Intro to Sailing Lessons with Seattle Sailing Club
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic agility and comfort on a moving boat
Overview
Discover the basics of sailing with Seattle Sailing Club’s approachable 4-hour lesson. Gain hands-on skills aboard a 26' keelboat in Puget Sound’s iconic waters—no experience needed.
Intro to Sailing Lesson (4-hour)
4-hour Intro to Sailing Lesson - No experience necessary!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Step aboard and discover the basics of sailing in this fun and accessible 4-hour Introduction to Sailing Course! Designed for beginners, this session offers a relaxed, hands-on introduction to core sailing skills and concepts inspired by ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1.
With guidance from a certified American Sailing instructor and licensed US Coast Guard captain, you'll practice steering, trimming sails, and learn sailing terminology - all while enjoying time on the water aboard a 26' keelboat. No experience needed - just bring your curiosity and get ready to sail!
While 4 hours is only the very first step in your sailing education, this course will cover a lot and act as the perfect stepping stone to the ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 lesson, a 15-hour (+ 1-hour exam) course designed for students who have either never sailed, or have been on the water and are ready to learn more. It is the perfect next step towards becoming a competent sailor. Upon completion of ASA 101, students will be certified to crew on keelboats and ready for the next level of training - ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2 and ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising.
Topics Covered:
- Wind direction, points of sail, and sail trim
- Terminology and parts of the boat and sails
- Safety on the boat and on the water
- Rules of the road
- Various crew positions and maneuvers
- Driving the a sailboat under sail power
- The essential sailing knots
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Safety Briefing
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete safety instructions and meet your instructor.
Dress in Layers
Seattle’s waters can be cool and breezy; wear moisture-wicking layers and bring a waterproof jacket.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Boat decks get slippery; shoes with good grip and closed toes are necessary for safety.
Bring Sunglasses and Sun Protection
Glare off the water can be intense even on cloudy days, so protect your eyes and skin.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Bald eagles
History
Seattle’s maritime history dates back to indigenous fishing traditions and grew with its role as a Pacific trade hub in the late 19th century.
Conservation
Seattle Sailing Club emphasizes sustainable boating practices to protect Puget Sound’s delicate marine ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects you from wind and occasional rain, keeping you dry and warm.
spring specific
Non-slip Sailing Shoes
Ensures stability and safety aboard the boat.
Layered Clothing
Allows quick adaptation to shifting temperatures on the water.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the sun reflecting off Puget Sound’s surface.
summer specific