Learn to Sail: Intermediate • 16hr Course • Ages 16+
Take your sailing beyond the basics with a focused 16-hour Intermediate Sailing course in New Orleans. Small classes and on-water repetition build the reefing, trim, and anchoring skills you need to helm confidently in Gulf-adjacent waters.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
16 hours (spread across scheduled sessions)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to move on deck, perform short bursts of strength for lines and winches, and climb slightly raised cabin tops.
Wildlife
History
New Orleans has a long maritime history tied to the Mississippi and Gulf trade; recreational sailing grew alongside the city's working waterfronts in the 20th century.
Conservation
Respect marsh habitats by minimizing wakes in shallow channels and following local guidelines to avoid disturbing nesting birds and fragile vegetation.
Kilroy Sail Training
Learn to Sail: Intermediate • 16hr Course • Ages 16+
Kilroy Sail Training is a New Orleans-based sailing school that provides practical, hands-on instruction for beginners and intermediate sailors. The program lineup includes a discounted Try Sailing private lesson led by Captain Matt, which lets prospective students experience sailing firsthand before committing to a longer course. Private Lessons are available and tailored to individual goals—whether a student wants to learn basic handling, docking, or preparation for Gulf cruising. These lessons can be delivered on a student’s own boat or aboard Kilroy’s vessels.
Beginner Sailing is a structured 16-hour course with small class sizes that cover seamanship, sail trim, basic navigation, safety, and on-the-water confidence-building exercises. Intermediate Sailing is also a 16-hour course that builds on fundamentals with more advanced maneuvers and personalized coaching to increase sailors’ competence and comfort underway. Classes emphasize hands-on practice, instructor feedback, and small groups to ensure focused attention. Operating from New Orleans, Louisiana, Kilroy Sail Training focuses on practical, safety-minded instruction appropriate for the region’s local waterways and for sailors planning Gulf passages.
The business prioritizes a supportive learning environment where students learn by doing, build confidence, and develop skills for recreational sailing or cruising. Program descriptions are factual and outline course structure, scheduling flexibility for private lessons, and Captain Matt’s involvement in the Try Sailing option. Prospective students can select from single-session Try Sailing, customized Private Lessons, or structured 16-hour Beginner and Intermediate courses to match their current ability and goals. Scheduling and registration details appear on Kilroy Sail Training's public listing online.
Location
New Orleans, LA
Sail from local waters
Tours Offered
4 trips
Options for all skill levels
Course Length
16 hours
Core beginner & intermediate courses
Private Lessons
On your boat or ours
Customized one-on-one instruction
Book a discounted Try Sailing private lesson with Captain Matt, schedule a private session, or enroll in a 16-hour beginner or intermediate course to build real skills.
Bring non-slip deck shoes
Secure footwear improves footing on wet decks and helps you move safely during tacks and sail adjustments.
Hydrate and sun-protect
Even on overcast days wind and water reflect UV—sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are must-haves.
Know your prerequisites
Complete a beginner course or log recent basic sailing time before registering to get the most from the curriculum.
Expect variable conditions
Plan for light winds that require precise trim and occasional gusts that call for rapid reefing practice.
Personal flotation device (if you own one)
Operators supply PFDs, but having a well-fitted jacket increases comfort during drills.
Non-slip deck shoes
Protect your footing during maneuvers and reduce the chance of slips on wet surfaces.
Water-resistant layers
spring
Sunglasses with retention strap
Keeps glare down and prevents losing eyewear during active sailing.
summer