Sailing for Beginners: Your Step-by-Step Guide

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So, you’ve decided you want to learn how to sail but don’t know where to start? Sailing might seem like a world of unfamiliar terms (like rudder, tiller, mast, boom, smallboat, keelboat to name a few) but it’s simpler than it sounds. Whether you are near the coast, a river, lake or other body of water, there are sailing schools and yacht clubs across the country ready to teach you.

Anyone at any age can learn to sail from kids to adults. The sailing community is known for its passion for the sport and its enthusiasm for welcoming new sailors.

This guide will walk you through the basics, from defining key terms to finding your first sailing lesson. Come aboard!

  1. Smallboat vs. Keelboat

When you start looking into sailing, you’ll often hear about two main types of boats: smallboats and keelboats.

  • Smallboats:
    • These are boats that are typically less than 25 feet long.
    • They include dinghies, daysailers, and even some small catamarans.
    • Smallboats are easy to learn on because they’re light, responsive, and usually sailed by one or two people.
    • A great example is a dinghy, a small sailboat often used in sailing schools because it’s perfect for beginners learning the basics of sailing, steering, and sail control.

 

  • Keelboats:
    • These are the most popular type of boats used for adult sailing across the country.
    • These boats are larger and have a weighted keel underneath, which makes them more stable in the water and enable newer sailors to handle a wide range of wind conditions.
    • A keel is a structural appendage that extends down below the boat on centerline, approximately midway between the bow (front) and stern (back), and prevents a boat from slipping sideways.
    • Keelboats are typically used for cruising or racing in open waters and can be sailed by a small group. If your dream is to sail longer distances or even charter a boat for vacations, starting with a keelboat might be the right starting point.
    • Keelboats range from 18 to 27 feet in beginner courses and provide a more stable sailing experience for beginners.
  1. Finding the Right Program

Now that we’ve defined the types of boats you might sail, let’s talk about how to get started. US Sailing offers a range of programs to fit different levels and interests.

  • Smallboat Courses: Smallboat courses will teach you how to steer, manage sails, and understand wind direction.
    • Where to Find a Learn to Sail Smallboat Course? Many community sailing programs have Learn to Sail programs for both kids and adults. Some yacht clubs and sailing clubs also offer Learn to Sail to both their members and the public.
  • Many instructional programs teach on and rent smallboats. This would include a majority of community sailing programs, most yacht club junior programs, and an assortment of aquatic centers, camps, parks & recreation departments, YMCAs, Scout programs, university and Morale Recreation and Welfare (MWR) facilities.
  • By learning to sail a smallboat with a US Sailing-certified instructor, you’ll learn the skills you need to build your confidence and ability to sail the boat well and safely. Our Accredited Keelboat Schools only use certified instructors. (With smallboat programs, you would have to ask if the Community Sailing program or club uses US Sailing Certified Instructors.)
  • A new sailor can best prepare for learning to sail on a dinghy/smallboat by reviewing the content of the “Start Sailing Right!” series of publications.
    • The Learn Sailing Right! instructional books are the industry standard for smallboat education, with step-by-step guidance for beginner and intermediate sailors. These and all of US Sailing Education materials are available for purchase in the US Sailing Store.
  • Keelboat Courses: The Basic Keelboat student will accumulate sailing knowledge and gain practical hands-on experience during the basic keelboat course. As a graduate, you will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple day sailing keelboat in familiar waters in light to moderate wind and sea conditions.
    • Where to find a Basic Keelboat Course?
    • US Sailing’s Basic Keelboat Certification course will teach you the fundamentals in learning how to sail confidently on a small, tiller steered keelboat.
  • Taking lessons from a US Sailing school will prepare you to meet your goals, whether you’re just starting out or have dreams of cruising offshore.

3: Learning the Basics

Once you’ve signed up for a course, you’ll start learning key sailing skills like:

  • How to read the wind
  • Steering the boat using a tiller or in some circumstances, a wheel
  • Setting and trimming sails for different wind conditions
  • Basic navigation and safety protocols
  • How to tie important knots and techniques for docking or handling emergencies.

Don’t worry, everything is taught step-by-step, so you’ll build your skills gradually.

  1. Community Sailing Programs Open Up Sailing for Everyone

One of the ways US Sailing makes this incredible sport more accessible to a broader audience is through its community sailing programs. These programs are designed to introduce people to sailing, regardless of their financial means, location, or prior experience.

Community sailing centers are often based in parks, local marinas, and urban waterfronts, making sailing possible especially for those far from yacht clubs or traditional sailing venues.

These centers offer affordable lessons, boat rentals, and youth programs, helping to ensure that anyone who wants to try sailing has the chance to do so. Programs are often funded by donations, and many centers even offer scholarships or reduced-cost lessons for children and adults from underrepresented communities.

  1. Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need any equipment to start? Most schools will provide the boat and equipment for beginners. You’ll just need to show up with weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a willingness to learn.
  • What kind of boat should I start with? If you have visions of chartering a yacht, look for a keelboat program, or try a smallboat course for a more hands-on, single-person sailing challenge. Each offers a different experience based on your long-term goals.
  • How long does it take to learn how to sail? It depends. Most basic courses run for a few days or weekends. After completing a beginner course, you’ll have the confidence to sail under light to moderate conditions.

Ready to start sailing? Head over to US Sailing’s Find a School page here ​and book your first lesson today!