Adult and Family Sailing
Learn to sail with a friendly, nonprofit sailing school in San Rafael. No experience needed — beginners and families are welcome on the water.
New to sailing? You're in the right place. SEA is a welcoming spot for beginning sailors of all ages. Whether you've never touched a tiller or you're ready to build on the basics, our weekend classes teach you to sail on San Francisco Bay — one of the most beautiful places in the world to learn. We keep our groups small, our instructors patient, and our doors open to adults and families alike.
Note: If we don’t have a class currently, or none of our scheduled class dates work for you, sign up on our waitlist below. We will notify you when other classes open up.
Be sure to read our refund policy before registering.
On-demand lessons and classes
We can create a custom class for a family group that brings together adult sailing and youth sailing principles and learning. We can also work with our instructors to create private sailing lessons (mutual schedule depending)
Note: If you want to talk about creation of a custom class for your family, or private sailing lessons, please reach out to talk further: programdirector@seasailing.org
Click the “+” below class descriptions for details (location, duration, price).
our summer sessions are full — but you can still take the next step…
Our classes are in demand, and more Bay Area sailors are getting out on the water than ever. While our current sessions are full, there are some easy ways to get started.
Join the waitlist and we'll email you the moment a spot opens up — this is the fastest way to get into our next Discover Sailing or Beginning Sailing session, and it takes less than a minute.
Ask about Intermediate Sailing, our next class up the ladder — dates aren't set yet, but if you've got some sailing experience already, reach out and we'll let you know as soon as we schedule it.
Ask about private lessons or a custom class - if you want to setup private lessons or even create a custom class with a group, reach out and we work to line up instructors with you
Either way, you're not too late — you're just a step ahead!
Discover Sailing
Never sailed before? Start here. Our $100 Discover Sailing day is a low-commitment, all-in-one introduction. Spend a half-day on the Bay, get hands on the boat, and find out whether sailing is for you. No gear, no experience, and no pressure required — just show up ready to have fun.
Current Sessions
9/5
*class duration is somewhat variable depending on conditions and student capacity
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Location:110 Loch Lomond Dr. (Dock A behind Andy's grocery store next to Loch Lomond Yacht Club)
Days, time, duration: Classes consiste of 1 half day which include a mix of “dockside” content and on the water hands-on learning. The class run from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Ages: >16
Prerequisites: If over 18 none, if 16-18, permission of a parent.
Location: Loch Lomond Marina
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 1 day
Dates: 9/5
Times: 10:00 am - 1 or 2:00 pm*
Boats: Catalina 16.5 Keel model
NOTE: Once you select your date and complete the registration form you can check out by selecting the shopping cart at the top of the site.
*class duration is somewhat variable depending on conditions and student capacity
Register today!
Beginning Sailing
Ready to really learn? Our beginner course takes you from "I've never done this" to confidently handling a boat on the Bay. Over four class days across three weekends, you'll learn the fundamentals — steering, sail trim, safety, and how to read the wind — in small groups with instructors who love to teach. You'll leave knowing how to sail, not just how to ride along.
Current Sessions
To be announced
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Location:110 Loch Lomond Dr. (Dock A behind Andy's grocery store next to Loch Lomond Yacht Club)
Days, time, duration: Classes are offered on weekends and consist of 4 days all of which include a mix of “dockside” content and on the water hands-on learning. All classes run from approximately 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Ages: >16
Prerequisites: If over 18 none, if 16-18, permission of a parent.
Boats:Catalina 16.5 Keel model
Location: Loch Lomond Marina
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 4 classes over 3 Weekends.
Days: Saturday / Sunday
Times: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Boats: Catalina 16.5 Keel model
NOTE: Once you select your date and complete the registration form you can check out by selecting the shopping cart at the top of the site.
Register today!
Intermediate Sailing
Already finished Beginning Sailing? Level up over two weekend days aboard our RS Quests and get ready to sail independently. SEA’s intermediate-level course is designed for sailors who are ready to gain greater independence and confidence on the water while refining essential sailing techniques. Additional skills include reefing while underway, anchoring procedures, capsize recovery, and crew-overboard response and safety protocols, and more!
Current Sessions
To be announced
-
Location:110 Loch Lomond Dr. (Dock A behind Andy's grocery store next to Loch Lomond Yacht Club)
Days, time, duration: Classes are offered on weekends and consist of 2 days which will focus on on-the-water hands-on learning. All classes run from approximately 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Ages: >16
Prerequisites: If over 18 none, if 16-18, permission of a parent.
Boats: RS Quests
Location: Loch Lomond Marina
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 2 weekend days.
Days: Saturday / Sunday
Times: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Boats: RS Quests
Why Learn to Sail with SEA?
We're a nonprofit, not a boat rental counter. SEA is a 501(c)(3) community sailing school — every class you take supports our mission of getting more people, and more kids, out on the water. That means our focus is on you actually learning, not upselling you.
Nonprofit & mission-driven — a genuine community school, not a commercial operation
Small groups (max 6 students) — you get real time at the helm, not a crowd
US Sailing certified instructors — patient, experienced, and genuinely happy to teach
On San Francisco Bay — you'll learn in world-class sailing waters, right out of San Rafael in Marin County
FAQ
Do I need any sailing experience?
Nope. Our Discover Sailing day and Beginning Sailing course are built for complete beginners. If you've never been on a sailboat, you're exactly who these classes are for.When do classes run?
Classes run on weekends, so they fit around a work week. Discover Sailing is a single half-day; the Beginning course runs over four class days across three weekends.What should I wear and bring?
Dress in layers you don't mind getting wet, wear closed-toe shoes with grip (like sneakers), and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and water. The Bay can be cool and breezy even in summer — a windbreaker is your friend. We provide life jackets and safety gear — you just bring yourself.How much does it cost?
Discover Sailing is $100 for a half-day intro. The Beginning Sailing course is $600 for four class days.What are the age requirements?
Our adult classes are for ages 16 and up. Families with younger kids can sail together through our custom Family Sailing sessions — just reach out and we'll help.
Refund Policy
Full refund up to 14 days before your class, minus a $25 processing fee. Because weather is part of sailing, weather-related cancellations are non-refundable, and students are responsible for attending all scheduled class days.
Missed Days
You are responsible for ensuring that you can participate in all the class days. If for some reason you have to miss a class, we do offer occasional makeup days, but they are general in nature and may involve students from different sessions.