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 through 18 years old or those who have completed 3rd grade but not the 12th grade. Mini-Ragnots are ages 6 through 8 years old 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 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.
The Houston Yacht Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Scott Lindley as the Club’s Sailing Director. Scott joins the Houston Yacht Club staff from Performance One Sailing Team where Scott is the Owner and Head Sailing Coach. Scott is a year-round, full-time staff member leading the fleet sailing and youth sailing programs.
“The Houston Yacht Club is very fortunate to be able to bring Scott into the mix at the club,” said By Baldridge, HYC Past Commodore. “All sailing classes will be able to benefit from Scott’s National and International level racing experience in a variety of boat classes. Scott is extremely well regarded for his teaching and coaching of youth sailors and we look forward to continued growth of sailing in all classes at HYC.”
As Sailing Director, Scott will continue his work as a US Sailing Youth National Team Coach and will bring the highest level of knowledge and skill to the sailors of all ages at HYC.
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.