Adult Sailing
First Sail
Are you ready to give sailing a try, but not sure if you want to take a full course? The First Sail Experience is a two-hour introduction to sailing offered to adults at least 18 years of age. Youth, at least 16 years of age, may also participate with a
parent or guardian. This unique opportunity offers beginners an introduction to sailing and is designed to provide an experience that will motivate newcomers to continue sailing. Participants will sail with an experienced instructor on a Hunter 21 sailboat. The First Sail Experience features hands-on learning that will cover topics such as how a sail works; parts of a sailboat; points of sail; and important safety guidelines. At least three participants are required for this class to be held, with a maximum of four. Registrants are committing to attend on the date selected or on the specified make–up date if needed. Sessions are held on weekday afternoons in the spring and fall at Crosswinds Boating Center typically from 4pm to 6pm.
Cost: $60 per adult ($30 for youth aged 16 or 17 with parent or guardian)
Learn to Sail
Our Learn to Sail program is a 10-hour course held on Saturday and Sunday for adults at least 18 years of age with little or no sailing experience. Learn to Sail is taught by an experienced instructor. Both classroom sessions and on-the-water instruction will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to sail a daysailing sailboat in inland waters in moderate conditions.
Learn to Sail topics include parts of the boat, rigging, how the sail works, wind and weather, points of sail, navigation rules, and essential knots. The course fee includes the “Basic Keelboat” textbook published by the United States Sailing Association. Participants will have ample practice time on the water to gain skill and confidence in operating a sailboat. The Learn to Sail Course follows the first two sessions, (10 hours), of the Basic Keelboat Certification course.
Four participants sail with an instructor on one of our two stable and roomy Hunter 21 keelboats. For those interested in a more physical sailing experience requiring some agility, we offer the option for two participants to sail with an instructor on a Flying Scot, which is a smaller, more responsive sailboat. Registrants are committing to attend on the dates selected or on the specified make-up dates if needed. Courses are held on weekends in the spring and fall at Crosswinds Boating Center from 10am-3pm.
Cost: $400 per adult
Additional Instruction
To further develop your sailing skills, additional instruction is offered by appointment to those who have successfully completed our Learn to Sail course (or equivalent), or who have prior keelboat experience. Sessions are held in the spring and fall for 2 or 3 hours on either one of our sailboats or on your sailboat. We encourage you to bring family or friends on board as crew (up to 3).
Cost to the skipper is $100 for 2 hours, or $150 for 3 hours.
Email adultsailing@carolinasailingfoundation.org to arrange one of the sessions below.
We offer:
Tiller Time
Participants will have the opportunity to “skipper” one of our Hunter 21s or Flying Scots. An instructor will be on board to assist as needed.
Motoring and Docking
Instruction and practice will be provided on our Hunter 21 to properly operate an outboard motor, motoring in a marina and on the lake, safely leaving and returning into a slip, and securing the boat.
Instruction on Your Sailboat
We offer instruction on your sailboat at your sailing location (in central NC) which will be tailored to your specific needs. Instruction may include boat setup & rigging, trailering, launching, motoring, sailing, and docking.
