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 $1,185.

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
$510
  • Spring 2025
  • February 1-2
  • February 8-9
  • February 15-16
  • February 22-23
  • March 1-2
  • March 8-9
  • March 15-16
  • March 22-23
  • March 29-30
  • April 5-6
  • April 12-13
  • April 19-20
  • April 26-27
  • May 3-4
  • May 10-11
  • May 17-18
  • May 24-25
  • Summer 2025
  • May 31-June 1
  • June 7-8
  • June 14-15
  • June 21-22
  • June 28-29
  • July 5-6
  • July 12-13
  • July 19-20
  • July 26-27
  • August 2-3
  • August 9-10
  • August 16-17
  • August 23-24
  • August 30-31
  • September 6-7
  • September 13-14
  • September 20-21
  • Fall 2025
  • September 27-28
  • October 4-5
  • October 11-12
  • October 18-19
  • October 25-26
  • November 1-2
  • November 8-9
  • November 15-16
  • November 22-23
  • December 6-7
  • December 13-14

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.