This is the signature CWB learn-to-sail program for adults and families. Students learn basic boat handling skills that are the foundation for a lifetime of sailing. Each session starts with a two-hour, interactive Shore School class focusing on sail theory and terminology. Following this classroom session, 10 hours of on-the-water lessons develop individual skills towards sailing solo. Lessons are taught by trained instructors in CWB’s fleet of Blanchard Jr. Knockabouts, 20-foot daysailer sloops built on Lake Union between 1935-1955.
Course Information: On-the-water lessons are taught with one instructor and two students in our all-weather BJK sloops. No swim test or swimming skills are required and students should not expect to go into the water. However, students should dress for the weather in layers, and can expect to get wet due to rain or spray. Rain gear and lifejackets are available to borrow for on-the-water lessons. No special shoes or equipment are required. Lessons run rain or shine and are only canceled if weather conditions are deemed unsafe, such as in sustained wind speeds of over 15 knots.
Dates & Scheduling: Each SailNOW session begins in the classroom with Shore School on the first Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm. Students then schedule five 2-hour on-the-water lessons according to their own availability, with lesson blocks available on Saturdays and Sundays typically from 10:00am-12:00pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm and on select weekdays and evenings depending on the season.
- Cancellation more than 30 days in advance: refund less a $50 administrative fee.
- Cancellation 30-15 days in advance: 50% refund of the course fee.
- Cancellation 14 or fewer days in advance of the course: No refund.
Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to: adultsailing@cwb.org.
Please Note: CWB reserves the right to cancel any course due to emergency or lack of enrollment. In such case, we will refund tuition in full. If traveling from out of area, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in the event we must cancel this class.
Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email including more details with a link to complete final registration and our liability waiver. This must be completed prior to attending Shore School.
Member pricing is available to current CWB members. Membership will be verified. Please become a member right away if selecting member pricing. Annual membership starts at $65. Thank you!