Pinto Lake El Toro Program
El Toros racing, photo by K. Lenz
The Santa Cruz Yacht Club (SCYC)
Pinto Lake El Toro Sailing Program
is an entry-level racing program designed
for sailors aged 8-14.
Its goal is to introduce children
to sailing, and
teach basic through advanced small boat skills
that will enable them to them
to enjoy it as a lifelong pursuit.
Orientation, photo by K. Lenz
The program teaches the basic fundamentals
of rigging, boat handling, and trim,
as well as weather, history, sailing theory, and
racing tactics and strategy.
There is a strong emphasis
on personal responsibility, seamanship, and sportsmanship.
El Toro chalk talk, photo by C. Degnan
All that's needed is
an El Toro sailing dinghy, the ability to swim, and
a willingness to learn.
Participants must be SCYC
Junior members.
Swim test fun, photo by S. Ely
SCYC has a limited number of boats
that are available for charter for a nominal charge and
grants are available through the Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation
for both charter and program fees.
What is the cost? The program itself is free; however,
there are some associated costs.
Each skipper must be an SCYC junior member
at an annual cost of $55.
Season parking fees at Pinto Lake are $25.
Sailing with crew, photo by K. Lenz
All skippers must have an El Toro sailboat and
required safety equipment.
If you charter an El Toro from SCYC,
the fee is $15 per month and you must provide
proof of $300,000 in liability insurance
(homeowners and renters policies qualify).
The boats can be transported on a car-top rack
or a small trailer.
El Toro fleet manuevers, photo by S. Ely
In addition, the program can prepare young sailors
for the
Scholastic Racing Sailing Program
that is available to high school students.
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