Adult Learn-to-Sail Program

Sonar sailing ~ Photo courtesy of John Murray

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. 

2025 Adult Learn-to-Sail Sessions

Sail Salem is offering four Adult Learn-to-Sail sessions in 2025. Each session meets once a week for five consecutive weeks. Two sessions are offered on Tuesdays, and two sessions on Thursdays, as follows:

  • Session 1A: Tuesdays, June 17–July 15, 5:30pm–7:30pm
  • Session 1B: Thursdays, June 19–July 17, 5:30pm–7:30pm
  • Session 2A: Tuesdays, July 22–August 19, 5:00pm–7:00pm
  • Session 2B: Thursdays, July 24–August 21, 5:00pm–7:00pm

Registration

Tuition is $375 for each 5-meeting session. Enrollment is limited and programs are usually fully subscribed, so early sign-up is recommended. Registration is available beginning February 17 for Salem residents. Open registration (regardless of residence) will begin March 1.

Go To Sailing Programs Registration

Adult Program Sailboats

Adult Sailing Class ~ Photo courtesy of John Murray

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.

Adult Learn-to-Sail Session, June 20, 2024. Video by John Murray.