Warmer weather, longer days, and more sunshine, can only mean one thing…the I-LYA Junior Sailing Season is about to begin. Later this month, the I-LYA Traveler's Series will kick off at Buckeye Lake, followed by the next regatta at Hoover Sailing Club. Teams are starting to meet, organize, and prepare their equipment for what promises to be another great season on the water.

Last month, the Junior Sailing Council held its annual spring meeting, where several updates were shared and a few important decisions were made. Below is a summary of key highlights:

The full Traveler's Series schedule is posted on the I-LYA Junior Sailing website. You will find the complete calendar along with registration links for each event, including connections to regional and national regattas. Please be sure to use the 2025 calendar, as the previous season has been deactivated.

If your sailor plans to participate in any Traveler's Series events, they must complete the no cost series registration first. This helps with liability coverage and links their scores across events. If your sailor does not have a sail number, you can leave that field blank and update it later when registering for individual regattas. Click here to register for the Traveler's Series Overall Scoring.

To streamline the process, regatta fees have been standardized as follows:

We are working to offer an online payment option for regatta fees. Until that is finalized, please come to all regattas prepared with cash or a check.  Many clubs do not have an online payment option available at these events.

Kathy Allyn, from MHYC is leading the creation of a unified safety plan for all I-LYA Junior Sailing Regattas. This plan will include clear communication procedures for returning to shore as well as enhanced on water safety guidelines.

Consistent rule enforcement will be emphasized throughout the season. One new recommendation is to hold a coach meeting before each competitors meeting to help ensure alignment. Please encourage your sailor to visit US Sailing and review the updated Racing Rules of Sailing for 2025 - 2028.  There is also a link for the rules at the bottom of the newsletter.

We are grateful to the Yachtsman’s Fund for increasing their contribution to Junior Bay Week this year. This support helps keep registration fees steady and makes it possible for more sailors to attend this event. Thank you to the Fund and its generous supporters for their continued commitment to junior sailing.

We are pleased to announce, starting this year, top finishers in all classes of boats racing at the I-LYA Junior Championship, will be recognized with an award.  This includes all ILCA 4, ILCA 6, 420, and Thistle.  

A team of Junior Council Representatives is currently reviewing the Code of Conduct to ensure it aligns with US Sailing and Safe Sport standards. More information will be shared as that process continues.

Several Level One Certification Courses are now posted on the US Sailing site. These tend to fill quickly, and many already have waitlists. A big thank you to CC Wisniewski, for helping to coordinate an additional course in our area to support junior counselor certification and training in our area.  

Many clubs are still looking for additional support for their learn to sail programs and race teams. If you or someone you know is interested in a coaching opportunity this summer, please contact ilya.juniors@gmail.com. We are doing our best to pass names on to clubs seeking assistance.  

The season is about to launch, and the energy is already building. With your continued support, the I-LYA Junior Sailing program remains a strong and welcoming community for youth sailors across the region. Thank you for all you do, and we look forward to another unforgettable summer on the water.

Fair winds,

Alec Chabalowski, Chair GIYC

Jill Treece, Vice Chair VBC