Adult Sailing at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club
Whether you’re stepping into a sailboat for the first time or building on your existing skills, our Adult Sailing programs are designed to help you grow confidently and safely on the water. We offer a range of courses and experiences to suit all levels—from casual intros to comprehensive weekend training.
With experienced instructors, well-maintained boats, and a welcoming community, there’s no better place to start (or continue) your sailing journey.
What We Offer:
- Monthly Sailing Intro sessions—no experience needed
- Structured weekend courses for beginner to advanced levels
- Private lessons and specialized group sessions available on request
So whether you’re learning solo, with friends, or as part of a team-building day, we’ll tailor the experience to fit your goals.
Sailing Intro – Try It Out!
Curious about sailing but not quite ready to commit to a full course? Our Sailing Intro session is a fun and friendly way to experience sailing for the first time—no experience required.
When:
Once a month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.
- January 3, 2026
- February 14, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- April 11, 2026
- May 9, 2026
- June 6, 2026
What to Expect:
Join one of our experienced instructors for a relaxed sail on the water. You’ll learn a few basics, enjoy the feel of the boat, and get a taste of what sailing is all about.
Who it’s for:
- Complete beginners
- Anyone considering an Adult Course
Cost:
- FREE for members and non-members
- REGISTRATION REQUIRED, WE CANNOT ACCEPT WALK-INS
- All equipment and boat use included
Come try sailing in a welcoming, no-pressure environment—just wind, water, and a little adventure.
Learn to Sail – Adult Courses Overview
Our Adult Sailing Courses run over a full weekend, providing an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed to get you comfortable and confident on the water on our RS Quest & Zest
Schedule:
These are 2 day courses, courses take place on Saturday & Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM each day. For availability please see our calendar or contact us.
What’s Included:
- Full instruction from certified sailing instructors
- Use of club sailboats (boat rental included in course fee)
- All necessary safety equipment
- A good student to instructor ratio with a maximum of 6 students per class.
Cost:
- $250 per person
- $50 discount for club members (as boat rental is already included in membership)
Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your skills, our weekend format ensures you get quality time on the water and real progress in your sailing journey.
The courses are available in three levels: Start Sailing, Build Confidence, and Take Control. See details about our levels below.
Level 1 – Start Sailing
Perfect for absolute beginners, this introductory course covers the basics of sailing in a fun, relaxed setting. You’ll learn how to rig and de-rig a boat, understand wind direction, and get hands-on experience steering and controlling a dinghy under supervision.
Course highlights:
- Learn sailing terminology
- Basic boat handling
- Safety on the water
- First steps in tacking and gybing
By the end of Level 1, you’ll be able to sail in light winds under guidance.
To earn this diploma, sailors must demonstrate the ability to:
- Safely rig and de-rig a dinghy with assistance
- Identify key parts of the boat and basic sailing terms
- Understand wind direction and basic points of sail
- Steer a dinghy on a reach, tack, and gybe with guidance
- Launch from and return to shore under instructor supervision
- Wear and use a lifejacket properly
- Show basic awareness of sailing safety (weather, environment, capsize recovery basics)
Assessment: Continuous observation and hands-on participation throughout the weekend
Sign Up
Please see available dates below, all group lessons need a minimum of 4 people.
10 & 11 January
21 & 22 February
28 & 29 March
18 & 19 April
16 & 17 May
6 & 7 June