WILMINGTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Gain the Confidence to Take the Helm Aboard S/V Maia in Wilmington
Hands-on sailing lessons aboard S/V Maia taught by a master captain—this guide lays out what you’ll learn, where you meet, and how to plan for a first lesson.
Gain the Confidence to Take the Helm Aboard S/V Maia in Wilmington.
Always wanted to learn to sail but didn’t know where to begin? In Wilmington, The Wilmington Sailing Company runs lessons aboard S/V Maia led by a master captain with extensive miles under his keel. The program is built for beginners and for sailors looking to sharpen skills, with clear instruction on terminology, rules of the road, boat systems, docking and undocking, and handling under sail and power.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Learn from a master captain
Instruction comes from a captain with extensive sea miles and hands-on experience; lessons are designed to be friendly and accessible for new and improving sailors.
Practice aboard S/V Maia
Lessons are delivered aboard S/V Maia, giving students immediate exposure to real boat systems, lines, and helm work in an authentic onboard environment.
From terminology to docking
Curriculum covers basic sailing terminology, rules of the road, docking and undocking techniques, and maneuvering under both sail and power—skills you can apply immediately.
What the day feels like
What the lesson feels like
A lesson aboard S/V Maia moves from briefing to hands-on practice: compact, focused modules introduce terminology and systems, then students step to lines, practice docking and undocking, and take the helm to work on maneuvers under sail and power. The tone is practical and encouraging, aimed at building confidence in short, structured sessions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits—and who should rethink the timing.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Lessons have a three-hour duration for the first lesson.
The operator charges $75 per hour with a three-hour minimum for first lessons.
Meet at 1 S. Water St, Wilmington NC 28401 for embarkation.
Expect instructor-led briefings followed by progressive, hands-on practice covering terminology, rules of the road, docking, and maneuvering under sail and power.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a first sailing lesson?
First lessons have a three-hour minimum.
Where do I meet for the lesson?
Lessons meet at 1 S. Water St, Wilmington NC 28401.
How much does a lesson cost?
Lessons are $75 per hour with a three-hour minimum for the first lesson.
Who provides the instruction?
Instruction is provided by a master captain with extensive sea miles who teaches onboard aboard S/V Maia.
What skills will I learn in a lesson?
Lessons cover basic sailing terminology, rules of the road, boat systems, docking and undocking techniques, and maneuvering under sail and power.
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No prior experience is required; the lessons are designed to be friendly and accessible to beginners as well as sailors seeking to sharpen existing skills.