ADULT INSTRUCTION DETAILS
It’s never too late to learn how to sail.
Whether you sailed as a child or always wish you had, our programs can get you out on the water and sailing with confidence in no time. We offer a variety of boats, instruction levels and class times to fit your needs and schedule. Come join the fun!
"It is a surreal experience in which the sailboat is driven by an invisible wind that you feel in your face; technically the wind creates a vacuum on the back of the sail so the sailboat is pulled forward. It leaves a wake that is a ripple with no end. Sailing clears the mind; it is living in the moment." Raymond Markham
LEARN TO SAIL BASICS
Start Sailing Now: Hobie Wave (Two 2-Hour Classes)
The Hobie Wave is the perfect boat for a first sail – you can feel the wind and hear the water and you just might get wet! Our instructors will get you out on the water and teach you the basics of rigging, sailing and water safety. The goal is to begin teaching the skills necessary for the participant to be able to skipper the boat.
This is a four-hour introductory course - two hours on day one and 2 hours on a second day usually within a 7-day time period weather permitting. One to two participants may choose to sail together per class (often people from the same household). Depending on the student, some experienced sailors may wish to have their second lesson on the American 18 (see below).
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Members $160 per person
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Non-members $200 per person
Participants should wear closed-toe, non-slip water shoes (no flip-flops), hats, sunglasses, sunblock, tech shirt or long-sleeved tee. A personal flotation device (PFD) for each person will be provided or you can bring your own.
Private Lessons (2 Hour Minimum)
For those who have completed the Start Sailing Now course who would like more instruction on their own schedule prior to assuming an independent skipper responsibility, we offer private lessons on any boat in the Squadron’s fleet. Individual goals will determine the number of lessons necessary.
Members $40 per hour per person
Non-Members $50 per hour per person
To request a private lesson send an email to the lead instructor here
INTERMEDIATE
Members Only – Checkout for Rating (required to rent a Squadron boat)
Members who wish to rent one of the boats in the Squadron’s fleet must first earn a rating for that class of boat by demonstrating that they are able to safely operate it. The member should choose whichever of the three options below is applicable to his or her situation:
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A member who has been an active, skilled member of a fleet for at least three years and who has been certified in writing by the fleet captain as competent sailing the specific boat for which rating is desired does not need an on-water checkout. An instructor will meet with the member to go over a skipper checkout form before the member signs it. In addition, the instructor will explain where sails are kept and expectations upon checking the boat back in.
No charge, no more than 15 minutes.
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A member whose skills are not known to a fleet captain would demonstrate competency to an on-shore instructor by rigging the boat, sailing away from the dock, pursuing a triangle course and returning to the dock. The instructor will meet with the member to go over a skipper checkout form before the member signs it. In addition, the instructor will explain where sails are kept and expectations upon checking the boat back in.
$30, one hour check out.
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A member who does not sail actively at the present time or who is new to the area and does not know the water or the boats in the Squadron’s fleet should have sailing instruction on the boat they wish to rent until their skills are proficient enough to skipper unassisted.
$80 per 2-hour session.
Motor Boat: Race Committee Preparation (half day or full day)
This course is designed to teach safety, rescue and recovery using the US Sailing text and instruction. Offered for groups of 5 to 6 motor-boats; price may vary by class size. Florida boat on-line certification and a full day on-the-water course offered to members. US Sailing offers a two day course for power boat certification.
RS Venture (by appointment)
The RS Venture is a large high performance dinghy which offers more advanced training opportunities. Perfect for family training for 3 or 4 participants.
ADVANCED
Racing Skills: Flying Scot (4 Hours)
Learn to be a better racer and gain the competitive edge with David Ames. This course is for the experienced sailor who has raced or owns a Flying Scot and has a working understanding of the racing rules. Participants must bring their own boats and crew.
Members $50 per boat
Non-Members $60 per boat
Start Sailing Now: American 18 (Two 2-Hour Classes)
The American 18 is a sloop-rigged day sailor, and one of our main training boats for new sailors or sailors wishing to brush up on their skills. The instructor will offer personalized sailing instruction emphasizing good sailing techniques and safety – and fun!
This is a four-hour introductory course with two hours on day one and two hours on a second day usually within a 7-day time period, weather permitting. One to two participants may choose to sail together per class (often people from the same household).
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Members $160 per person
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Non-members $200 per person
Participants should wear closed-toe, non-slip water shoes (no flip-flops), hats, sunglasses, sunblock, tech shirt or long-sleeved tee. A personal flotation device (PFD) for each person will be provided or you can bring your own.
For Women Only
Every year in the Fall, the Luffing Lassies host a two-week Introduction to Sailing (ITS) Program. The goal is to teach women how to sail a Sunfish so that they can join the Lassies for Thursday races throughout the school year. The program is great for first time sailors or for those who wish to brush up on their Sunfish skills and to continue sailing with the Lassies.