Learn to Sail

Lessons are offered on three consecutive evenings (Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday). You should schedule for a week where you are available on all three evenings in a row.  The Midweek course provides you the ability to sail on your own after taking the class. These classes are for MIT community members with little to no sailing experience. These classes typically take place between mid-April and mid-September. 

If you are interested in taking a Learn to Sail class, please first add your name to the Priority Queue and review how to register here.

If you are on the Priority Queue, you can view and register for upcoming classes by clicking a scheduled class in the sidebar or on the calendar.

Midweek 1-2-3 Description

Class 1 – Introduction to the MIT Sailing Pavilion and on-the-dock demonstrations

Your first class serves as an introduction to the recreational sailing program at MIT. Your instructors will explain how the Sailing Pavilion operates, what sort of activities the Pavilion offers, and the basic rules and procedures of sailing at MIT. Your instructors will also cover the basics of how to sail a small sailboat. You’ll take a tour of the Pavilion and its boats. Your instructor will demonstrate how to rig the Tech Dinghy and how to perform basic sailing maneuvers such as launching from and landing at the dock, tacking, and jibing. Before the end of the class, you’ll learn how to rig/ unrig the Tech Dinghy,  how to tie a few basic knots, and a few important sailing principles. 

Class 2 – On-the-dock demonstrations and sailing

Participants must know the stunsail tack bend and bowline knots before coming to this lesson. Everyone will rig their boat and make ready to sail. Instructors will explain your sailing course and will review proper sailing techniques. They will demonstrate launching and landing at the dock and basic sailing maneuvers. Participants will launch their boats one at a time, sail to an anchored floating mark, tack, and then sail back to the dock to land. Instructors on the dock will assist with launching and landing, and an instructor in a motorboat will coach you on the water.

Class 3 – Additional demonstrations and sailing

Everyone will rig a boat, either alone or in pairs, and make ready to sail. Instructors will explain what will be covered (upwind sailing, gybes, tiller extension, etc.), the course to be navigated, and demonstrate as needed. Instructors will coach you from motorboats while you are on the water. You’ll continue to practice, with coaching, and only return to the dock at the end of the class.

Note: The content of Classes 2 and 3 may vary due to wind, weather, and the number of participants. The primary concern of instructors is the safety of students.