Adult Beginner Keelboat
Sailing Course
Summary
This course outlines a 3-day, 4-hour-per-day Adult Beginner Keelboat Program. It is designed to give
Eligible Members a safe, enjoyable, and comprehensive introduction to keelboat sailing, using Del Rey Yacht Club’s keelboats and instructors.
Course Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Identify all major parts of a keelboat and understand their functions.
- Understand points of sail and basic sailing terminology.
- Safely perform tacking, jibing, trimming sails, and steering.
- Navigate in and out of the Marina del Rey harbor safely.
- Perform a man overboard recovery drill.
- Dock and secure the boat following safe procedures.
- Apply navigation rules, right-of-way rules, and safety practices.
Course Schedule
Day 1: Foundations & First Sail – Inside the Harbor
- Hour 1: Welcome, safety briefing, introduction to boat parts, sailing lingo/nomenclature, points of sail, local harbor map review.
- Hour 2: Dockside skills; boarding safely, knot tying, helm basics.
- Hour 3: First sail inside the main channel; basic steering, tacking, wind awareness.
- Hour 4: Debrief and what to expect for the next day.
Day 2: Sail Trim & Maneuvers – Outside the Breakwater
- Hour 1: Review Day 1, local weather check, rules of the road.
- Hour 2: Tacking practice outside the main channel, triangle course work.
- Hour 3: Man overboard drill, returning to harbor using visual aids.
- Hour 4: Docking practice and debrief
Day 3: Confidence & Independent Sailing – Santa Monica Bay
- Hour 1: Navigation basics—chart use, compass headings, plotting a short course.
- Hour 2: Student-led sailing with skipper rotations.
- Hour 3: Jibing techniques, “heaving to,” returning on a set heading.
- Hour 4: Final docking, wrap-up, next steps, certificate presentation.
Resources & Materials
- Keelboats: Club J22 or Martin 242
- Safety Gear: USCG-approved life jackets, VHF radio, throwable flotation devices, sound signaling device, sunscreen
- Instructional Materials: Local chart of Marina del Rey, points of sail diagrams, knot-tying reference sheet, keelboat wire diagram
- Instructors: The amazing coaches we already have at Del Rey Yacht Club.
Cost Estimate
Benefits to the Yacht Club
- Expands program offerings to attract new adult members.
- Builds skills pipeline for future advanced sailing programs.
- Enhances the Marina del Rey sailing community.
- Encourages repeat participation and membership retention.
Conclusion
The
Adult Beginner Keelboat Sailing Course at Del Rey Yacht Club provides a structured, engaging, and location-specific introduction to sailing that is both safe and rewarding. By combining classroom-style dockside instruction with progressive on-water practice in one of the most beginner-friendly harbors in the country, this program will create confident, competent sailors while encouraging membership usage of the club’s keelboat fleet.
Recommendation: Approve and schedule the first session for the weekend after Labor Day so that we have time to create promo material and take new photos of our fleet with the new sails up and generate some interest in the program.