LEARNING THE ROPES HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
Whether you dream of sailing to distant shores or exploring the waters closer to home, a solid introductory course is a wise place to start. You can make that dream a reality with the knowledgeable captains at St. Augustine Sailing. They offer a wide selection of courses for all levels of experience, with the Intro to Sailing class tailored to those just beginning to explore the sport of sailing.
“Our Intro to Sailing course is a great introduction to sailing for anyone who has an interest in learning,” says Rose Ann Points, co-owner of St. Augustine Sailing and a captain. “The class gives an overview of what sailing is like – it’s a nice way to get your toes wet before spending more on formal lessons. By the end of the lesson, passengers will have an idea of whether sailing is for them.”
The Intro to Sailing class is two hours long and takes place on one of St. Augustine Sailing’s two Hunter sailboats. Ponce and Nina are both daysailers. They are comfortable and stable, with a forgiving rig and a lot of spirit. Both vessels are just under 22 feet long and can accommodate two to four passengers, with four being the maximum for the class. They also offer our Learn The Ropes class which is two hours long and takes place on one of St Augustine Sailing’s two Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349’s. A La Mer and Rendezvous With Destiny are coastal cruisers. Both vessels are 35 feet long and can accommodate up to 6 passengers and have a bimini for weather protection, a head (restroom), a galley (kitchen), and plenty of space in the cockpit.
The captain will chat with each participant and tailor the course to the group. The program can be very basic or built upon previous experience. Beginners can expect to cover the anatomy of the boat, sail handling, points of sail, and safety. Intro to Sailing welcomes any age on board – children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and teens ages 16 to 18 will need their parents’ signed permission.
“We wanted to keep the age open for Sailing Classes because sailing has no age barrier,” shares Points. “Kids are just as capable at handling sailboats as adults. It also fits a variety of lifestyles, so this course is great for solo sailors, couples, friends, and families. We encourage everyone to come out and try sailing – you may be surprised with how much fun you’ll have!”
St. Augustine Sailing’s Intro to Sailing or Learn the Ropes programs are offered seven days a week at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Walk-ups are welcome, but making reservations at least one day prior is highly recommended. To learn more about the Intro to Sailing course and other instructional offerings, visit here.
