As a longtime sailing instructor and coach on the east and west coasts, and in the Caribbean, I know it can be hard to figure out which direction to go when learning how to sail. Yes, it might work for some to jump right into boat ownership to learn on your own, but that’s not the ideal path for everyone. In my experience, I’ve seen some incredible progress come from step-by-step learning or by total immersion with a qualified sailing instructor.
Fortunately, learning how to sail has never been easier, and a big reason is that there are so many options available to those aiming to feel the pull of the tiller in their hand and the wind in their hair. When a starry-eyed would-be sailor sifts through all the choices available for learning to sail, however, picking the right course can seem daunting. To me, one big question stands out: Should I take a day-by-day course, go for a long weekend or week-long vacation course, or do a combination of both?
The most common and Inexpensive approach Is to take a sailing class right In your own backyard. Taught on dinghies and small keelboats, beginner sailing courses will have you showing up each day for a mixture of classroom and on-the-water learning. These daily courses can typically be spread out over multiple days and months, or throughout a weekend depending on the school and program of your choice.
One pitfall in spreading out a learn-to-sail experience over multiple weeks is that the language and concepts might not stay fresh in your mind. But there are many upsides. You will learn your local waters from knowledgeable instructors, will meet like-minded fellow sailors and build a rapport with the school and its staff. And some students may find value in the repetition of splitting your sailing hours into more separate trips on the water. Sailors in California are fortunate to have many options for this type of learning, but if you’re searching for a different experience you may want to look toward a learning getaway.
Vacation courses are appealing to many people because they offer a getaway and learning experience wrapped into one. Many of these types of courses are held in tropical locales with picture-perfect sailing conditions, but they can be found closer to home as well. While a vacation sailing class is more expensive due to travel, lodging and food, they can also offer a priceless and memorable type of learning.
Most vacation learn-to-sail classes can be thought of as an intense immersion program in sailing. You’ll likely spend multiple days in a row with the same crew and instructor and will feel as though you’re living and breathing sailing. Students who choose this route tend to enjoy the fast pace of learning and the confidence that comes with it. Once you’ve completed this type of course, you can then head back to your home waters to gain more experience and keep your skills sharp. And, you may find that you’re ready to make a quick jump into the next level of sailing classes.
Whichever type of entry level sailing class you select, you’ll be charting a lifelong course into an incredibly rewarding new sport and lifestyle.
