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. 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. Each adult program runs 4 or 5 weeks, meeting once a week from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the June–July session and 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the July–August session..

In 2024, Sail Salem is offered four Adult sessions: one session on Tuesdays, July–August, One sesssion on Thuursdays, July–August, One session on Tuesdays, August, and one session on Thursdays, August. Each session utilized two Sonar sailboats, and each boat can accommodate 3 students.

Registration

In 2024, tuition was $375 for each 5-meeting program and $300 for the one 4-meeting program. Enrollment is limited and programs usually are fully subscribed, so early sign-up is recommended.

Tentatively, for the 2025 programs, registration for Salem residents will open in the last week in February, and for non-Salem residents in the first week 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.