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Learn to Sail in North America

Using The Web to Find a Community Sailing Program Close to Home

Aug 26, 2008 Jennifer Langille

Learning to sail in North America is easier then ever before.There are many web based resources to help individuals find a public sailing facility close to home.

Learning how to sail is not the same as learning how to do a land-based sport because one has to find water, a boat, sailing instructor and good weather. Across North America there are Community Sailing Programs with resources necessary and a means to keep the student learning, even when the weather turns unfavorable. Finding a facility close to home is much easier than learning how to sail and learning how to sail can privide years of enjoyment in the natural environment.

Find a Learn to Sail Program

US Sailing.org is America's home to current information for both adult and youth sailing programs and offers a number of resources to find sailing facilities and instructors. However their list is limited to those who are members to the US Sailing organization. The Canadian equivilant would be the Canadian Yachting Association. For additional resources and information on the web, consider using these words in your google search:

“community sailing near <ENTER YOUR TOWN HERE>”

Example

"Community sailing near Chicago"

The search will yield everything from clubs, learn to sail programs, etc. Please keep in mind, if the town in question has limited to no access to water, the search results will be limited and do not get discouraged. Consider revising the search and if there is no water accessibility in a reasonable driving distance, look to members of the family or close friends who would enjoy a visit combined with learning something new.

Sailing Centers and Locations

When finding a center, club or program which meets geographic needs, continue to play around on their website and look for program listings and contact details. The next step would be to explore information on their instructors/coaches. A good sailing instructor does not have to have fancy certifications, though some information on how long they’ve been sailing is important. If there are appealing programs and sound background information on the program leaders, send an email or give a call to inquire the options of sitting in on a class or observing a program in progress.

This may not be an option if the facility is far from home, however, if they answer, “yes” to the inquiry, it’s likely a place worth exploring further. Community sailing centers are proud of their programs and staff. They will be happy to share the facility and introduce potential new sailors to the sport, even if from a dock or power boat, till the potential sailor feels ready to participate.

The copyright of the article Learn to Sail in North America in Boating & Sailing is owned by Jennifer Langille. Permission to republish Learn to Sail in North America in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.