NEW YORK SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Eighteen Hours to Competence: A Basic Keelboat Course from Classroom Zooms to Pier 66
An 18-hour, US Sailing–aligned course that pairs online theory with two full on‑water days at Pier 66 to teach steering, tacks, gybes, knots and basic weather recognition.
Eighteen Hours to Competence: A Basic Keelboat Course from Classroom Zooms to Pier 66.
This Basic Keelboat course condenses the fundamentals of sailing into a blended program of online sessions and hands‑on practice, teaching steering, tacking and gybing, essential knots, and basic weather prediction; successful completion awards US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
US Sailing–based syllabus and certification
The course follows a US Sailing curriculum and culminates in the Basic Keelboat certification, focusing on the core competencies every new sailor needs.
Hands‑on practice: steering, tacks and gybes
On‑water drills emphasize boat handling at different angles to the wind, practical steering, tacking and gybing maneuvers, and knotwork reinforced by classroom sessions.
Blended schedule of evening theory and full sailing days
The format mixes an evening pre‑course theory session and a post‑course review/exam via Zoom with two intensive full days on the water to put concepts into practice.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The workweek begins in a compact online classroom and moves quickly to concentrated, practical time on the water: you alternate short bursts of instruction with hands‑on repetition until basic maneuvers and seamanship begin to feel natural.
THE CURRICULUM
US Sailing–based syllabus and certification
The course follows a US Sailing curriculum and culminates in the Basic Keelboat certification, focusing on the core competencies every new sailor needs.
THE ON‑WATER WORK
Hands‑on practice: steering, tacks and gybes
On‑water drills emphasize boat handling at different angles to the wind, practical steering, tacking and gybing maneuvers, and knotwork reinforced by classroom sessions.
THE FORMAT
Blended schedule of evening theory and full sailing days
The format mixes an evening pre‑course theory session and a post‑course review/exam via Zoom with two intensive full days on the water to put concepts into practice.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits and when to seek guidance.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total classroom and on‑water time is 18 hours.
The course includes a Friday evening pre‑course theory session via Zoom, two full sailing days from 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (with a lunch break) at Pier 66 in Chelsea, and a Tuesday night review and exam via Zoom; the exam may be taken on any subsequent Tuesday during the sailing season.
On‑water sessions meet at Pier 66, Chelsea.
Successful completion results in US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification after hands‑on practice and online sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course totals 18 hours.
Where are the on‑water sessions held?
The two full on‑water days take place at Pier 66 in Chelsea.
What is the schedule format?
The format includes a Friday evening pre‑course theory session via Zoom, two full days of sailing at Pier 66 (9:00 AM–4:30 PM with a lunch break), and a Tuesday night review and exam via Zoom.
Do I receive a certification?
Successful completion results in a US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.
When is the review and exam scheduled?
The review and exam are scheduled Tuesday night via Zoom from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and can be taken on any subsequent Tuesday during the sailing season.
What if I'm not sure this course is right for me?
If you are unsure whether this course fits your needs, you are encouraged to call to discuss alternatives and the best way to get on the water.