Sailing Tips: Choosing the Right Sailing Education for You

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...