Adult Instruction | Olcott Yacht Club

2024 Adult Learn to Sail Program

Ever wonder what it’s like to sail on one of those beautiful boats you see plying the open waters of Lake Ontario each summer? Now is your chance to find out.

The Olcott Yacht Club offers adult sailing instruction lessons to those 18 yrs of age and over each season. The program consists of 8 lessons: one classroom and 7 on the water (5 Wednesday evenings and 2 Saturdays).

The 2024 Adult Sailing Program will consist of Wednesday night casual racing/cruising and two, day long (6 hour) cruises to Wilson and back. Participants will be paired with boats that traditionally race on Wednesday evenings or on a designated non-racing boat. Boat owners will ensure a positive outing that also adjusts to the level of interest and confidence of each student based on weather and lake conditions. This will allow for optimal learning opportunities on water and off. Off-water learning will consist of review of the race/cruise at the club and/or by group chat. Saturday outings will provide more opportunity to learn cruising skills (docking at another port and grabbing lunch).

When racing:

Sailing with a purpose and experiencing multiple points of sail.
Strategy and tactics for competitive sailing.
Sail trim and adjustment for optimal performance.
Crew coordination and communication under pressure.
Decision-making in dynamic and changing wind conditions.
Rules of racing/sailing and how to navigate racecourses effectively.

When cruising:

Navigation techniques for safe passage planning.
Boat handling skills for maneuvering in various conditions.
Docking technique.
Basic maintenance and troubleshooting onboard.
Seamanship principles for handling emergencies at sea.
Appreciation for the natural environment and marine ecosystems.

The program meets at the Club or your skipper’s boat Wednesday evenings at 5:45 PM and Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM depending on lake conditions. The lessons are taught by veteran skippers of the Olcott Yacht Club’s racing and cruising fleets, allowing participants an opportunity to learn on a variety of boats large and small.

The program is open to members and non-members alike. So sign up and bring a friend!

Lesson Dates: 2024 PROGRAM COMPLETE - SEE YOU IN 2025!

Wednesday nights @ 5:45PM – May 29 (classroom), June 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturdays beginning @ 10AM – TBD by mutual agreement among the participants

Fees: Single $175, Pair $275 (couple, friends, relatives, etc.)

Or click to download registration form. Mail completed registration/liability waiver form to Olcott Yacht Club P.O. Box 715 Olcott, NY 14126.

For further information and questions call or email Justin Naylor at 716-266-3226, jnaylor2@gmail.com