Adult Classes

Learn to Sail – Adult Courses Overview

Our Adult Sailing Courses can be scheduled flexibly and provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed to help you become comfortable and confident on the water aboard our RS Quest and RS Zest sailboats.

The course consists of 4 classes, which can be scheduled as 4 separate mornings or afternoons, or combined into 2 full days.

What’s Included:

  • Full instruction from certified sailing instructors
  • Use of club sailboats, with boat rental included in the course fee
  • All necessary safety equipment
  • Small class sizes, with a maximum of 6 students per instructor

Cost:

  • 2 students: $325 per person
  • 3 students: $275 per person
  • 4–6 students: $225 per person
  • For private courses, please click here
  • Club members receive a $50 discount per person, as boat rental is already included in their membership

Whether you are completely new to sailing or looking to develop your existing skills, the flexible course format gives you plenty of quality time on the water and the opportunity to make real progress.

The courses are available at three levels: Start Sailing, Build Confidence, and Take Control. See the details of each level below.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

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.

Certification Criteria

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

Level 2 – Build Confidence

This course is designed for those who have completed Level 1 or have equivalent experience. You’ll consolidate your basic skills and start sailing more independently, with a greater focus on technique, boat speed, and decision-making.

Course highlights:

  • Improved boat handling
  • Introduction to sailing solo
  • Refined tacking, gybing, and points of sail
  • Introduction to basic sailing theory

By the end of Level 2, you’ll be a more confident sailor, capable of sailing in moderate conditions with minimal instruction.

Certification Criteria

To earn this diploma, sailors must be able to:

  • Rig and de-rig a dinghy independently
  • Sail a simple triangular course in moderate wind without direct input
  • Execute smooth tacks and gybes with control
  • Apply basic sail trim techniques for different points of sail
  • Recover from a capsize with minimal assistance
  • Launch and return to shore with confidence
  • Demonstrate awareness of right-of-way rules and basic safety protocols

Assessment: On-water skills demonstration and instructor feedback session

Level 3 – Take Control

Ready to take the helm with confidence? This advanced course is for sailors aiming to become fully independent. You’ll deepen your knowledge of boat tuning, weather awareness, and advanced sailing maneuvers, preparing you to handle more challenging conditions and make informed decisions on the water.

Course highlights:

  • Advanced boat control and trim
  • Sailing efficiently in various wind strengths
  • Man overboard recovery drills
  • Introduction to racing and navigation basics

After Level 3, you’ll be well-equipped to sail independently and pursue further advanced or specialized sailing qualifications.

Certification Criteria

To earn this diploma, sailors must confidently:

  • Sail independently in a variety of conditions (up to 15 knots)
  • Perform advanced maneuvers (heave-to, controlled stopping, efficient course changes)
  • Optimize sail trim for balance and speed
  • Execute a solo capsize recovery
  • Perform a man-overboard recovery drill
  • Make sound sailing decisions based on wind, weather, and surroundings
  • Understand and apply the right-of-way rules
  • Launch, recover, and stow equipment properly and responsibly

Assessment: Practical sailing test

Interested in Private Classes? 

More information