If you'd like to go sailing but don't know a bow from a stern or the difference between a jibe and a tack, you're in luck. Even this late in the summer, Long Island has several sailing schools that are offering courses through August and September.
Your maritime education in the classroom and on the water would include lessons in sailing terminology, the parts of the boat, the rules, navigation techniques, such as plotting and reading charts, and boating safety. Some also offer basic keelboat certification, which shows that sailors have met specific standards to operate the watercraft.
Here are a few places to check out:
The Waterfront Center Sailing School
West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, 516-624-7900,
thewaterfrontcenter.org
Cost: $45 for a two-hour "Discover Sailing" adult course to $750 for a four-day certification course, by appointment
Instruction is offered on 23-foot Sonars, Rhodes 19s and cruising sloops with wheel steering, roller furling sails and diesel auxiliary engines. Students are taught to sail on the usually calm waters of West Harbor and even during light rain showers. "In fact, we find it beneficial," says the school's administrator, Mindy Pariser. "That way, they're prepared for anything."
Parents can learn to sail with their kids during a "Family Introduction to Sailing" course on Sundays (9 a.m.- noon). Reservations recommended. Spots are still available in the "Teen Tall Ships Program" for girls in grades 8-10 Aug. 17-22 that includes a week at sea along the North Shore ($1,375).
Port Sailing School
86 Orchard Beach Blvd., Port Washington, 516-767-SAIL,
portsailing.com
Cost: $250 for a private lesson with an instructor on 20-foot Sonar, $40 more if you bring guest. A three-day group lesson on a basic keelboat is $650 a person.
The school offers classes every weekend and one weekday once a month on Manhasset Bay. Besides the basic instruction, participants can become certified by the American Sailing Association, which permits you to sail alone and to rent a sailboat at other ASA organizations.
The boats are safe for beginners, and the school's scenic views attract sailboating enthusiasts from all over the region, says staff member Amanda Neilan.
"From our bay, you can go to Throgs Neck Bridge and Execution Lighthouse or the Statue of Liberty. There are nice sites to see," she says.
Sag Harbor Sailing School
51 Pine Neck Ave., Noyack, 631-725-5100,
sailsagharbor.com
Classes offered Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday through September; Saturday-Sunday through October.
Cost: $450
The school offers a two-day beginning class for adults with classroom and on-the-water instruction on Noyack Bay that is recognized as a safe boating course by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to co-owner Bob Sullivan.
Students receive instruction in sailing terminology, basic rigging, knot tying, boat handling, safe boat operation, crew rescue, and state and federal regulations regarding safety and the environment.
After completing the course, they are certified by the American Sailing Association. "The students have a great time and they learn a lot," Sullivan says. "It's a combination of a relaxing weekend and good education."
For more
American Cancer Society Sailing Regatta
WHEN Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
VIEWING SPOT Cedar Beach, Mount Sinai
PHONE 631-476-8834
WEB
mssa.org
Between 25 and 50 large sailboats are expected to race along the Long Island Sound at this regetta, which is celebrating its 26th year. For the best viewing, head to Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. An after-party follows the race at the Mount Sinai Yacht Club ($10), with live music, food, raffles and awards.
