their racing knowledge and skills.
Training is conducted in:
- Optimist ("Opti") prams for sailors ages 15 and under
- Club 420s for sailors weighing 110 pounds or more
Special consideration may be given to sailors using other classes of boats, such as Sunfish or ILCA dinghies. To maximize the effectiveness of instruction and practice, there should be at least two boats of a particular class participating.
Practice Schedule & Format
All practices are held at Blackbeard Sailing Club, located at 1215 Barkentine Dr., New Bern, 28560, on Sundays from 1:30 to 4PM. See the full schedule for current practice dates.
Each practice session follows a structured format designed to build racing skills both on and off the water:
Chalk Talk
Coaches begin with a brief classroom-style discussion introducing a new racing concept or reviewing a previously covered topic. Topics may include starting strategies, sail trim, mark roundings, racing rules, tactics, boat handling, weather awareness, and racecourse management.
On-the-Water Training
Sailors then spend approximately 90 minutes on the water practicing drills and participating in short races that reinforce the day's lesson. These exercises provide immediate opportunities to apply newly learned skills in real-world situations.
Debrief and Feedback
After returning to shore, sailors will de-rig their boats and stow equipment. Coaches will then conduct a recap session, reviewing key concepts and providing individual and group feedback based on observations made during practice.
A Full Season of Racing Opportunities
One of the best ways to improve as a sailor is to race against competitors from other clubs. In addition to weekly practices, team members are encouraged to participate in regattas throughout the season. These events provide valuable experience and allow sailors to apply the skills learned during practice. While participation in regattas is encouraged, it is not required.
The end of the season concludes with a Junior Race Team Banquet where sailors, coaches, and families gather to celebrate accomplishments and recognize individual achievements.
Support for New Racing Families
Competitive sailing can seem intimidating for families who are new to the sport, but the Junior Race Team is committed to helping both sailors and parents learn the ropes. Coaches and team leaders provide guidance to parents on regatta registration, travel planning, boat preparation, equipment requirements, race-day expectations, and post-race debriefing. We are here for the whole the family!
Fees and Membership
The Junior Race Team participation fee for 2026 is $175 and covers all scheduled practices throughout the summer and fall season.
In addition, sailors must maintain an annual membership in the Edward Teach Youth Sailing Association. The annual ETYSA membership fee is $50.
Please note that practice fees do not include:
- Regatta registration fees
- Boat charter fees
- Regatta coaching fees
Why Join?
Racing is one of the fastest ways to become a better sailor. Participants learn boat handling, sail trim, racing rules, weather awareness, tactics, sportsmanship, decision-making, and teamwork while building friendships with other young sailors who share a passion for the sport.
Whether your goal is to attend your first regatta, qualify for higher-level competition, or simply become a more skilled sailor, the ETYSA Junior Race Team provides a pathway for growth, learning, and fun on the water.
We invite all interested sailors and families to join us this season and discover the excitement, challenge, and camaraderie of sailboat racing.
For More Information:
Chris Beisner Clare Brock
ETYSA Jr. Race Team Head Coach ETYSA Program Director
cjbeisner@gmail.com clbrock@embarqmail.com
678.234.5878 252-671-7462