Frequently Asked Questions - Adult Program

Class is about to start.

Begin leaving your "sailing stuff" in your car, so you're always ready to go sailing.  

Please park in the gravel North parking lot.  

Please leave in your car anything of value that is not waterproof and does not float.  The boats do not have a good place to keep anything very big, so please leave your handbag and all valuables (and cellphone if it is not waterproof) in your car, and then leave your car keys, if you wish, in the Sailing School office.

Please meet us at the Sailing School office, on the parking lot side of the building, first floor (south-west corner).  We'll be there to welcome you.

Please dress appropriate to the weather and wear/bring:  

•    shorts or comfortable pants, shirt

•    a change of clothing (we  never expect to be in the water; but "just in case")

•    closed-toe soft-soled boating shoes (or running shoes, if soles don't leave marks on white decks).

•    life-jacket (vest-style, USCG-rated Type III pfd)*

•    sports cap for the sun (if you wish)

•    sunglasses (probably with strap)

•    ordinary glasses, if you wear them (probably with strap)

•    loose fitting nylon parka that will fit over your life jacket, if the weather is damp, windy, or chill.

•    when the weather is rain, or going on a picnic sail, bring along a waterproof jacket (foul-weather gear).

Our informal on-shore teaching is not complex enough to require extensive note taking. Notebooks, etc. are not needed.

IMPORTANT - Bad weather & Emergency Contact:

(1) Sailing School classes always meet, even if the weather doesn't look like it's good for sailing - - we'll sail or be inside doing "shore" stuff, according to what's safe and what's practical.  

If a class has to be cancelled, we will

•    send an email to you

•    post a Notice to Edgewood Mariners <http://www.edgewoodsailing.org/> on the website

•    post a change in the calendar <http://www.edgewoodsailing.org/adult/calendar>

(2) How to contact us:  

Sailing School Office telephone: 401-785-3317

Sailing School contact:  www.EdgewoodSailing.org/contact

Emergency - conact Jonathan (cell: will be sent to you before class)

Parents are encouraged to sail, and will receive a $25 discount on Adult & Community Program classes during the sailing season in which their children are enrolled in the Youth Sailing Program.

The Sailing School encourages family sailing, so is also able to offer $50 discount on Youth Sailing enrollments, when two Youth siblings are enrolled during the same season.  The Youth siblings to do not need to be enrolled in the same class.  

Please use the "COMMENTS" on your Registration form, to mention the family/sibling adjustment.  The Registrar will send you a confirmation to explain the adjustment.

There are many opportunities to sail together, if you're in the same class, or taking individual lessons.  

Most group classes move students from boat to boat, and sometimes solo, to get the best sailing experience.  

The instructor coaches each sailor at her/his own level, so the pace of learning moves right along, and its fun.

Every student must have their own Coast Guard approved Type III personal floatation device (PFD). You can find more information about purchasing a PFD here.

You should have a whistle tied to your PFD so that you can signal an instructor if you need assistance. Some PFDs come with these built-in, or you can tie on a plastic whistle with a bit of string.

We ask all students to wear light-soled non-marking shoes to help keep the boats looking their best. You can get special boat shoes if you prefer, but sneakers work fine as well.

Some students like to wear sailing gloves, though these are optional. Sailing gloves provide a firm grip and help prevent rope burn. They are especially helpful on windier days. Most warm-weather sailing gloves have open fingertips that make it easier to tie and untie knots.

Dress for the weather and wear sunscreen. The sun gets hot, and can't be avoided in an open cockpit. The wind can also get quite cool. A light jacket can help you adjust to changing conditions.

It's best to leave as much non-sailing gear ashore as possible. You can lock this in your car, or leave it in the sailing school office during class. If there are personal items you'd like to keep with you, place them in a zip-top bag to keep them dry.

We accept checks and cash.  Tuition and Fees are due, in full, at the first meeting.  Refunds are not available.