Adult Instruction

Program overview

For information on racing opportunities for adults, including our Summer Team Racing series, Casco Bay Frostbite series, special regattas and sailing events, visit our Racing section.

15-hour Learn to Sail course: Basic, Intermediate, and Women's Only
For anyone 18 and over in Ynglings, our Catalina 22 PF Dolce,
or our Sea Sprite 23 Cyan.

SailMaine offers several sessions of 15-hour Adult Basic, Intermediate, and Women’s Only courses. All courses are open to anyone 18 and over and are taught in our Catalina 22 PF Dolce and our Sea Sprite 23 Cyan.

NEW THIS SUMMER: Women’s Only courses!  The women's only classes are offered at both the Basic and Intermediate level, covers the same content and utilizes the same boats as the Basic and Intermediate courses, but is taught by female instructors and open only to women 18 and older. 

The Adult Basic and Women’s Only Basic Learn-to-Sail courses give new sailors a thorough introduction to the basics of sailing a small boat, including rigging and de-rigging, the physics of sailing, points of sail, getting underway and returning, tacking, jibing, helming, sail trimming and safety.

The Adult Intermediate and Women’s Only Intermediate courses are a continuation of our Basic Learn-to-Sail course. Participants gain further practice in the basics of sailing a small boat and deepen their level of competence and confidence on the water. Emphasis is placed on improving boat-maneuvering skills such as anchoring, mooring, docking, heavy air tactics, safety and emergency procedures and basic navigation. Students are expected to enter the class with an understanding of the basics covered in our Basic Learn-to-Sail class or the equivalent.

A low 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio in all of our adult courses ensures lots of personal attention and time at the helm.  Courses take place during the week or on weekends starting May 17th and ending October 3rd.

Click for registration or schedule information, or follow the sub menu links.

Private Lessons

Our instructors are available for individually structured private or group lessons arranged with your sailing goals and time constraints in mind. Any of our 420s or keel boats are available as an instructional platform for your custom curriculum at a rate of $75.00 per hour for a group of 3 or less,
$100.00 per hour for a group of 4, with a two hour minimum.

SailMaine also offers winter frostbiting opportunities in our fleet of eight 2000 DeWolf Ynglings, for experienced sailors.