Elements of Sailing I
Learn to sail courses that emphasize seamanship, instill confidence, and are fun.
- Dates
- July 6 – July 12
- Location
- Brooklin, Maine
- Tuition
- $950
- Instructor
- Sue LaVoie Kim Walther
- Experience Level
- Novice
- Activity Level
- Moderate
This is a five-day course ending Friday
Other Sessions: June 22-28, June 29-July 5, July 20-26, August 10-16, & August 24-30
Since early in WoodenBoat School’s history, we’ve had the great pleasure and satisfaction of introducing thousands of students to the joys of sailing. Our Elements courses continue to be among our most popular offerings, often bringing students back, year after year, for more sail training. Anyone can learn to sail, but these courses cover much more than that; our experienced instructors immerse each student in the art of seamanship. Our emphasis is on the skillful handling of small craft and building confidence in one’s abilities. These come from practice, and more practice.
Sailing can provide a lifetime of fun and recreation, but it also requires some basic knowledge and experience. We have observed that the quickest and best way for folks to learn the fundamentals of sailing is by starting out in small boats. Our program will get you onto the water quickly, safely, and fully prepared. Under the calm and knowing guidance of our seasoned instructors, you’ll learn the essentials—sailing dynamics, boat rigging and spars, and safety precautions—followed by practical lessons on sailing techniques. Daily hands-on exercises and drills will take students through getting underway, maneuvering through the points of sail, keeping a course, tacking, returning to a mooring and dock, and much, much more.
You’ll learn to rig our boats. We have various craft here that are suitable for the most timid and the most adventurous of students. Your on-the-water classroom for the week will be our fleet of Herreshoff and Haven 12½s—keel/centerboard daysailers that are a pure delight to sail safely. Above all, we want to take the drama out of sailing—it is a safe and enjoyable sport, and our heavy emphasis on seamanship should go far toward ensuring this goal. You’ll definitely have fun this week!
When the wind is fickle, you’ll practice rowing and sculling. There will be daily classroom lessons about charts and navigation, safety equipment and weather conditions, knot tying and heavy-weather strategy. Our instructors focus their entire summer on our fleet and waterfront facility; their “sea sense” is highly tuned, and experiencing that may be the biggest lesson of all.
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Who is this course best suited for?
This course is appropriate for someone with little or no experience. The course is designed around the idea that you have not done this before or know very little about the subject. Students should pay more attention to suggested readings or videos to help familiarize themselves ahead of time.
This course involves a moderate level of activity throughout the week including: having adequate balance and agility to get in and out of boats on a moving float or other boats.
What Our Students Are Saying
I am a student who came to your ELEMENTS OF SAILING course with much anxiety and fear of sailing. Your instructors and waterfront staff did such an amazing job that I am so sad to leave. But, I am departing a confident and excited person who can’t wait to learn and practice more about sailing. It was an incredible week!
M.E.T., Gilbert, South Carolina
Our sailing instructors were A+ – wise, calm, courteous, and fabulous at transmitting information in accessible ways. ELEMENTS OF SAILING far exceeded my expectations and was exactly what I wanted. It was the best week I’ve had in ages!
L.B., Washington, D.C.
I learned so much in my ELEMENTS OF SAILING course. In just one short week my comfort level on the water increased ten-fold. It was a wonderful experience on all levels! Thank you to your entire staff and our instructors.
M.M., Punta Gorda, Florida
Your ELEMENTS OF SEAMANSHIP course gave me a very realistic exposure to the art of sailing; its complexities, challenges, science, as well as, excitement, fun and rewards. Thank you so much for the opportunity to sail the fine selection of sail boats you have in your beautiful harbor.
K.T., Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Your ELEMENTS OF SEAMANSHIP course is extremely well organized and very well done. Teaching anything is not easy and trying to manage ten students on boats, and successfully pull it off, is a huge testament to Jane Ahlfeld and Annie Nixon. They were excellent.
B.M., Sommerville, Massachusetts
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Courses fill quickly, so don't delay if this is a course you want to take.
