HYC has a robust youth program that offers activities for all interests. The mission of the Youth Program, also known as “The Ragnots,” is to develop knowledgeable young sailors while instilling in them the love for the sport of sailing that will serve as a foundation for the future of our club and our sport.
What is a Ragnot? A Ragnot is the nickname collectively given to the youth sailors at HYC by those who founded the group back in 1958. Ragnots are ages 9-18 or those who have completed 3rd grade but not the 12th grade. Mini-Ragnots are ages 6-8 or those who have completed Kindergarten but not 3rd grade.
The Ragnot program offers events throughout the year, including poolside parties, kayaking excursions, field trips, cookouts, after-school and weekend sailing practice as well as a full summer program. The summer program kicks off with an overnight camp at HYC that offers sailing instruction on Optimists and Lasers during the day and lots of fun activities and camaraderie in the evenings. In addition, the summer program offers an eight-week schedule of beginning, emerging and racing instruction on Optimists and Lasers. The program also includes a three-week Mini-Ragnot course and a four-week J22 course. More non-sailing activities are scheduled most Saturdays during the summer.
The Ragnot program has a full-time Sailing Director from April through November and part-time seasonal coaches. Facilities include a Ragnot room (the Inlet) in the clubhouse, a work shed on the docks, numerous dingy storage lockers, dollies, a 12-boat trailer and two launching ramps. Members of the Ragnot program have access to the Ragnot fleet, which includes Optimists, 420s and J-22s.
Alan Coutts became sailing director at HYC in 2006. Most of the time, you can recognize him by the crowd of Ragnots around him. Whether on the lawn directing the launching of Optis and Lasers or out on the bay coaching different age groups, HYC’s sailing director is almost always surrounded by young people and boats.
“I enjoy teaching sailing,” says Coutts. “It is very rewarding to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they come in after a good day on the water.”
Coutts knows the feeling you get from a good day on the water. He comes from a sailing family that includes triple America’s Cup winner, Russell Coutts. He began sailing at 4 years of age, and was New Zealand’s top Optimist sailor at age 9. He’s been involved in Olympic campaigns and top international regattas all over the world, and in 2003, crewed aboard America’s Cup winner Alinghi.. Allan is a qualified sailing coach with the New Zealand Yachting Federation and a member of the International Sailing Coaches Association.
If you would like more information about the Youth Program including upcoming events and schedules visit the Youth Program section of this website. You can also contact our Ragnot Moms with the e-form or call the HYC office at (281) 471-1255.