Summer Camp
2021
Click here to see why we do what we do
PROGRAMS
Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) offers Indian River County (IRC) residents sailing programs for all ages and levels of sailing experience...
VOLUNTEER
YSF offers many opportunities to volunteer. There are opportunities to teach both children and adults in our various programs...
DONATE
Donate now and help a local child set sail, on the water and beyond! Your gift provides free access to sailing for kids from all backgrounds...
NEWSLETTER
Learn about Youth Sailing Foundation’s community impact and be the first to receive important announcements...
Come Join Us
AS A STUDENT, PARENT, VOLUNTEER OR SUPPORTER
Youth Sailing Foundation
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
Founded in 2009 by Charlie & Chris Pope and Varoujan "Pops" Karentz, Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization offering free sailing instruction to the children of Indian River County. We believe sailing is an adventure for a lifetime. While learning to sail children life skills that will endure. Sailing challenges and builds confidence by taking children outdoors, out of their comfort zone, and into a world of wind and water. They learn to rig and pilot their own sailboats on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach. YSF’s success is measured in the competence, discipline, responsibility and leadership skills that blossom in our students. All of this is also available to adults who join our rapidly growing adult classes in larger sailboats.
We are funded through the generosity and support of local individuals, businesses and foundations. Please click on the Donor page above for details on the programs your generous gift will underwrite. You can make a difference in a young person’s life that will be a living legacy of your financial support. Come join us as a student, parent, volunteer or donor as we sail the Indian River Lagoon. Instruction is by certified US Sailing Instructors backed up by a team of seasoned volunteers. Safety is taught before sailing starts. We have a fleet of safety boats that deploy before the first sailboat is launched. All sailors must pass a swim test before instruction can begin, life jackets are mandatory, and we always have our eye on the weather.