Adult Programs

Tuesday and Thursdays 4:00-6:30pm

Six classes cover the skills listed below and aim to qualify each student to sail (skipper) a boat independently. We will offer two separate sessions this summer one in July and one in August. Each class will begin with a brief classroom session before going out on the water with one instructor and two students per boat. Space is limited and only reserved once we receive your registration with payment.

Participants who pass the class are welcome to join the open boat usage program for the remainder of the season. The added fee for open boat usage will be based on a prorated amount dependent on date of successful compleation of the class.

Rig the boat

Leaving the mooring

Sail all points of sail with proper sail trim

Execute tacking turns

Avoid unplanned jibes

Execute a controlled jibe

Execute a man overboard rescue - stop in open water and then resume sailing

A controlled return to the mooring

Secure the boat to mooring

De-rig the boat

Know the basic knots - stopper, figure eight, cleat hitch, square knot, and, most importantly, the bowline

Identify designated sail area on a chart and aids to navigation

Wednesdays 4:00-6:30pm

Six classes cover the skills listed below and aim to qualify each student to sail (skipper) a boat independently. Each meeting will begin with a brief classroom session before going out on the water with one instructor and two students per boat. Space is limited and only reserved once we receive your registration with payment.

Participants who pass the class are welcome to join the open boat usage program for the remainder of the season. The added fee for open boat usage will be based on a prorated amount dependent on date of successful compleation of the class.

Rig the boat

Leaving the mooring

Sail all points of sail with proper sail trim

Execute tacking turns

Avoid unplanned jibes

Execute a controlled jibe

Execute a man overboard rescue - stop in open water and then resume sailing

A controlled return to the mooring

Secure the boat to mooring

De-rig the boat

Know the basic knots - stopper, figure eight, cleat hitch, square knot, and, most importantly, the bowline

Identify designated sail area on a chart and aids to navigation

Mondays 4:00-6:30pm

This club is for women ages 18 and up, it is designed for returning sailors and or intermediate new members. It is a relaxed way for women to get out sailing together and share their knowledge with others. A sailing center instructor will be on hand to lend guidance and operate a safety chase boat. This club does not include having paid instructors on board each sailboat.

Sailboat usage is available to qualified sailors through membership to our boat usage program. The fee for boat usage and independent sailing is an additional fee to any of our group or private lessons.

If you are interested in becoming a member of our boat usage program please visit the boat usage page of our website linked below.

Read More About Boat Usage

Monday-Friday 10:00 am and 1:00 pm

Private lessons can be scheduled in advance by contacting our office by email at info@mdisailing.org. We only schedule private lessons within two weeks prior to the lesson date. Lessons are $90/hour for 1 person or $125/hour for 2 people. Larger (more than two people) private group lesson rates are available on a sliding scale. The standard private lesson lasts for 2 1/2 to 3 hours and our two daily start times are 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The view of Mount Desert Island from the water might distract you but we will keep you on course.