YSF Community Sailing
Vero Beach

Welcome to YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach - Where Every Sail is a Voyage of Discovery for All Ages!

The mission of YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach is to provide Indian River County with educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment.

Nestled along the breathtaking shores of the Indian River in Vero Beach, our organization, the Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF), now proudly operates under the banner of YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach. Here, we have evolved into a unique community sailing club that caters to adults and families, as well as children and special needs individuals of all ages.

Founded in 2009 by the visionary trio of Charlie & Chris Pope and Varoujan "Pops" Karentz, YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to offering free sailing instruction to the children of Indian River County. However, we've expanded our horizons to welcome sailors of all ages and backgrounds into our vibrant sailing community.

At YSF, we firmly believe that sailing is not just an activity but an adventure for a lifetime, open to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or setting foot on a sailboat for the first time, our doors are wide open to adults, families, and children alike.

Sailing challenges and nurtures confidence, discipline, responsibility, and leadership at every age. Guided by our dedicated team of over fifty volunteers, our sailors embark on journeys of self-discovery and skill-building, both on and off the water.

Entirely funded through the generosity and support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations, YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach has grown from its humble beginnings to become a beacon of community and camaraderie for sailors of all ages.

From our specially configured pontoon boat serving as a floating classroom to our large waterfront pavilion hosting events and social gatherings, we offer a welcoming environment where adults, families, and children can come together to share in the joys of sailing.

Throughout the year, we offer sailing instruction and recreational sailing opportunities to sailors of all ages, with sessions tailored to meet the needs and interests of our diverse community.

YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach is dedicated to fostering a love for sailing among the youth in our community. Through our free youth sailing program, we offer young sailors the opportunity to learn the ropes of sailing in a safe and supportive environment. Our program focuses on building essential sailing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling confidence both on and off the water. In addition to our youth program, we are proud to offer our Adaptive program tailored to special needs youth and adults. This inclusive initiative provides a free sailing experience designed to accommodate individuals with diverse abilities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the thrill of sailing regardless of their challenges. At YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach, we believe that the joy of sailing should be accessible to all, and our adaptive program exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity and diversity on the water.

But our mission doesn't end at our doorstep. YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach collaborates with local schools, organizations, and foundations to expand access to sailing opportunities and promote the benefits of this timeless sport to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

At YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach, every sail is an invitation to join a vibrant community united by a love for the sea and a passion for adventure. Join us, and together, let's set sail on a journey of discovery, one wave at a time.

Fair winds and following seas,

YSF Community Sailing Team

Watch: Why do we sail?