Frequently Asked Questions

YOUTH SAILORS

How old do I have to be to participate in programs?

Age 8 is a good age for most kids, though we have started with younger children (as young as 6) if they are very comfortable in the water and have good coordination. We do require that participants complete a swim check, or bring certification from a swimming program.

What is the swim check?

You must swim 50 yards, tread water for 2 minutes, and demonstrate the ability to float.

Where can I do the swim check?

At a local pool and have a lifeguard write a note on pool letterhead, or take the test at the pier, or bring your swimming merit badge card or Red Cross Intermediate or above card, or YMCA fish or above card.

What else do I need to do before I can sail?

You need to complete your membership application, including emergency information, swim check information, and waiver of liability.

I don’t know how to sail—what do I do?

After swim check, sign up for a weekly class. Call or stop down to sign up.

I completed level one class, or I have experience, what can I do now?

With level one, you know how to sail the Optimist. Sign up for level two or three class to learn sail trim, and running more than one sail. Level three grads are Soling rated.

What if I just want to sail?

You can sail with others rated to sail boats, after the swim check, or with your parent or guardian. Once you complete classes, you will be rated for specific boats. These can be used anytime during program hours.

ADULT SAILORS

I, or someone I know, can’t afford the membership fees—what can we do?

There is financial assistance available upon request. It is our mission to provide community wide sailing experiences…regardless of financial means. Email a request for financial assistance to sailingforall@gmail.com and we’ll get you started. All requests will be held in confidence.

What do I do to get started?

Are you already a sailor?

Then come down to the pier and have a staff member check you out on the particular boat you wish to sail. Staff is responsible for your safety and safe use of equipment, so be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and to demonstrate your ability to use the equipment safely. If the staff member has any questions about your ability to safely take out a boat you will be asked to take your first sail with a staff member on board or you will be asked to sail within close proximity to the pier before heading out on your own.

Need to learn?

Sign up for one of our weekend adult lessons or consider an hour or two of private lessons (see program page for more information).

You can also come down and sail with any of our more experienced sailors to continue to build your own skills.

Can I take out one of your cruise boats?

That depends on your experience. Head over to the membership page and review the cruise boat requirement document posted there.

Can I take a friend sailing who is not a member?

Day Memberships are available for that purpose. Because of insurance/liability, only members can sail on our boats. However, one-day memberships can be purchased and used by individuals who are sailing with full members for the day. Two day memberships may be purchased for an individual in a year, and those may be credited towards full memberships. We also allow exceptions for special community days, such as our spring open house events.