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Basic Sailing Build Confidence. Refine Skills. Sail Independently.
This course builds on the fundamentals introduced in our Intro to Sailing class, helping students refine their sailing techniques and develop confidence on the water. Participants will learn how to properly trim sails for various wind conditions, navigate effectively, and handle essential safety procedures. The Basic Sailing class is well beyond basic, and consists of six three-hour sessions - for a total of 18 hours of instruction and on-the-water practice.
The dates for our Basic Sailing course includes these six dates in June:
- Monday, June 8, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
- Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
- Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
- Monday, June 15, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
- Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
Click for Available Sessions
Cost
$225 per person (one price for all six sessions)
Curriculum Overview Core skills taught
Safety & Emergency Procedures
- Proper fitting and adjustment of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Basic safety considerations
- Basic boat safety checklist, VHF basics
- Weather and wave considerations before leaving shore
- Man overboard drill
- Avoiding capsize under heavy wind conditions
- Righting a capsized boat
- Understanding GBSP safety rules and emergency procedures
- Adjusting the downhaul for wind conditions
- Understanding the function of battens
- Using telltales to read airflow over the sail
- Fine-tuning sail shape to match wind conditions
- Managing sail trim while handling distractions
- Understanding Right of Way rules
- Recognizing and interpreting navigation buoys
- Steering toward a fixed point on shore
- Raising and adjusting the mast and shrouds
- Creating a simple wind indicator
- Sailing up to and stopping near another boat or stationary object
- Safety considerations when sailing in strong winds
- Reading wind puffs on the water surface
- Adjusting sail trim and steering for wind gusts and shifts
- Managing boat control in a large fleet setting
- Introduction to racing fundamentals
- Understanding skipper’s meetings
- Recognizing race signals and horns
- Practicing short windward/leeward races
Daily review of sailing performance
For a print friendly version: click here.
What to bring:
Required
- Closed-toe shoes (old tennis shoes or water shoes)
- Swimsuit or clothes that you are comfortable getting wet
- A completed & signed waiver
- Eyeglasses or sunglasses (with holder strap cord)
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Water bottle full of water/ beverage and snack
- Your personal life jacket (we provide life jackets)
Location:
South Bay Marina
101 Bay Beach Road
Green Bay, WI, 54302
Directions:
The marina is at the west end of Bay Beach Rd, past the Zippin Pippin roller coaster. To find SOUTH BAY, take HWY I-43 to exit #187 (Webster Ave), go north to Irwin St. and take a left on Irwin, which then turns into Bay Beach Rd. We are the last entrance on the right. Look for the SOUTH BAY Marina sign.
When you enter the marina follow the signs that say Green Bay Sail & Paddle.
Disclaimer:
Classes may be canceled and/or rescheduled at the discretion of Green Bay Sail & Paddle Inc. (“GBSP”) due to weather conditions and/or general concern of the participants and/or any and all Green Bay Sail & Paddle Inc. staff and volunteers. Classes that do not meet the minimum number of registrants may be rescheduled. GBSP will attempt to notify all registrants by email and/or telephone of cancellations 24 to 48 hours prior to commencement.
For the safety of everyone, we ask that if you have or had a fever in the past 48 hours that you do not come to class. We will do our best to reschedule you to a later class. You may be asked to leave if you do not abide by these safety guidelines. Refunds will not be given to any participant for failure to comply with any and all safety guidelines.
