Learn to sail in Arizona in sailing classes for adults in the fall and spring each year from the non-profit Arizona Sailing Foundation. Cost: $375.00
Take a look at that picture. Look like fun? 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 cruising to the Virgin Islands, sailing at Lake Pleasant or in SoCal. You’ll actually sail on the first day of class!
2023 Fall Classes. Students may choose from one of the available class sessions below. Classes are held in the Spring and Fall each year. **NOTE: Students MUST COMPLETE THE US Sailing “swimming/water comfort test” before their class.
ADULT BEGINNING SAILING CLASSES & REGISTRATION
- Session #1: Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15: REGISTER HERE
- Session #2: Saturday-Sunday, October 21-22: REGISTER HERE
- Session #3: Saturday-Sunday, November 11-12: REGISTER HERE
Here’s how it works. Each class lasts two days, on a Saturday and Sunday, and starts indoors with classroom theory sessions from 8:45am till 11:30-12:00pm, followed by lunch and four+ hours on the water from 1:00-5:00pm. The class curriculum is designed for students 18 years old and up, and our ASF Adult class participants average 36 years of age. We’ve even had students in their 70s.
**US Sailing requires SWIM TESTS. 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 with a certified lifeguard, etc., attesting to your completion of the Swim Test.
Required Swim Test Options: At the El Dorado Aquatic Center, Scottsdale, 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.
NOTE: US Sailing also accepts swimming certificates issued by American Red Cross, YMCA, NAUI or PADI.
Student Weight Considerations: This class may not be a fit for people over 225 lbs because reentering the Catalina Capri 14.2s sailboats during “Capsize Recovery” drill requires a surprising amount of strength. 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 KEEL BOAT sailing class.
See Adult Sailing: What’s Next? for keelboat class recommendations.
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). 
Included in the class: your 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.
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.
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 / text (480) 269-2699 or send an email to 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.
