2026 Adult Learn to Sail!

Sponsor: Edward Teach Youth Sailing Association (ETYSA) 
Location: Blackbeard Sailing Club, 1215 Barkentine Dr., New Bern, NC 28560 
Schedule: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Course Dates: July 8 – July 23, 2026 
Total Classes: 6 sessions 
Class Size: 6-10 students 
Tuition: $375 per student (plus $50 1-year ETYSA membership) 
Boat Type: O’Day Javelins 

Program Overview 

The Adult Learn to Sail Program is designed for beginner sailors who want a hands-on introduction to small boat sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Students will learn aboard O’Day Javelin dinghies and will develop the foundational skills needed to confidently crew and skipper a small sailboat. Students who successfully complete the course will be given a certificate of accomplishment.  

Course Objectives 

• Understand basic sailing terminology 

• Identify major parts of a sailboat and their functions 

• Rig and de-rig an O’Day Javelin 

• Safely launch and recover a sailboat 

• Safely right a capsized boat and regain control 

• Understand points of sail and sail trim 

• Steer and control the boat under varying wind conditions 

• Perform tacking and jibing maneuvers 

• Demonstrate basic right-of-way rules and water safety 

• Crew effectively and communicate onboard 

• Sail a simple course with instructor supervision 

Tentative Class Schedule 

Class 1 — Introduction to Sailing 

Wednesday, July 8 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Introduction to the program 

• Safety procedures and PFD usage 

• Basic sailing terminology 

• Parts of the boat 

• Wind awareness and points of sail 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Boat familiarization 

• Rigging demonstration 

• Steering basics 

• Crew positioning and balance 

• Capsize and recovery – students will be in the water for this lesson so dress appropriately! 

Class 2 — Rigging & Basic Boat Handling 

Thursday, July 9 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Class 1 review 

• Rigging fundamentals 

• Knots (bowline, cleat hitch, and square knot) and line handling 

• Launching and docking procedures 

• Tacking  

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Rigging practice 

• Leaving and returning to dock 

• Sailing close-hauled and on a reach 

• Introduction to tacking 

Class 3 — Sail Trim & Boat Control 

Wednesday, July 15 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Sail shape and trim 

• Reading wind and weather 

• Basic rules of the road 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Improving steering control 

• Sail trim adjustments 

• Tacking drills 

• Speed and balance exercises 

Class 4 — Intermediate Maneuvers 

Thursday, July 16 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Understanding jibing 

• Crew coordination 

• Avoiding collisions and safe maneuvering 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Controlled jibing 

• Figure-eight sailing patterns 

• Recovery from stalls and missed maneuvers 

• Man-overboard introduction 

Class 5 — Practical Sailing Skills 

Wednesday, July 22 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• General review  

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Sailing short courses 

• Independent crew rotations 

• Docking practice 

• Problem-solving exercises 

Class 6 — Review & Fun Sail 

Thursday, July 23 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Course review 

• Q&A session 

• Next steps in sailing 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Demonstration sail 

• Skills evaluation 

• Informal mini-regatta or group sail 

• Certificates/completion recognition 

Recommended Student Equipment 

• USCG-approved life jacket (if available) 

• Closed-toe, non-marking shoes 

• Sunscreen and hat 

• Sunglasses with retainer strap 

• Reusable water bottle 

• Lightweight rain jacket 

• Comfortable quick-dry clothing 

• Towel  

• Light snack 

• Waterproof cellphone case (if you must have your phone on the water) 

Student Responsibilities 

Students are expected to be ready to begin each class promptly at 5PM so plan accordingly. Instructors and coaches will try to accommodate exceptional circumstances but not to the detriment of the class or the agenda.  

Students should plan to attend ALL classes for the duration. Missing an entire class (or most of one) will be difficult to overcome and will likely require independent instruction outside of the normal class time. The cost for independent instruction is $50 per hour.  

Students are encouraged to ask questions to facilitate the learning process; however, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. No refunds will be given for being dismissed from the class.  

Students will be in the water at least once (for the capsize and recovery drill). As such, students are expected to be comfortable in the water (while wearing a PFD).  

No food will be provided during class, so students are encouraged to either eat before arriving or to have a snack available.  

Registration 

Click here to register and pay for the class: https://etysa.tidyhq.com 

More Information 

Please send an email to: etysacamp@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.