Adult Learn-to-Sail Programs

Sonar sailing, photo courtesy of Rondar Raceboats

Sail Salem is offering an Adult Sailing Program for the local community.

The program is designed for people with little to no sailing experience who want to learn about the joys of sailing in the Salem harbor. The program will be hands-on using Sail Salem’s sailboats. Each student will learn parts of the boat, wind conditions and directions, and points of sail as they take turns steering, trimming the sails, and maneuvering the boats. While all classes will be planned on the water, if weather is not suitable for sailing, we will have on-land sessions. Classes are limited to six (6) students per session in Sail Salem’s two 23-foot Sonar keelboats. Sonars have a mainsail and jib (2 sails) 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. 

Adult Sessions

All classes are 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Meet at the Sail Salem office (near the Snack Shop) at Winter Island, Salem.

  • Tuesdays: June 20 – July 18 (4 weeks – no classes July 4), $280
  • Thursdays: June 22-July 20 (5 weeks), $350
  • Tuesdays: July 25-August 22 (5 weeks), $350
  • Thursdays: July 27-August 24 (5 weeks), $350
Register Now

What to Bring

Students must wear closed-toed boat shoes or sneakers (no bare feet or flip-flops).  Air temperatures on the water are typically 10 degrees colder than on land, so dress appropriately for the weather

Students can optionally bring water, sunglasses, sunblock, and hat. 

Life vests will be available, but students can bring their own if they prefer.  Life vests will be worn all the time while on the boat. 

Adult Program Sailboats

Team Paradise Sonar, photo courtesy of Rondar Raceboats

Sonar Keelboats

The adult sailing classes will be using 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.