Take a look at that picture. Looks like fun, right? We sure think so, and it’s easier than you might think.
In the space of two days of classroom and on-the-water instruction, you’ll learn the basics of sailing, a foundation to build on whether you plan on sailing at Lake Pleasant or in SoCal or even cruising in the Virgin Islands.
You’ll sail on the first day of class!
Cost: $415. Classes are held SPRING (Feb.-Apr.) and FALL (Oct.-Dec.) Registration typically opens in January for spring and September for the fall.
Classes are held at Tempe Town Lake. You’ll meet your instructor and coaches in the fenced boat storage area HERE. Class runs from 8:30am-4:00pm each day on two consecutive days, Saturday and Sunday.
You’ll be hands-on with the boats from the very beginning with boat rigging and theory discussion and getting out on the water ASAP. Capsize Recovery (example video) wraps up the first morning followed by a lunch break. Afternoons are a mix of classroom and on-the-water education depending on wind conditions.
At the end of your class, you’ll know the basics of sailing and be ready to practice what you’ve learned: sailing theory, boat handling, tacking, jibing, safety, right-of-way, basic knots, and docking.
The class is designed for students 18 years old and up. Our ASF Adult class participants average around 35 years of age, and we’ve had students over 70 years.
SWIM TEST and SIZE (Click to expand)
Age: Students must be 18 years of age or older.
Water Comfort Test (“Swim Test”): US Sailing requires SWIM TESTS be performed while wearing a PFD. Click HERE to see the requirements. The test is very simple and can be performed with ASF at Tempe Town Lake or individually at a public pool or fitness center pool of your choice. You may also receive certification from a certified lifeguard, etc., attesting to your completion of the Swim Test. US Sailing also accepts swimming certificates issued by the American Red Cross, YMCA, NAUI, or PADI.
Swim Test Options: Contact the El Dorado Aquatic Center, Scottsdale, located HERE. Or take the swim test on your own. To see how CLICK HERE. If you do not complete this test before the first class, it must be completed in Tempe Town Lake at class time, but that is NOT the preferred method.
Student Weight Considerations: This class may not be a good fit for people over 225 lbs because reentering the Catalina Capri 14.2s sailboats during the “Capsize Recovery” drill requires a surprising amount of strength (example video). To emulate that process the swim test requires participants to perform an unaided exit from the pool, crawling out over the pool curbing while fully dressed in sailing clothes. If you think this would be too challenging or are over 225 lbs, you are encouraged to take an Introductory KEELBOAT sailing class. See Adult Sailing: What’s Next? for keelboat class options.
Classroom sessions are held in the Vela Apartments conference room at Tempe Town Lake, 555 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 (map). Look for the Arizona Sailing Foundation direction signs.
On-the-water sessions are conducted at Tempe Town Lake (map). 
The class includes a copy of the US Sailing Learn Sailing Right book and sailing skills sign-off booklet—The Little Red Book. This class gives you the opportunity to begin working on getting signed off for your US Sailing Small Boat certification. Students sail in Catalina Capri 14.2s, easily holding two to three people.
Instructors: The principal instructors are US Sailing certified. During the first on-the-water class, we typically assign one coach to each student boat to accelerate learning. You’ll sail with that coach and just one other student to help you gain confidence and skills.
PFD (life jacket): You must bring your own US Coast Guard-approved Personal Floatation Device (life jacket). Select a life jacket that is in good condition, fits well, and allows you to move freely. Kayaking and “Dinghy” PFDs are excellent choices. We don’t advise an inflatable-style vest for this class because you WILL be in the water, possibly requiring an expensive recharge of the inflation system each time you use it.
(Here’s some PFD information from REI.)
Clothing to Wear: You will get wet and be in the lake for some of the practical skill training. Be sure to wear quick-dry shorts, T-shirts or “rash guard” shirts, and non-marking canvas shoes, and bring a change of clothes for after you go “swimming.”
QUESTIONS
Call or text 480.269.2699 or email Arizona Sailing Foundation.
REVIEWS from Adult Beginning Sailing Graduates:
“Thanks for the fantastic ending to a great course. Thanks for teaching me the ropes and showing me the full sailing experience.” – Jake T.
“We thought this class was AWESOME! Every volunteer was helpful, fun, funny, and really a great coach to the newbies, which I admired.” – Vikki & Jason M.
