Mission Statement 

It is the mission of the Milford Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program to encourage junior sailors to experience the joy of recreation and/or competitive sailing and to teach the essential elements of performance boat handling, seamanship and racing.  The program strives to instill in our junior sailors self-esteem, a realization of the value of teamwork and the respect of the sea.  The success of our program will not be measured in races won, but in the legacy of the love of the sport.

Our Sailor's Creed

"Think Like a Captain, Act Like a Pirate"

"Think like a captain, act like a pirate" is an exciting and empowering creed for our junior sailing program. It can instill important values and skills in young sailors, helping them develop not only as capable sailors but also as confident and creative individuals. Below are the values and skill our program looks to instill in our sailors:

Leadership and Responsibility

Teach young sailors to think like captains by emphasizing leadership and responsibility. Show them the importance of taking charge of their boats and making decisions that ensure their safety and the safety of their crewmates.

Navigation and Strategy

Introduce basic navigation skills and strategic thinking. Help junior sailors understand how to read the wind, currents, and weather, and how to plan their routes effectively. Encourage them to think like a captain in charge of their own ship.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

Emphasize the need for creative problem-solving and adaptability. Junior sailors should learn to handle unexpected challenges on the water, such as changing winds or equipment issues, just like pirates would adapt to unforeseen situations.

Teamwork and Camaraderie

Encourage the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among junior sailors, fostering a sense of crew unity, just as pirates would rely on their crew. Teach them that every member of the team plays a crucial role in the success of the voyage.

Adventure and Fun

Sailing is not just about rules and technique; it's an adventure. Create a sense of excitement and fun in the program, making sure junior sailors enjoy the thrill of the open water and the freedom sailing provides.

Creativity and Innovation

Challenge young sailors to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to sailing challenges. Encourage them to be innovative in their approach to both sailing and life.

Respect for Nature

Teach young sailors to respect and protect the natural environment they sail in. Emphasize the importance of sustainability and being responsible stewards of the seas, just as responsible captains and pirates would.

Courage and Determination

Instill the courage to face the unknown and the determination to pursue their sailing goals. Pirates were known for their daring spirit, and junior sailors can learn from that fearlessness.

Independence and Self-Reliance

Encourage junior sailors to become more self-reliant, capable of handling their boats and making decisions independently. Like a pirate, they should learn to rely on their skills and resourcefulness.

Resilience and Perseverance

Remind junior sailors that sailing, like life, is full of challenges. Teach them to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in their pursuit of becoming skilled sailors.