sailing introductory sailing

Intro Sailing

Introductory Sailing

Here’s your chance to take the helm and “sail away” in your own 14’ long sloop!

Appropriate for ages 14 and up, this course teaches all the basics needed to get you out on the water, safely maneuvering your sailboat (a Capri dinghy) around the Lake. In addition, after successfully completing the course, students receive certification so they can rent boats on their own.

Tacking and jibing (turning), sail trim, nomenclature, knots, and water safety are among the subjects covered in this fast-paced and exhilarating course taught by experienced, certified instructors.

And, the price of the Level I course includes a 1-hour private lesson, which you can schedule within the 2 weeks following completion of the class.

You’ll learn the following skills:

  • • Basic Knowledge of Weather Conditions, Shallow Areas & Hazards
  • • Basic Vocabulary, Wind Awareness, Safety Position
  • • Basic Steering, Tacking, Controlled Jibe
  • • Sail Trim – Sheeting/Trimming In & Out, Going Straight
  • • Right of Way, Launching & Docking, and more…

Certification Options

Completion of Introductory Sailing course and the accompanying 1-hour private lesson awards a rental card which allows you to rent the Catalina Capri 14.2 sailboats on Shoreline Lake. If you're looking to continue developing your sailing knowledge and skills, the next step is earning your internationally recognized U.S. Sailing Small Boat Sailor certification.

U.S. Sailing certification requires completion of the Intermediate Sailing course. We offer a package which includes Introductory Sailing and Intermediate Sailing (including the 1-hour private lesson already included with each of these courses) plus an additional 4 hours of rental for a total of $1,150.

What To Bring

Students should bring comfortable clothes, a jacket or layers, a towel and change of clothes, lots of sun protection, a lanyard to secure your glasses, a bottle of water, and shoes that stay on your feet.

Important: Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your class to check in.

Session Times Price
Sailing: Level I 2 day class 9:00am-1:00pm
1 hr private lesson
$495
  • Spring 2024
  • February 3-4
  • February 10-11
  • February 17-18
  • February 24-25
  • March 2-3
  • March 9-10
  • March 16-17
  • March 23-24
  • March 30-31
  • April 6-7
  • April 13-14
  • April 20-21
  • April 27-28
  • May 4-5
  • May 11-12
  • May 18-19
  • May 25-26
  • Summer 2024
  • June 1-2
  • June 8-9
  • June 15-16
  • June 22-23
  • June 29-30
  • July 6-7
  • July 13-14
  • July 20-21
  • July 27-28
  • August 3-4
  • August 10-11
  • August 17-18
  • August 24-25
  • August 31-Sept 1
  • September 7-8
  • September 14-15
  • Fall 2024
  • September 21-22
  • September 28-29
  • October 5-6
  • October 12-13
  • October 19-20
  • October 26-27
  • November 2-3
  • November 9-10

Register Now

Directions to Our Facility

Want to purchase as a gift? Shoreline offers gift cards that can be used any time. E-gift cards can be ordered online. You can also contact the Boathouse (at boathouse@shorelinelake.com or 650.965.7474), and we’ll get you set up. Please note, gift cards are currently not usable when registering online for classes and must be redeemed over the phone or in person.