Adult Learn to Sail

ADULT LEARN TO SAIL
AGES 18+

2023 Season Schedule

Beginning Adult Learn to Sail

Session 1- 9 weeks, May 10th to July 5th
Session 2- 9 weeks, July 12th to September 6th

Classes are held weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6- 9 pm

Intermediate Sailing Class
June 5th, 12th, 19th and July 10th, 17th, 24th

Registration is now closed

Program Details

Here is your opportunity to learn to sail in a friendly, welcoming environment. Our volunteer instructors are experienced, patient sailors who love to share their enthusiasm for sailing. The classes are designed for both the novice who has never been in a sailboat as well as for sailors with some experience who want to learn how to sail on their own.

Participants can enjoy Detroit’s waterways and learn to sail without the cost and time commitment of boat ownership. Instructors with years of experience teach using our fleet of Flying Scot sailboats. The cost includes a textbook, all instruction, and use of the boats. During the class, information will be presented on additional ways to continue sailing, including boat ownership.

After completing the course:
-You have the opportunity to earn your Skipper's Card- specific only to Detroit Community Sailing/ DBC, not valid elsewhere
-Availability to join Monday evening practice sessions later in the season
-First hand notice of other sailing opportunities in the area
-You will have the opportunity for an affordable Social Membership in the Detroit Boat Club

So, if you are prepared to bring your enthusiasm, a life jacket, and some boat shoes, you can expect an exciting adventure on Detroit's waterways and learn a life skill.

Sailing with a family member? Enjoy a discount when you register together!

Read below to learn about each course offering.

Beginning Learn to Sail

This course is designed for the novice small boat sailor. You will learn the parts of a sailboat, steering, setting sails, docking, wind awareness, etc. At the end of the course you will build the confidence to safely sail a boat as the skipper.

Complementary Detroit Boat Club membership
First time Beginner Learn To Sail participants will receive a complementary DBC membership.

Intermediate Sailing Class

Join us for the next step in your sailing education in learning a new range of sailing skills. This class will cover techniques on the finer points of sailing and sail trim, as well as spinnaker sailing. Expand your knowledge and feel more confident with sail trim and boat handling. We look forward to having you on board!

Intermediate Course Registration is limited. Prerequisite- DCSC ALTS and/or a DBC Skipper card. Other sailing education experiences will be considered on a case by case basis.

Race Crew Training

Race crew training is onboard a Tartan 10- a 33 foot keelboat. Please see the webpage linked below to learn more.

Race Crew Training

Skipper Card Information

Earning your skipper card
Earning your skipper card entails passing a written theory examination (multiple choice), and passing a practical skills assessment. If there isn't time during the class for the assessment, it may be scheduled independently with an instructor. There are also other sailing times available for the assessment, depending on the calendar.

What if I don't pass?
Do not fear! Sailing is a life long sport, and mastering the basics is highly dependent on the individual and time spent on the water. New this year, we have a "crew card"- indicating that you have learned the basics but need more time to gain confidence and independence. This allows you to join our other sailing activities to increase your practice time and advance your skills.