NCS Program Details

The All-Island 420 Race Team is the most advanced class for young 420 sailors on-island. Our afternoon All-Island 420 Race Team is designed to cover more technical concepts in the double-handed dinghy including upwind, downwind and reaching tactical strategies; proficient roll tacking and gybing; proficient spinnaker and trapeze work; advanced boat handling; acceleration techniques; and an introduction to team racing. Sailors are invited to participate on the All-Island 420 Race Team once skills in 420 Blue have been mastered. Previous sailing instruction at NCS is a prerequisite unless by permission of the Program Directors.

The afternoon race class is considered a team, and class is conducted in a way that emphasizes team participation and coherence. All team-members are encouraged to participate on the team for as many weeks as possible. The All-Island Race Team will run as two sessions. The first session will be a two-week session that will focus on boat-handling and boat speed to re-acclimate sailors to the boat and shake off the winter rust. The second session will be a six-week session where the bulk of regattas and racing will take place.

The All-Island 420 Race Team will meet Monday - Friday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Jetties Sailing Center. On Wednesday afternoons, students will compete in the All-island Race Day alongside 420 Racers from the Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club. Other on-island events include a 420 Race Clinic, a Saturday Race Day, and Nantucket Race Week in August, which the 420 Race program team members are encouraged to participate in. The All-Island 420 Race Team is a travel team, competing in several off-island regattas along the southern Massachusetts coast. All-Island 420 Race Team Members can anticipate sailing in two off-island regattas during the summer season. It is recommended that All-Island 420 Race Team commit to the full summer or at least the 6-week session.

NCS offers shore programming on days that it is too windy to sail. If a shore day is necessary, class time may be shortened. NCS will contact parents/guardians directly via email and text regarding any adjustments to pick-up times.

The All-Island 420 Race Team will wear a life jacket at all times at class (on shore and on the water). Students may bring their own PFD (USCG Type III), should they choose. We ask that students wear appropriate shoes (closed-toe) when participating, Native Footwear, Keen, Crocs and old sneakers all work well. Private lessons may be also be booked on our Jetties Sailing Center website; lessons are offered Monday - Saturday.