Sessions 1-4 are beginners’ courses, which are a great opportunity to try sailing for the first time or jump on board after an extended absence. Designed for the new sailor, this USSA Level 1 course provides instruction designed to develop the skills and confidence needed to successfully launch and sail small sailboats. Students will learn rigging and launching, departing and returning to dock, essential sailing skills, and on-the-water safety. Good seamanship and safety are always prioritized. Some classroom instruction will occur when necessary to introduce and build upon on-the-water experiences, but as much time as possible will be spent on the water.
Sessions 1-3 will be taught in our Flying Scot, made possible in part through the support of the Flying Scot Foundation. At 19’ overall length with a nearly 7’ beam, the Flying Scot is a safe, stable, and roomy platform suitable for both family day sailing and racing.
Sessions 4 and 5 will use Lasers, which is a small Olympic-class dinghy similar to the Sunfish.
New this year, Session 5 will be available for students who have already completed a beginner’s session (or equivalent program elsewhere—please bring proof of completion) and wish to further develop their boat handling skills and refine their sail trimming technique.
- Evening classes run from 6-8:30 p.m., except for Session 5, which will run evenings 5:30-8:00; Saturday morning sessions run from 9-11:30 a.m. and provide opportunities to meet other sailors and learn about different classes of sailboats and even get an offer to crew for weekend races.
- All students are required to have a properly-fitting, class III (or better) life jacket as well as closed-toe shoes with sufficient grip for smooth, wet surfaces.
- All students should be reasonably fit as well as proficient swimmers.
- Students enrolling in session 4 or 5 must demonstrate the strength and agility to right a capsized boat without assistance. This will be the first lesson on the water, so plan to get wet!
SESSION 1 FS (Meets T/Th/Sa/T/Th, 6:00-8:30) CLASS DATES: June 2 - June 11
SESSION 2 FS (Meets M/W/Sa/M/W, 6:00-8:30) CLASS DATES: June 15 - June 23
SESSION 3 FS (Meets M/T/W/Th/F, 6:00-8:30) CLASS DATES: July 6 - July 10
SESSION 4 Beg. Laser (Meets M/T/W/Th/F, 6:00-8:30) CLASS DATES: July 13 - July 17
SESSION 5 Adv. Laser (Meets M/T/W/Th/F, 5:30-8:00) CLASS DATES: July 27 - July 31
