What is the minimum age to participate?

The program accepts sailors age eight and up; minors should be accompanied by a competent adult if required by the operator.

Do I need prior sailing experience to take the check out?

Some prior hands-on experience is recommended; the check evaluates your ability to safely perform specific skills rather than teaching from scratch.

What happens if I don't pass the evaluation?

If you do not pass, you will be required to retake and pass the Check Out Sail to qualify for the Access Pass; instructors provide targeted feedback for improvement.

How many people are in a group?

Group size is capped at eight to keep instruction and assessment focused and hands-on.

What should I bring to the check out sail?

Bring layered clothing, secure footwear, sun protection, a water bottle, and any personal PFD or sailing gloves you prefer.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 101 N Roadway St New Orleans, LA 70124; arrive early to check in and receive the safety briefing.

Independence 20 Check Out Sail: Two-Hour On-Water Skills Evaluation in New Orleans | Sailing | Water Activities

Two hours on an Independence 20 in New Orleans delivers a concentrated dose of practical seamanship and confidence. Located at 101 N Roadway St in New Orleans, Louisiana, this Check Out Sail is an on-water skills evaluation designed to qualify competent sailors for the Access Pass program and put them at the helm of a fleet of nimble one-design keelboats. The outing starts with a clear, focused checklist: correct radio procedure, docking and undocking under power, identification of parts of the boat, and an understanding of points of sail. Instructors ask you to demonstrate controlled tacks and gybes, reefing under pressure, trimming and using sailing controls, and safe maneuvering for quick stops and figure-eights. The session also emphasizes the "rules of the road" so that sailors can share local channels and marinas with commercial traffic and recreational boats. What makes this program stand out in New Orleans is its blend of urban marine access and hands-on practice aboard the Independence 20 - a lightweight, responsive keelboat that rewards precise helming. Instead of a classroom, your exam happens where tides, wind shifts, and wake from passing vessels change the lesson minute by minute. That practical variability mirrors real local conditions on the city’s waterways, from the open fetch of Lake Pontchartrain to narrower bayou approaches. The instructors run the Check Out Sail as both evaluation and targeted coaching. Sailors who pass earn the privilege to sign out Independence 20s under the Access Pass; those who need more time leave with exact skills to polish and a clear re-test path. Group sizes are small - capped at eight - which keeps the feedback immediate and hands-on. Plan for on-water realities: sun, spray, and wind. Bring layered clothing and secure footwear; a personal flotation device may be provided but check beforehand. The program welcomes junior sailors age eight and up, though adults should be capable of basic mobility and following clear safety instruction. Whether you’re upgrading from dinghies or aiming to use club boats independently, this two-hour exam is a fast, efficient bridge to more sailing freedom in the New Orleans sailing community. It’s practical, direct, and purpose-built: a real-world check that turns theory into verified skill so you can responsibly enjoy the region’s waterways. Arrive at the meeting point—101 N Roadway St—early to check gear and hear the briefing; instructors tailor each run to wind strength and crew skill, turning small corrections into lasting technique. Passing this check opens access to scheduled club sails and informal pick-up sails, expanding your options for practice in the New Orleans waterways. For visiting sailors, it’s also a way to plug into a local community where hands-on learning and safe, shared access govern the city sails.

About Community Sailing New Orleans

Community Sailing New Orleans delivers accessible sailing education and community-focused programs on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana. The organization offers expert-led experiences for adults, youth, women, and veterans, using stable keelboats and dinghies to teach practical seamanship, safety, and navigation.

Programs include Adult Learn to Sail, Women In the Wind clinics, the three-year Crew to Captain sequence (Year One, Year Two, Year Three), a middle-school STEM Design Build Sail series, and the Tolmas Veteran Sailing course. Curricula cover knots, rigging, small-boat handling, racing fundamentals, and boat maintenance. High school participants earn boating licenses and industry-guided certifications while gaining leadership and STEM skills.

Classes emphasize hands-on learning, lake stewardship, and instructor mentorship. Sessions are suitable for beginners through advancing sailors and focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and safe on-water decision-making. Veteran and active military participants can access a free 10-hour Tolmas Veteran Sailing course delivered across five weekend sessions.

Community Sailing New Orleans partners with local schools and maritime mentors to create pathways to maritime careers and recreational sailing. Safety protocols, certified instructors, and stable training boats reduce risk and improve learning outcomes. The organization’s programs are practical for students, adult newcomers, and individuals seeking structured training for racing or certification.

Featured on The Adventure Collective, Community Sailing New Orleans is recognized for community impact and inclusive programming. For residents and visitors to New Orleans, the organization provides structured, credible sailing instruction and opportunities to explore Lake Pontchartrain with experienced guidance. Registration and schedules are available online, by phone, and email.