PORT HENRY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Taste of Sailing — Hands‑On Lessons Off Port Henry
Three‑hour, customizable learn‑to‑sail sessions aboard an O’Day 23 cruiser or a Sunfish dinghy taught by Sail Adirondacks; this guide explains what to expect, how lessons flow, and what to bring.
Taste of Sailing — Hands‑On Lessons Off Port Henry.
Experience the SAIL ADKs Learn to Sail program: personalized, hands‑on instruction aboard an O’Day 23 small cruiser or a Sunfish dinghy, with brief on‑shore coaching and extensive time at the helm designed for families and small groups.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
O’Day 23 cruiser and Sunfish dinghy
Instruction is delivered aboard an O’Day 23 small cruiser with capacity for up to four passengers, plus the option to work in a single‑handed Sunfish dinghy — giving learners exposure to both keelboat and dinghy handling.
Hands‑on, on‑the‑water instruction
Lessons emphasize a small amount of on‑shore briefing followed by extensive time on the water and at the helm, with topics tailored to your interests and time — from tacking and jibing to anchor and recovery.
Family‑friendly and customizable
Designed as a family activity with customizable schedule and duration, lessons can be adjusted to fit your time and budget and are suited to small groups traveling together.
What the day feels like
What the lesson feels like
A Taste of Sailing begins with a concise shore briefing, then moves quickly to the boat: learners spend most of the three‑hour block on the water practicing boat handling, sail trim and points of sail under instructor guidance, alternating helm time and hands‑on drills tailored to family groups or individual learners.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Lessons are offered in three‑hour blocks; the operator can customize schedule and lesson duration to meet time and budget needs.
Bring sun protection, layered clothing for wind and spray, and any personal flotation device preferences; the program covers required and recommended safety equipment and procedures.
Instruction takes place aboard an O’Day 23 small cruiser (capacity up to four passengers) and Sunfish dinghy options for hands‑on single‑handed practice.
Lessons include safety gear and procedures, important sailing knots, basic navigation rules, markers and buoys, and basics of small outboard motors depending on chosen topics.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a Taste of Sailing lesson?
Lessons are offered in three‑hour blocks; the operator can customize schedule and duration to fit your needs.
Where do we meet?
The listed meeting point is Port Henry Marina.
What boats will we sail?
Instruction uses an O’Day 23 small cruiser and a Sunfish dinghy.
Is this suitable for families and children?
Yes — the program is presented as a family activity and the O’Day can carry up to four passengers, making it well suited to family groups.
What topics are covered during a lesson?
Topics can include boat handling, tacking and jibing, hoisting and trimming sails, points of sail, anchor and recovery, navigation basics, safety gear and procedures, recommended safety equipment, and important sailing knots.
Can the lesson be adjusted for time or skill level?
Yes — lessons and schedules are customizable to meet your time and budget requirements and to focus on topics of interest.