Before you go sailing!...
Basic "Learn to Sail" class hours
This US Sailing sanctioned sailing course consists of two (2) days that start promptly at 9 AM. A 30 minute lunch break will occur mid-day. Classes will be completed by approximately 4:30 PM. We suggest you arrive a little early in order to maximize your actual sailing time.
Other Sailing Classes Hours
The class days and times vary for our Advanced Sailing classes and will be available as our classes are announced. We suggest you arrive a little early in order to maximize your actual sailing time.
Parking
We regret the Club parking lot is not available to Non-Members. Covered parking is available in the public lot on the east side of the Sonesta Hotel, just up the street from the Club. Metered parking and other locations near the club are available. Positively allow enough time to find parking and arrive on time for the 9 AM class start time. We start our classes on time following the sanctioning rules of US Sailing.
Lunch
The Lunch Break is only 30 minutes. The Club restaurant "Grove's Nest" offers a great salad, sandwich, and more, menu. Many students prefer to bring their own lunch. There is no time to leave club premises for lunch, unfortunately. Your sailing class is a full day of instruction and boat time.
Swim / Capsize Test, as sanctioned by US Sailing
A simple in-the-water swim and capsize test will be conducted as a necessary part of this U.S. Sailing Course. This test will occur in the morning of the first day of all Learn-to-Sail classes. We suggest you wear a swim suit or body/wet suit under your clothes. You will be able to shower and change clothes after the swim/capsize test. Be sure to bring a towel and showering items. PFD’s will be worn the entire on-the-water portions of the class. Satisfactory completion of the swim and capsize test is necessary to continue in the course.
Weather
Regardless of weather, there will be a class. Please do not call the club in the event you suspect foul weather. We have many teaching techniques (including simulators) that can take place under a roof or on the lawn of our club. Should a class need to be canceled, the Instructor will call you and arrange a new class date for all students.
Attendance
A person not attending a class will be assumed to have withdrawn. If you are unable to attend a class due to an emergency, please contact the club at 305-444-4571 - Ext. 11 and leave a message for your Instructor. If the Club is notified ahead of the start of class, you will be allowed to “make-up” the class and continue at the same point at the next (or later) class which is usually offered on a monthly basis. Under no circumstance can a previously absent student return to a regularly scheduled class without consulting with the Sailing Director.
Payment / Registration
Class fees vary and must be received in full prior to the start date of the class. Make your check payable to "CGSC" and mail to the Sailing Director, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 2990 S. Bayshore Drive, Miami, Fl 33133. Please note “Adult Beginning Sailing - [Class Date]” on your check. Classes may be over-booked. Your advance payment confirms your attendance. Payments received after the class has filled will be returned or applied to the next class, if you prefer. Payment may also be completed by credit card. For CGSC Members, your account charge authorizations with membership number must be mailed or faxed to the address or emailed to sailingdirector@cgsc.org.
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING TO EACH CLASS:
PFD
A US Coast Guard approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is required. Frequently called a “Life Jacket”, this item will be worn at all times while on the teaching dock or in your boat. The conventional Type II orange vest can be purchased at K-Mart, Wal-Mart, marine stores, etc. for about $5.00. However, we strongly suggest the Type III vest (similar to a water-sport vest) which can be purchased starting at about $12.00.
Clothing
Wear light colored clothing. Your clothing will get wet and possibly soiled. Shorts and T-shirts are common. Due to long periods on the water, we suggest a hat to protect both your head and your eyes. Sunglasses are recommended. We strongly suggest “croakies” or similar retaining devices to avoid loss of prescription or sun glasses. Many students and Instructors smartly wear long-sleeve shirts. Attempt to search out the SPF shirts, with UV ray blocking materials to make your sun exposure as minimal as possible.
Sun-Screen
During the classes, there will be significant exposure to sun and wind. Don’t take chances. Use a high number factor, waterproof SPF Sun-Block/Screen.
Shoes
Non-skid shoes are necessary. You may use white or light-soled deck shoes, sneakers, reef walkers, water socks, etc. No flip-flops, loose sandals, leather soles, or dark-soled shoes. As with your clothing, your shoes will get wet. The best foot protection can be a pair of economical gym shoes with light colored soles.
Drinking Water / Water bottle While not absolutely required on the first day, you will need to bring some type of “floating” container for water or other liquid refreshment while out on your boat. Typical “drinking water” bottles are popular, but get very warm in the sun. Insulated foam containers, bottle holders, or other types of floating water carriers are a “must” when out on your boat for an hour or more. Students must take some liquid in their boats, even if it is a canned soft drink from our dispensing machines on the ground floor.
Bailer
Bailers are buckets or large cups to 'bail water' from the interior of the boat. This item is not required on the first day, however, each student will be shown how to make a simple, no-cost bailer from a plastic bottle.Often, these bailers are made from an empty liquid laundry soap container. This bailer must be brought to the second day class.
Practice Line
Each student will be given a 6 to 8 foot piece of line (known as “rope” by the Student) for learning and practicing certain basic sailing knots. This line will be kept by the student for knot tying practice and returned at the end of the second day of class.
Additional Helpful Information
Regarding Valuables
We strongly discourage wearing or bringing valuables such as jewelry, etc., as they can be easily lost in all the action of the class.
Sailing Clinics
Following the US Sailing sanctioned Learn-To-Sail course (taught once-a-month), we offer SunFish Sailing Clinics to Students that have successfully completed the beginning Learn-to-Sail course. The all-day clinic offers the opportunity to spend four or more hours on a SunFish boat in a coaching environment. You will be able to sharpen your sailing skills, have fun, and experience a sail to a nearby destination for a lunch 'on anchor' and return within a one day event. There is a nominal cost for the Clinic, and you may participate as often as you desire. You will need to bring the basic required items as outlined above (such as PFD, water, bailer, etc.). Safety is the utmost importance to all sailing persons and Coaches.
Privileges
On any day you attend a class or clinic, you are welcome to stay at the club after the class and enjoy the facilities such as the Grove's Nest verandah, lounge, food service, etc. You may invite spouses, family, or friends to join you at the Club. Evenings and sunsets from the Grove's Nest verandah are great Miami scenery.
Next Step
Following the basic "Learn-To-Sail" class, Students may be recommended by their Instructor as candidates for the next US Sailing Advanced Sailing Classes when the come available.This may come after the original course or following one or more sailing clinics. Classes are small (usually two or three students) and involve the use of a sloop which has two sails and requires a crew of at least two students to sail. These are excellent, fast-paced classes, also taught by a US Sailing Certified Instructor following the rigors of the US Sailing courses.
Guest Days
On occasion, “Guest Days” may be announced to Students that have completed at least the basic "Learn-To-Sail" Class. On these special days, Students will be invited aboard Regular Member’s boats. There may be separate days for “one-design” boats and “cruising” boats. These are Member activities and are not the direct responsibility of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. These events are intended to introduce students to many types and sizes of sailing craft, the many types of activities and the sailing community in general.
Fair Winds and Safe Sailing,