Three Mainsails at Shoreline Lake.

introductory sailing

Introductory Sailing

Here's your chance to take the helm and “sail away” in your own 14' long sloop!

Appropriate for those with little or no sailing experience, this course teaches all the basics needed to get you out on the water, safely maneuvering your sailboat (a Capri dinghy) around the Lake. In addition, after successfully completing the course, students receive certification so they can rent boats on their own.

Tacking and jibing (turning), sail trim, nomenclature, knots, and water safety are among the subjects covered in this fast-paced and exhilarating course taught by experienced, certified instructors.

And, this Introductory (Level I) Sailing course also includes a 1-hour private lesson, which you can schedule within the 2 weeks following completion of the class.

You'll learn the following skills:
  • Basic Knowledge of Weather Conditions, Shallow Areas & Hazards
  • Basic Vocabulary, Wind Awareness, Safety Position
  • Basic Steering, Tacking, Controlled Jibe
  • Sail Trim - Sheeting/Trimming In & Out, Going Straight
  • Right of Way, Launching & Docking, and more…
A group of new sailors in a boat sailing on Shoreline Lake.
A young boy in a sail boat pulling on some of the ropes as he sails at shoreline Lake.
A sailing instructor teaching an adult student while their boats are docked.
The boat name Catalina 14.2 docked at Shoreline Lake.
Certification Options

Completion of Introductory Sailing course and the accompanying 1-hour private lesson awards a rental card which allows you to rent the Catalina Capri 14.2 sailboats on Shoreline Lake. If you're looking to continue developing your sailing knowledge and skills, the next step is earning your internationally recognized U.S. Sailing Small Boat Sailor certification.

U.S. Sailing certification requires completion of the Intermediate Sailing course. We offer a package which includes Introductory Sailing and Intermediate Sailing (including the 1-hour private lesson already included with each of these courses) plus an additional 4 hours of rental for a total of $1,185.

What to Bring

Students should bring comfortable clothes, a jacket or fleece, a towel and change of clothes, lots of sun protection, a lanyard to secure their glasses around their heads, a reusable water bottle, and athletic shoes. A bathing suit and shoes or sandals that can be worn in the water (such as water shoes/aqua socks or Keen sandals) are also recommended.

Important: Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your class to check in.