Our Adult Learn to Sail program gives you an in-depth understanding of sailing, and will instill in you a life-long passion for the water and the sport. Students will experience all the thrills, exhilaration, enjoyment, and satisfaction that come from skippering and crewing a boat.
Program Overview
The Adult Learn to Sail Program offers three evening sessions with four classes per session. Our program is open to adults 18 years or older wishing to learn to sail. It is geared toward beginning and beginner-intermediate sailors.
North Cape Yacht Club in LaSalle, Michigan is home to one of the finest sailing programs in the country for adults and youth. Our Adult Sailing program combines classroom instruction with on-the-water hands-on practice using the US Sailing Keelboat education curriculum.
On-the-Water Experience
Because nothing teaches like experience, the majority of our time is spent on the water, under the supervision of North Cape Sailing School staff. The on-the-water portion of our program is taught on a dedicated fleet of 26ft J80 fixed keel sailboats that are owned by North Cape Yacht Club.
Our program teaches sailing theory, nomenclature, boat handling, basic safety procedures, vessel rigging and more. We chose the J80, with its 2,900 lb displacement and 1,400 lb keels, as our teaching platform because of its stability and large cockpit area.
Small Class Sizes
We typically assign three to four students to a boat, along with two instructors. We maintain a high student/instructor ratio, both for the student's safety and to promote a more positive learning experience.
Beyond the Classroom
At the end of the course, we'll ask you about what types of sailing you're interested in doing, and then set you up with members of NCYC who are interested in hosting new sailors as crew on their boats. We have members who take our course graduates on:
- Sunset and pleasure sails
- Wednesday night and other races
- Club cruises to locations around Lake Erie (Middle Bass, Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, etc.)
Introductory Membership
As an added benefit for our Adult Students, introductory memberships are available. This 90-day introductory membership entitles you to enjoy clubhouse and bar, social activities, racing/cruising and grounds privileges at North Cape Yacht Club. It's a great opportunity for you and your fellow students to get together, meet other North Cape members, and discover ways you can become more involved in the North Cape Yacht Club sailing community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to class?
Recreational clothing suitable to the conditions. Bring sun protection: a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Wear closed-toed shoes such as sneakers or boat shoes. Also, it's almost always cooler out on the water, particularly during the evening, so a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, or windbreaker is recommended. We may sail in the rain, so a rain suit or rain jacket is also a good idea. Please bring your own water bottle.
Are life vests provided?
You'll need to provide your own US Coast Guard approved life vest; however, we may have one you can borrow. If you forget something, the sailing school usually has extra gear you can borrow; just ask the administrator.
Ready to Start Sailing?
"Once a Sailor, Always a Sailor!"
Call (260) 750-4266 or email ncyc.adultlearntosail@gmail.com