Adult Learn-to-Sail Program

Sonar sailing ~ Photo courtesy of John Murray

The Adult Learn-to-Sail program is designed for adults age 21 and older 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 2026, Sail Salem is offering four Adult Learn-to-Sail sessions. Each session meets for two hours, once a week, for five weeks. Two sessions are offered on Tuesdays, and two sessions on Thursdays. Sessions in June–July meet from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and sessions in August meet from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

2026 Adult Learn-to-Sail Schedule

  • Session 1A: Tuesdays, June 16–July 14, 5:30pm–7:30pm
  • Session 1B, Thursdays, June 18–July 16, 5:30pm–7:30pm
  • Session 2A: Tuesdays, July 21–August 18, 5:00–7:00pm
  • Session 2B: Thursdays, July 23–August 20, 5:00–7:00pm

Registration

Enrollment is limited and programs are usually fully subscribed, so early sign-up is recommended.

Registration for Salem residents will be available February 16–28. Open registration (regardless of residence) will begin March 1. Questions? Contact John Murray: 781-632-8828, jmurray97@yahoo.com.

REGISTER HERE

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.