High-Performance Youth Training & Coaching in Belmar, NJ
Powered by Friends of Belmar Harbor | In partnership with the Sailing Foundation of the Barnegat Bay
About
Belmar Skiff 29er Sailing is a high-performance youth training and coaching initiative designed for sailors ready to take their skills to the next level. Based out of Belmar, New Jersey, our program provides focused clinics, expert coaching and a team-driven atmosphere that centers around the 29er skiff—a boat that demands precision, agility, and teamwork.
Whether you're transitioning out of Optis, C420s, or are already sailing skiffs, this program will build the technical knowledge, physical conditioning, and tactical sharpness needed for elite-level youth racing.
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WHAT IS A 29ER?
The 29er is a double-handed, high-performance skiff designed for speed and excitement. With an asymmetrical spinnaker, trapeze, and light carbon rig, the 29er is a stepping stone to Olympic-class boats like the 49er and 49erFX. Sailing a 29er demands communication, athleticism, and quick decision-making—perfect for teens looking for a competitive challenge.
Key Features:
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Trapeze + asymmetrical spinnaker
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Lightweight, fast, and responsive
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Pre-Olympic development class
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Builds high-level racing skills
program
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Location: Belmar, NJ – access to ocean sailing and protected inland waters
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Training Clinics: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions with options for weekend or week-long format.
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We provide everything you need to get going, including boats and top end coaching.
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Sailors go through on-land instruction on rigging and maneuvering, then they hit the water, rotating in between the 29er and the coach boat.
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After sailing we break it down with a video debrief and group chalk talk.
SEssion dates
Orange development TeaM
This team of beginner-intermediate sailors will practice 4 days per week for the entirety of the summer in club-owned skiffs and occasionally in 420s to sharpen boathandling skills. Sailors will begin the season by learning the basics of the boat, how to rig, and introductory boathandling. As the summer progresses, sailors will learn more advanced sailing techniques and racing tactics and will be encouraged to participate in at least 2 local regattas.
Pre-Requisites for Orange Fleet:
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Open to ages 13+ (<13 with Coach Approval)
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Previous sailing experience in doublehanded boat or racing experience in singlehanded boat.
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Motivated to try something new, open to pushing personal boundaries to achieve goals
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Moderate to Confident understanding of upwind/downwind sailing, tacking, and gybing.
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Basic knowledge of knots
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Good understanding of body position and boat balance
There will be full-summer, half-summer, and 2-week session options for the Orange Fleet of the 29er Development Team. You do not need to own your own boat but you are encouraged to seek ownership in order to move into Orange Fleet or a more high performance travel team.
Practice schedule: 4 days per week, Tues-Fri.
2-Week Sessions
Session 1; June 16-19 & June 23-26
Session 2; July 7-10 & July 14-17
Session 3; July 21-24 & July 28-31
Session 4; Aug 4-7 & Aug 11-14
Belmar Skiff Blue Team
The Blue Fleet is for sailors who are moving up and out of Orange Fleet and looking to commit to a full-summer practice and regatta schedule. Sailors will practice 5 days per week on personally owned or chartered* 29ers. Classes will focus on more challenging boathandling and racing tactics and the team will travel to several local and national regattas throughout the summer.
Pre-Requisites for Blue Fleet:
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Successful completion of Orange Fleet or Coach Recommendation to move up.
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Boat ownership highly encouraged, otherwise summer charter boats will be offered (See Charter Info below*)
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Confident in intermediate boat handling, tacking, gybing, spinnaker work
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Familiar with racing rules and courses, has competed in at least 2 regattas in the 29er
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Knowledge of basic knots (bowline, clove, cleat, stopper, 8)
Blue Team Regattas
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Hampton YC (June )
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Annapolis Race Week (June 29-July 1)
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Mid-Atlantic JO's - Island Heights YC (Mid-July)
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North Americans
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Nationals
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CORK International Youth Regatta @ Kingston, Ontario, Canada: August
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ACC’s (Sept 5-6)
We offer seasonal clinics and private coaching, all in a supportive and encouraging community powered by Friends of Belmar Harbor and supported by the Sailing Foundation of the Barnegat Bay
Max 8 sailors - 3 FOBH 29ers provided
BYOB (Bring your own 29er is also welcome)
Additional days may be added to schedule depending upon interest and coaching availibility.
Meet the Coaches
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Backed by Community Support
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Belmar Skiff 29er Sailing is made possible through a collaboration between:
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Friends of Belmar Harbor (FOBH): A nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to sailing and maritime education in Belmar, NJ.
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Sailing Foundation of the Barnegat Bay (SFBB): A regional leader in supporting youth sailing and competitive development throughout New Jersey.
