Sailing Lessons

Neptune Sailing Club is committed to providing high quality training for new members. Because members who are certified to use club boats will be rigging and sailing without supervision it is in the interest of the club to ensure that all members are capable of using club equipment and facilities competently and safely.

New Members are given priority in filling a session. We do offer LESSONS ONLY when there is space available after the new members are accommodated. In the last 3 years we have been able to accommodate only the occasional non-members. We limit the size of each class to 12 students to assure that each student gets adequate "tiller time" and individualized supervision.

The non-member cost for just the lessons is $285 for an individual and $385 for a couple, plus $20 for training materials. If, after completing the training program, and assuming memberships are available, the couple (or individual) decides to join the club, then $250 of the lesson fee can be credited toward the Initiation Fee of $675.

A $100 deposit holds your place with full payment due at the first class session.

New members who are experienced and who have developed advanced sailing skills may be able to obtain club certification by demonstrating their on-the-water skills and taking a written test.

We generally take in new members only in the spring and early summer. Our instructional program involves a minimum of 21 hours of instruction—six in an evening lecture/discussion format and at least 15 hours on-the-water. Additional sessions may be scheduled when weather or other conditions prevent adequate practice. Supervised practice outside scheduled class meetings is often available depending on mutually available schedules of new members and club trainers.

Given that much of the instructional program is carried out by existing members who volunteer their time, we generally offer only two class sessions for new members. This year, the first starts early in May. If a second class is offered, it will begin between the 10^th and 15^th of June. Lecture sessions are usually scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on a weekday evening and on-the-water sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m.

Although Neptune's lead instructors are Coast Guard and ASA certified, the sailing classes are not intended for general sailing certification. Our training focuses on information specific to the Club's rules, relevant federal and local regulations, boat handling and sailing area. At the successful conclusion of the course you will receive a Club Certification Card enabling you to take out Club boats and use Club facilities without supervision.

Initially we will focus our training efforts on one member of each family so that we can complete certification quickly and new members can start enjoying the benefits of club sailing. We will limit class size to twelve new members per session so that we have no more than three trainees per boat and instructor. When space is available, we will include spouses and/or mature children but primary practice time will be reserved for the member who expects to be certified first.

Family members who desire training, and/or who want to obtain certification to use boats without supervision, are encouraged to participate in any class sessions when space is available. A training fee may be assessed for those who need to repeat training.