Adult Learn-to-Sail Program

The Adult Learn-to-Sail program is designed for people who want to learn the joys of sailing in Salem Harbor but who have little to no sailing experience. Instruction begins with learning the parts of the boat, wind conditions and directions, and points of sail. Students proceed to take turns steering, trimming the sails, and maneuvering the boats. Classes are limited to six (6) students per session in Sail Salem’s two 23-foot Sonar keelboats. Each boat can accommodate 3 students Sonars have two Sails—a mainsail and jib—and are stable yet nimble boats, often used for adult sailing programs as they have a comfortable cockpit large enough for 4 or 5 adults. 

In 2025, Sail Salem offered four Adult Learn-to-Sail sessions. Each session met once a week for five consecutive weeks. Two sessions were offered on Tuesdays, and two sessions on Thursdays. Sessions in July met from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and in August from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Registration

Enrollment is limited and programs are usually fully subscribed, so early sign-up is recommended. Registration is available beginning February for Salem residents. Open registration (regardless of residence) will begin in March.

Adult Program Sailboats

Sonar Keelboats

Adult sailing classes use Sail Salem’s Sonar keelboats. First built in 1980, the Sonar is a one design racing sailboat, meaning that all Sonars are virtually identical. In 2000, it obtained recognized status with World Sailing, the international body of the sport. A Sonar is 23 feet long and can comfortably accommodate at least four or five people. An easy-to-handle boat, it also is a popular choice for training and recreational sailing. Constructed primarily of fiberglass, with a wood trim, Sail Salem Sonars feature two sails: a mainsail and a jib. The mainsail features a distinctive red stripe sail emblem.