Sailing courses for children and teenagers

Optimist Course

Our courses are also open to non-members of the Club.

The traditional Optimist sailing course for children aged 6 to 12 takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting in mid-September and continuing until the beginning of summer. The course is designed for children who want to challenge themselves and fully experience the sport of sailing.

The course is led by instructors certified by the Italian Sailing Federation, they follow the students in support boats, ensuring maximum safety.

Life jackets and boats are provided by the Yacht Club Italiano. A valid medical certificate for non-competitive sports is required.

Period

From Saturday, September 20, 2025 to Sunday, June 7, 2026 every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Group lunch included.

Age

6 - 12

Boat type

Optimist

Location

Beppe Croce Sailing School - Yacht Club Italiano - Porticciolo Duca degli Abruzzi, Genoa - Waters in front of Corso Italia

Goal

Introduce children to the world of sailing in a safe, engaging, and educational way, developing the fundamental technical skills of sailing an Optimist dinghy. Encourage personal growth, independence, and teamwork through a well-rounded sporting experience in close contact with the sea.

How it works

The course takes place on weekends, with practical sessions at sea and onshore activities, always supervised by qualified instructors and supported by safety boats to ensure constant assistance and security. Boats and equipment are provided by the Club; participants are only required to have a valid medical certificate and a willingness to learn while having fun.

Prerequisites

No prior sailing experience is required: the course is open both to beginners and to those with some initial experience. Participants must be able to swim and hold a valid medical certificate for non-competitive sports activities.

Target

The course is designed for children aged 6 to 12 who wish to approach the world of sailing, whether they are complete beginners or already have some basic experience. It is ideal for those who want to learn while having fun, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the sea in an active and safe way.

Price

900€

It is also possible to enroll partially by splitting the course into two periods—September to January (€450.00) and February to June (€450.00).

Coordinator

Francesco Frisone

Francesco Frisone

Born in Genoa in 1997, he began sailing in 2005 in the Optimist class, later continuing his career in the 420 class and then in offshore sailing. In 2017, he started coaching the Optimist racing team at Circolo Velico Arenzano, a role he held until 2021, when he joined the Yacht Club Italiano. Since October 2022, he has been coaching the Optimist Racing Team of the Yacht Club Italiano.

Discover all the others sailing courses for children and teenagers

Dedicated programs designed to guide children and young people in developing nautical skills and sporting values.

We support every athlete along their journey, turning passion into skill and a competitive spirit.

Do you want to pre register your child to our courses? Fill the form with the requested information and we will contact you for further details.