The program started in the summer of 1996 by members of the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club with 4 Optimist sailboats, 1 US Sailing certified instructor and 17 students. From the beginning, IJS sought to develop and encourage interest in sailing and promote water safety and marine awareness to our community youth.

The program grew steadily over the years. The training of apprentice instructors continued, and students participated in competitive racing events with other junior sailors both on and offsite. In 2007, with an experienced Head Instructor and three Assistant Instructors, the sailboats were significantly refurbished and upgraded by the instructor corps.

Since 2007, the IJS sailing program has continued to grow. In 2023 we had more than 135 youth sailors of all levels of boating experience, ages, and backgrounds. Appropriate equipment and boat updates, replacements, and additions have continued. All of these have been enabled through the generous donations of parents, alums, and interested sailors.

Donations to IJS are generally applied to capital equipment and boats. Please consider donating to IJS. Donations can be made on this website under the “Donate” tab.