SAILING INSTRUCTION

Our goal is to provide you the opportunity to learn and experience the joy and skills of sailing. We start beginners with basics on aboard our 20-foot sailboat, a Schock Harbor 20. With your hands on participation, we teach you how to sail, seamanship, and all the functions of the boat, including tying knots, rules of the road, setting and trimming sails, and helmsman ship. We emphasize safety at all times by practicing crew overboard drills, reefing sails for heavy weather conditions, and docking skills.

Beginning students who wish to learn more, and more experienced sailors can continue on to coastal cruising on board our 40 ft. Valiant cutter.  Here, we will guide your instruction further with anchoring drills, and coastal and fog navigation. We also devote attention to the use of large boat systems, radar, weather signs, and management of heavy weather conditions.

All instruction enhances our students’ appreciation of the enchanting Channel Islands whose coves and bays we may visit.  This magnificent environment is perfect for practicing cruising skills. While prevailing westerly channel winds and seas occasionally challenge the veteran sailor, the islands themselves create a variety of sailing conditions.  The Channel Islands also offer placid, protected anchorages with abundant marine life.  

We specialize in tailoring your sailboat instruction experience to your needs.  Some students prefer learning by sailing right off beautiful Santa Barbara.  Others prefer a more intensive course of instruction that includes a trip to Channel Islands. We work with you to design the perfect sailing instruction experience.  We sail with small crews-so whether you’re a new comer to sailing, cruising, or moving up to a larger boat, your experience can be directed toward achieving your goals.