LONG BEACH — For those who have ever dreamed of taking the helm and feeling the thrill of the open sea, Santana Sailing Club’s Open House and Sailing Day on April 6, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers the perfect opportunity. The free event will allow guests to explore the club’s fleet, meet seasoned instructors, and experience a guided sailing excursion firsthand.
The event is designed to introduce both newcomers and experienced sailors to the world of sailing, providing insight into professional training programs, membership opportunities, and upcoming sailing adventures. Whether attendees are looking to learn the basics, embark on weekend getaways to Catalina Island, or prepare for extended voyages to the Northern Channel Islands, the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean, Santana Sailing offers an accessible and cost-effective way to get started without the financial burden of yacht ownership.
The Log spoke with Marc Hughston, Chief Instructor at Santana Sailing, to learn more about what makes this event special and how the club is helping to make sailing more accessible.
According to Hughston, the inspiration behind hosting this Open House is simple: to make sailing more approachable and affordable. He emphasized that many people are intrigued by sailing but assume they need to buy a boat, join an expensive yacht club, or spend hundreds of dollars per day on charters. Santana Sailing challenges that notion, offering an affordable membership-based sailing experience that provides access to well-maintained boats without the high costs of ownership.
Hughston believes that attendees will leave the event feeling empowered and excited about the possibility of becoming competent sailors. “Many people don’t realize how easy it is to get started,” he explained. “They’ll see that they can sail without breaking the budget.”
This is the second annual Open House and Sailing Day, following a successful inaugural event last year, which welcomed around 50 attendees, with 35 signing up for on-the-water experiences. This year, an exciting addition is that Santana Sailing Club members will be running two of the boats, giving attendees a chance to ask current members about their experiences and what it’s like to be part of the club.
Attendees can tour the fleet, meet instructors, and sign up in advance for a free two-hour introduction to sailing session, a preview of the club’s full two-day beginner course.
For first-time sailors, the introductory session provides hands-on experience with basic sailing techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. The school follows a structured curriculum that combines practical on-the-water training with online coursework, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education at every level, from beginner to advanced cruiser.
For more seasoned sailors, the Open House offers an opportunity to connect with the club, explore advanced training programs, and determine whether membership aligns with their sailing goals. With options ranging from day sailing to long-distance cruising, Santana Sailing provides a pathway for sailors to continue honing their skills.
The Santana Sailing fleet includes Catalina 34, Catalina 30, and Newport 30 sailboats, chosen specifically because they’re ideal for training and widely available in charter fleets. These boats offer a balance of stability and performance, making them perfect for learning while still providing the comforts of a galley, head, and below-deck seating area.
“Many of our students go on to buy the same types of boats we train on, which is why we selected these models,” Hughston said. “They’re practical, versatile, and exactly what sailors can expect to use out in the real world.”
While there are several sailing schools in Southern California, Hughston highlighted what makes Santana Sailing unique:
- Higher Standards of Training — The school places a strong emphasis on competence, confidence, and real-world experience.
- Exceptional Value — Compared to other schools and clubs, the monthly fee is lower, and members receive roughly twice as many 24-hour sailing days per month.
- A Focus on Practical Sailing — The goal is not just to teach sailing but to equip students with the skills and experience to handle real sailing conditions confidently.
“These are real boats for real sailors, and we want people to use them,” Hughston explained.
For those looking to take their sailing experience even further, Santana Sailing has several upcoming voyages and training opportunities, including:
- A Seven-Day Certification Cruise to the Northern Channel Islands (March)
- The Memorial Day Flotilla to Catalina
- Harbor Hopping Voyages to Newport Beach (March), Marina del Rey (July), and Two Harbors/Avalon (August)
Additionally, regular training courses run every month, ensuring that members can continue progressing in their sailing education year-round.
With a dedicated team of instructors, a well-maintained fleet, and a commitment to high-quality sailing education, Santana Sailing’s Open House and Sailing Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in getting started in sailing or advancing their skills.
The event is free, but advance sign-ups are encouraged for those interested in the two-hour sailing session.
For more information, visit www.SantanaSailing.com.
