Where do you teach?

We teach in NY Harbor. You will be able to get your picture in front of the Statue of Liberty! We have 2 meet-up locations, one in Jersey City and one in Lower Manhattan.

How long are your courses?

Basic Sailing is a 2 day course from 10 am to 6 pm. There are several scheduling options for Basic Sailing.

Our weekend courses are the most popular and you can learn over one weekend (Sat & Sun) or do the course over two weekends (select Sat or Sunday and then come two weekends in a row).

We also offer weekday courses (Monday & Tuesday or Thursday & Friday).

How much are your courses?

Basic Sailing is $690. There are also discounts available if you are more than one person and use the same registration form. These are 5% discount for 2 people, 10% for 3 and 15% for 4.

Do I get ASA certification?

Yes, American Sailing Association certification is included in your tuition. There is no additional charge for this certification.

How do I know if there is space available in the course I want?

You can see all of our Basic Sailing courses on this page https://sailmanhattan.com/schedule-basic/  Then click on any number and it will show the number of students already signed up as well as the number of spots still available.

How can I reach you?

Email is the best option at office@sailmanhattan.com.

You can also try our phone. But please keep in mind that we are a small business and most of us our outside sailing all day. It is often easier for us to answer emails at the end of the day rather than speak by phone. But if you need to speak with us, leave a message at 212-786-0400, but also send an email directly to Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh mike@myc.org and he will be sure to respond.

How far in advance should I sign up?

Sign up before your course sells out! You can keep an eye on the website to see how many spots are still available by clicking the course number.

Can I reschedule or cancel after signing up?

Yes, you can reschedule up until 2 weeks before the class begins (there is a $75 per person rescheduling fee). Rescheduling is not permitted within the final 2 weeks.  CLICK HERE TO RESCHEDULE   You can also cancel a course up until 2 weeks before the class begins and we will issue you a refund less a $150 processing fee. Cancelations are not permitted within the final 2 weeks.

Is there an age limit?

We are an adult sailing school. There is no upper age limit if you feel young and agile.  We try to pair students with instructors of a similar age. Sailing does require you to move back and forth across a boat quickly. Our Basic Sailing course is designed for adults. Teenagers over the age of 16 can enroll when accompanied by a parent. There are also special programs for junior sailors https://nyharborsailing.com/

I already have some sailing experience, what course should I take?

If you are already an experienced sailor, you could step right to the front of the class and join Manhattan Yacht Club. If you are not sure, then sign up for Basic Sailing or Basic Coastal Cruising. Either way, you will have a blast and a great time sailing in NY Harbor!

What happens if it rains?

We still have fun! Rain doesn’t stop us, we are sailors. Water and sailing go hand-in-hand. Don’t listen to weather forecasters, they usually get it wrong. If they forecast rain, it may only be light or just for a hour or two. We still go sailing and have a great time. If there is a signficant weather event like a hurricane or Nor-Easter when sailing will not be possible, then we will contact you to reschedule.

Do I need special clothing?

No, not normally. Just wear pants and a shirt and bring more clothes than you think you need in a bag, just in case. The bag can stay on the boat with you. Boat specific shoes are encouraged but sneakers will be fine too. New sailors may wish to get cool sailing gloves which can be purchased at the school.

How do I keep sailing after Basic Sailing?

Basic Sailing will be the start of your life long adventure. At the end of your course, you will be ready to join “Manhattan Caribbean Week” next winter. You will also be ready for Basic Coastal Cruising. If you love sailing, then the best path forward is joining Manhattan Yacht Club where you can sail all year and hang out with an incredible group of people.

Is there a Graduation Ceremony?

Yes, at the end of every course, all students meet at the docks at 5 pm for their Graduation Ceremony. Each instructor calls up their students one by one and presents them with their “Basic Sailing Medal.”