Learn to Sail
An Invitation to All Members of the MIT Community: Learn to SailOverview (FAQ)
MITNA Learn to Sail classes will first teach you how the MIT Sailing Pavilion works and then how to sail in just a few hours! If you have previous experience, show up to the "first" Wednesday session, to learn how the Pavilion works. If you are new, show up to all three Wednesday sessions or to a Sunday session.
Before the class: We recommend that you watch the Open Course Ware Videos and practice the Stunsail Tack Bend and Bowline knots (Animated Knots).
Handouts: You can use these handouts both before and after the class:
- Welcome to Sailing at MIT: An introduction to the Sailing Pavilion
- Wednesday How to Sail Notes: The basics of how to rig and sail a Tech Dinghy
- Knots you need to know: Bowline, Stunsail Tack Bend, and Mooring Cleat
- Wednesday Class Handout: All three of the above documents in one PDF
Wednesday Series
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Sunday All-in-One
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| When (Please see the Calendar for upcoming dates) | |
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Wednesdays (May 2, 2012 - Early September, 2012) 5:15pm - 7:15pm FIRST 2012 CLASSES:
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Sundays May 13, 2012 - September 3, 2012 (includes Labor Day Monday class) - 2 sessions each day 9:00am to 1:30pm & 9:30am to 2:30pm FIRST 2012 CLASS: Sunday May 13, 2012 NO CLASS: Sunday May 20 and May 27 Class fills up, show up by 8:55 for 9:00 session and 9:15 for 9:30 session! |
| Where | MIT Sailing Pavilion | MIT Sailing Pavilion |
| Who | |
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Members of the MIT Community who:
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| Summary | |
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Basic sailing in the Tech Dinghy, from orientation
through on-the-water practice. This series consists of three
separate lessons:
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Sailing Bootcamp! An intense 4.5 hours class which
introduces you to all the basics of sailing and being part
of the MIT Sailing community. Class will cover:
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| Sign-Up | |
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| Contact | |
| Wednesday Classes | Sunday Classes |
Requirements
First, use this table to help you decide what class is for you:
| Wed #1 | Wed #2 | Wed #3 | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I've never sailed before. | X | X | X | X |
| I took Wed #1 more than two years ago. | X | X | X | X |
| I completed all Wed classes or the Sunday class more than two years ago. | X | |||
| I completed all Wed classes or the Sunday class about a year ago. | None! Just go sailing! | |||
| I already know how to sail, and I'm good at it, but never at MIT. | X | |||
Next, determine the requirements for either a Sunday or Wednesday class:
- Valid MIT ID or proof of MIT Community status (you can bring one non-MIT guest).
- MUST have swimming ability (everyone sailing), no exceptions. You should be able to meet the standard MITNA swimming requirement, but don't need to present proof.
- Come dressed for sailing: try to wear sneakers and clothes you don't care if they get wet with Muddy Charles water.
- Please do not bring valuables! Please leave your wallet, cellphones, and any other valuables at home. Only bring your MIT ID and items you can put in your pockets that you don't mind getting wet. Do not bring purses, backpacks, laptops, or anything else that will make you unhappy if it gets wet or lost.
- Wednesday: First-come first-served, there is NO registration for the class, just show up.
Sunday: Walk-ins welcome, but the class may be full. To ensure a spot you may optionally Pre-Register in person at the Sailing Pavilion. Absolutely no e-mail reservations! You must pre-register in person.
Beyond these classes, independent sailing at MIT (including guest privileges) requires a Sailing Card. Once you get your Sailing Card your use of our Tech Dinghies should then be limited only by your own confidence level and occasional heavy-wind restrictions. Passing a series of proficiency check-offs ("ratings") will ensure that you can take a boat out, with guest privileges, whenever you wish, and also afford access to our more advanced sailboats.
Volunteer!
Free lessons for all in the MIT community are offered through the generosity of volunteers like you. If you're interested in helping out this season, please sends us a note:
Contact Learn-to-Sail Program Organizers
