Sailing Class Descriptions

Recommended Student Progression

Beginner: Great for those new to sailing or wanting a solid refresher on the basics.
Intermediate: Designed for sailors who are comfortable with the basics, can control the boat, and are ready to elevate their skills and confidence on the water.
Bridge to Racing: For intermediate and advanced sailors wanting to learn about sailboat racing and give it a try. Sailing race courses, racing rules, regatta notice of race and sailing instruction overviews will be covered. Participants will get to sail short fun races to convert learning to practical experiences.
Race Clinic: For intermediate and advanced sailors eager to dive into more strategy, tactics and rules of sailboat racing. Learn about sail trim, race starts, mark roundings, and tactics. Racing is exhilarating, challenging, and, most of all, a lot of fun!

Youth Beginner: Learn to sail using Pram Dinghies or Sunfish. We’ll cover the essentials—sailing terminology, wind awareness, sail trim, boat handling (tacking and gybing), rigging, and safety. Expect some splashing fun with capsize recovery and navigating the “rules of the water” for safety.

Adult Beginner: Get hands-on learning with Sunfish or JY15 sailboats. The focus is on making sailing fun and safe as you learn rigging, sail handling, steering, tacking, gybing, capsize recovery and basic safety maneuvers.

Youth/Adult Intermediate: Take your sailing foundation skills to the next level with Pram Dinghy, Sunfish, or JY15 sailboats. Learn advanced boat handling, build solo sailing confidence, and dive into sail theory. Topics also include understanding currents, weather, and the basic rules of cruising and racing sailboats.
Youth/Adult Bridge to Racing: Ideal for sailors already experienced sailing solo and ready to explore the basics of racing. Participants must be comfortable sailing all points of sail, tacking, gybing, upwind and downwind. You’ll learn helming, crewing, and build skills in a laid-back, supportive environment. A focus on refining boat handling, teamwork, and basic sailboat racing skills.
Youth/Adult Race Clinic: For sailors ready to sharpen their racing skills, this course combines classroom tips on tactics and rules with on-the-water practice. Learn to boost your boat speed, execute efficient race starts, and navigate a racecourse with more confidence—all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Private/Semi-Private Lessons: Personalized two-hour sessions for up to 2 people. Whether you’re looking for casual sailing practice or wanting to dive into racing or cruising techniques, we will tailor the lesson to fit your goals and schedule. Private lessons come in a single session or a four-pack.
Group Sails: Bring your friends or family (4-6 people) and enjoy a two-hour sailing adventure on Irondequoit Bay aboard our Flying Scot sailboat. An instructor will be your on-board skipper, and you’ll get your desired mix of sailing practice, fun, and relaxation.
Sailing Counselor In Training (Ages 14-16): Build leadership skills and learn what it takes to be a Junior Sailing Instructor. You’ll work alongside our instructors, gain hands-on experience, and have the option to earn certifications like first aid and boating safety. Focus on leadership, communication, and learning how to effectively teach sailing skills.

Youth Adventure Sails: An open enrollment program for Rochester area youth and a scholarship-based opportunity for Rochester City School District students to sail around the Bay , learn about and explore the local wetlands and have some free playtime for an afternoon. Adventure sails include sailing, swimming, games, outdoor education, and exploration—all supported by community grants. Participants will also learn about the importance of conservation and stewardship of local waterways.