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Frequently Asked Questions — GRSA Adult Learn to Sail 2026
The Course
Q: Do I need any prior sailing experience?
No. The course is designed for complete beginners. If you have some prior experience and want to build or refresh foundational skills, you are also welcome — the course starts from the basics and progresses quickly.
Q: Are the four weekends a series I need to attend in order?
No. Each weekend is a complete, standalone course. All four weekends cover the same curriculum and are not sequential. Simply register for whichever date fits your schedule — you do not need to attend more than one.
Q: What will I learn over the weekend?
By the end of the weekend you will have covered: parts of the boat and sailing terminology, points of sail and wind awareness, steering and helmsmanship, tacking and jibing, basic sail trim, essential sailing knots, right-of-way rules, capsize awareness and recovery (including a hands-on drill on a smaller boat), and general boat handling and safety.
Q: What boats will I sail?
All instruction takes place aboard GRSA’s fleet of 19-foot Flying Scot sailboats. These stable, responsive boats provide an excellent learning platform.
Q: What is the instructor-to-student ratio?
GRSA maintains a maximum ratio of one instructor per four students (1:4) on the water, ensuring each participant receives direct coaching and meaningful time at the helm.
Q: What are the 2026 course dates?
June 20–21 · July 11–12 · July 25–26 · August 8–9
All courses run Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
Q: How much does the course cost?
Tuition is $325 per student, per course.
Registration
Q: How do I register?
Registration is completed online through the GRSA website. Once payment is processed, you will receive an email with a required registration packet (Google Form) to complete before the first day. Your registration is not considered complete until the form is submitted.
Q: What if the weekend I want is full?
A waitlist is maintained for all courses that reach capacity. If a spot opens, you will be notified by phone and email and will have 48 hours to accept.
What to Bring
Q: Do I need my own life jacket?
Yes. A properly fitting USCG-approved Type III life jacket is required and is not provided by GRSA. If you need guidance on sizing or sourcing one, contact us at grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com before the course.
Q: What should I wear?
Clothing that can get wet, closed-toe shoes suitable for docks and water (water shoes, old sneakers, or Crocs with straps — no flip-flops), and sunscreen applied before arrival. Bring a towel and a full change of clothes.
Q: Is food available on site?
No. There are no vending machines or food services at GRSA. Bring a packed lunch and snacks for each day. A refrigerator and microwave are available in the kitchen area.
Safety & Participation
Q: Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. Students must be able to swim at least 50 feet unaided and tread water for at least one minute. This is confirmed during registration — there is no in-person swim check on Day 1. If you have concerns about your swimming ability, contact us before registering.
Q: Is the course physically demanding?
Yes — it is a full day outdoors in summer conditions. You should be comfortable getting in and out of a boat from a dock, sitting on a heeled deck for extended periods, and moving around the boat during sailing. If you have a physical limitation or recent injury, please contact us before registering.
Q: Is alcohol permitted during the course?
No. Alcohol and controlled substances are not permitted before or during any part of the course day. GRSA is an active sailing club and alcohol may be present on the premises outside of program hours, but this policy applies strictly to course participants during the instructional day.
Weather & Schedule
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
The course proceeds in most weather conditions including light rain and variable wind. If on-water conditions become unsafe, students are brought ashore and instruction continues on land. In severe weather, students are directed to sheltered areas on site.
Q: What if I miss Day 1?
Because the course is structured as a connected two-day experience, missing Day 1 in its entirety generally prevents meaningful participation in Day 2 and completion of certification requirements. If you are unable to attend due to illness or an emergency, contact us as soon as possible. Make-up arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis at staff discretion and are not guaranteed.
Q: What if I need to arrive late or leave early?
Please communicate with your instructor in advance. The course is cumulative and missing segments will affect your progress.
Certification
Q: What certification do I receive?
Upon completing the course, you will receive a U.S. Sailing Small Boat Sailor Certification Record Book — known as the “Little Red Book.” This is the standard U.S. Sailing certification record for beginner small boat sailing, requiring sign-off of 14 foundational skills by a certified instructor.
Q: What does the certification allow me to do?
The U.S. Sailing Little Red Book is recognized by sailing clubs, boat rental operations, and charter companies as documentation of foundational small boat sailing ability. It is not a government-issued license — recreational sailing in the U.S. does not require one. The certification is a strong, recognized foundation for continued sailing development.
Q: What if the course doesn’t get through all 14 skills?
The course is designed to complete all 14 required skills over the weekend. In rare cases, weather or other conditions may affect the number completed in a single session. Your instructor will advise you on next steps if this applies to your weekend.
Q: Is this the first step toward more advanced sailing certifications?
Yes. The Small Boat Sailor certification is part of the broader U.S. Sailing certification pathway. GRSA membership also provides ongoing opportunities to continue sailing and develop your skills on the water.
Cancellations & Refunds
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 14 calendar days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 calendar days are non-refundable. Submit refund requests to grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com.
Q: What if I get sick and can’t attend?
Documented illness situations may be considered for a partial refund or transfer at GRSA’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Kate Gomes, Sail Programs Coordinator, at grsa.sailprograms@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.