The Bellingham Yacht Club (BYC) offers youth sailing classes and racing instruction for children ages 8 -18 with classes for beginners through advanced racers. The BYC also offers a one of a kind adventure cruising program for teen sailors at the end of the Summer program.
BYC youth learn to sail classes are held over summer break Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Visit our Learn to Sail Page for class information and Registration!
The BYC also offers a summer racing program for those advanced sailors that are ready to take it to the next level. The teams practice twice a week, and travel to regattas on the weekends.
Visit our Youth Race Teams page for more information and to Register!
For experienced sailors looking for more sailing opportunities during the spring and fall, visit our After School Adventure Sailing page
byc.junior.sailing@gmail.com
Applications for paid and volunteer positions are closed for 2025
Megan
Youth Sailing Director
Megan discovered the joy of sailing after moving to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, and she hasn't looked back! She has been racing with the Bellingham Yacht Club since 2016 and spent almost a decade working in the charter industry. After that she spent a summer teaching sailing to high school students in the Caribbean as a First Mate for Broadreach and spent 45 days on board a Beneteau 55' with 9 17 year olds who were all beginner sailors. Megan is excited to lead the BYC's Youth Sailing crew and spend her summer getting young sailors out on the water safely! She spends her winters skiing at Mt. Baker Ski Area.
Mia
Head Instructor
Hey! This is my fourth year working for the BYC and third year instructing! I've been on boats my entire life and love being on the water. I grew up in the BYC youth camps and it's where I learned to sail! I continued my learning by racing on the highschool team and now I enjoy cruising with my friends out in the islands. When I am not sailing I'm usually found on my dirtbike, skiing, climbing, working on my truck or spending time with my dog! I'm super excited for this summer and to be in the sun!
Emma
Instructor
Emma grew up sailing and racing on Bellingham Bay. She began coaching at the Yacht Club in 2018. Now in her fourth year at Montana State University, she is excited to spend the summer back on the ocean. Emma cannot wait to share her passion for sailing with others this Summer!
Max
Instructor
Hey! This is my 3rd year working at the BYC and I’m super excited for an awesome summer of sailing! I’ve been sailing for nearly 10 years, from the BYC youth camps to competitive sailing in High School. I love teaching sailing to the youth, and I want to bring as much fun and learning into these camps as possible! When I’m not on the water, you’ll probably find me on an adventure, working out or fixing my car. I can’t wait to get out on the water and I’m super hyped to sail with you all this summer!
Erin
Instructor
Erin grew up learning to sail on Bellingham Bay and is excited for her first year as a sailing instructor with BYC. She started racing in college for the Arizona State University club sailing team. She is looking forward to spending the summer outside and get out on the water with new people!
Tide
Instructor
I learned to sail with this program nearly 5 years ago and am stoked to be here my first year instructing. I have been around volunteering in the past and have been on the High School team for fun. I enjoy being on the water and super excited to help bring that excitement this summer learning how to sail. In my free time I enjoy hanging with friends, hiking, and teaching skiing throughout the winter.
Maya
Instructor
Maya has been sailing with the BYC for the last 2 years and can't wait for her first year as an instructor. She has been a junior instructor and is exited to share the joy of sailing and spend the summer on the water! When she is not sailing you can find her playing lacrosse and soccer as well as spending time with family and friends.
Charlie
Race Team Coach
Hi! I grew up racing in Olympia and have been coaching sailing for the past four years. Now, as a student at Western Washington University, I’m super excited to be joining BYC for my first year. Sailing has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share that passion!
Will
Instructor
This is my first year of being an instructor but I’ve been a junior instructor for the last two years. I started sailing when I was six in Seattle and have been sailing at the BYC since I moved here in 2016. If I’m not sailing or being in the water I’m skiing biking or playing rugby. I’m super excited to teach this summer.
Beth
Instructor & Race Team Coach
Photo & Bio coming soon!
Miles
Instructor
Hi, I’m Miles, and this will be my first year working at the BYC. I have experience sailing on both coasts, and previously volunteered at the Orrs–Bailey Yacht Club in Maine for two years. I graduated this year from Sehome High School, and will be attending Macalester College in the fall. For the summer, I’m very excited to work with the Bellingham Yacht Club community! Outside of sailing, I love doing gymnastics and jumping off Taylor Dock on hot days.
Sotiri
Instructor
Hi everybody! I am excited to be an instructor at the BYC for my first year! I started sailing in middle school and fell in love with the sport. I am now going into my junior year of high school and doing running start at Bellingham Technical College. When I’m not on the water, I spend my time skiing, mountain biking, and skateboarding. Bellingham’s local skateparks are my home away from home! I can’t wait for the opportunity to share my passion for sailing!
