Do I need prior sailing experience?

No—clinics are designed for all skill levels; instructors rotate roles so beginners gain hands-on practice.

How old do participants need to be?

The operator notes new participants must be in grades 9 or 10; check booking details for exact age policies.

What should I bring to the clinic?

Closed-toe shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, layered clothing, and a refillable water bottle are recommended.

Where is the meeting point?

Check your booking confirmation for check-in and meeting details; meeting instructions are provided after reservation.

What happens in bad weather?

Sessions may be modified or canceled for safety in high winds, storms, or hazardous conditions; you’ll be notified prior to the session.

Can I focus on racing skills?

Yes—some clinics emphasize racing drills, starts, and crew coordination; look for race-focused session descriptions when booking.

Women In the Wind: Empowering Sailing Clinics in New Orleans

Women In the Wind runs two-hour sailing clinics from New Orleans, Louisiana, designed to teach women seamanship, confidence, and basic racing tactics in a supportive, hands-on environment. These concise clinics—priced at $45 for a two-hour session—stack practical drills with real boat time: students rotate through helm, trim, and bow duties, learn points of sail, practice clean tacks and gybes, and rehearse starts in a compact, deliberately coached setting that rewards repetition. On arrival you’ll sign in and get a short safety briefing; instructors prioritize clear commands, efficient sail handling, and situational awareness so beginners feel secure and intermediate sailors can push technique. The water around New Orleans is dynamic—affected by tidal currents, river outflow, and coastal breezes—so each outing becomes a lesson in reading wind shifts and adjusting trim. There are no granite cliffs or marked peaks here; the distinctive natural features are the marsh edges, the flat estuarine horizon, and the birds and marine life that animate the estuary. Expect to see pelicans working the thermals and, occasionally, bottlenose dolphins burning along deeper channels. What sets Women In the Wind apart is its community-first focus. The curriculum intentionally elevates female leadership on deck: women call maneuvers, set up lines, and take the helm under instructor supervision. Sessions vary—some are entry-level introductions while others emphasize racing drills and crew coordination—so a visitor can treat a single two-hour clinic as an efficient skills reset or the first step in a longer learning arc. The program is also an accessible local entry point into New Orleans’ maritime scene, creating reliable dates for return visits and a supportive peer network. Practical tips: wear closed-toe shoes, layered weather-appropriate clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a refillable water bottle; instructors recommend stowable dry layers for cool mornings. The operator notes a restriction that participants must be in grades 9 or 10 to join as new entrants, and check-in and meeting details are provided after booking. Book online through the referral link for calendar availability and to confirm any age or capacity questions. For travelers, Women In the Wind is a compact, effective way to touch the water and improve sailcraft without committing to a long course. It’s valuable both for local women looking to deepen skills and for visitors who want an active, social marine experience in New Orleans. More than a clinic, it’s a growing local network that lowers barriers to sailing and makes time on the water both productive and welcoming. Reserve a session when winds are forecast steady and light from the southeast for forgiving conditions, and return periodically to build hours under different wind and tide states—the repetition is the quickest route to confident, capable sailing in this New Orleans maritime setting.

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.