Learn-to-sail FAQ

Questions

1. When do the lessons start?
2. Do I need to sign up in advance for a Learn-to-Sail Lesson?
3. I'm an MIT student. Can I bring a guest for the Learn-to-Sail Lesson?
4. What are the requirements?
5. What should I wear to the lessons?
6. Can you reserve a spot for me?
7. When should I show up?
8. What's next?
9. Can I go sailing outside of class?
10. If I have already taken the Wednesday Class 1, can I just take the second half of the Sunday class?

Answers

1. Q: When do the lessons start?
   A:
   • Wednesday Learn-to-Sail Lessons start late April/early May in 2013 at 5:15pm.
   • Sunday lessons will start May 12, 2013 at 8:45am and 9:30am.
   
   Last edit by: egibber@alum.mit.edu
    
2. Q: Do I need to sign up in advance for a Learn-to-Sail Lesson?
   A: Depends on which day you are interested in:
   • Wednesdays: NO, just show up (no reservations, sorry).
   • Sundays: You can pre-register, up to two weeks in advance, in person at the Sailing Pavilion
     or you can still show up that morning as a walk-in, first-come first-serve, up to the 60 people limit (30 per session). (details)
   
   Last edit by: egibber@alum.mit.edu
    
3. Q: I'm an MIT student. Can I bring a guest for the Learn-to-Sail Lesson?
   A: Yes, you may bring one guest.
   However, some Sunday classes may be restricted to the MIT Community should overcrowding become a problem.
   Last edit by: egibber@alum.mit.edu
    
4. Q: What are the requirements?
   A: Learn-to-sail is available and free for the MIT Community. You need:
   • Valid MIT ID (student, faculty, staff, alum, or affiliate (including spouse))
   • Meet the swimming requirement, although no certificate is needed. But everyone sailing must know how to swim.
   Each MIT community member can bring up to one non-MIT guest. (But see the prior FAQ entry regarding Sundays.)
   Last edit by: egibber@alum.mit.edu
    
5. Q: What should I wear to the lessons?
   A: Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet! And remember that it's usually colder on the water than inland. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good rubber sole (preferably sneakers). Because there is always the chance you may capsize, you may want to bring along a dry change of clothes. If you wear glasses, please tie them on with string from the front desk or with your own sports leash. (Learn-to-Sail lesson 1 does not go in the water, so you can wear any clothes for that one).
   Last edit by: alvarso
    
6. Q: Can you reserve a spot for me?
   A: Depends on which day you're interested in:
   • Wednesdays: No, we cannot. Classes are first-come-first-serve only.
   • Sundays: You can pre-register, up to two weeks in advance, in person at the Sailing Paviion.
   
   Last edit by: alvarso
    
7. Q: When should I show up?
   A: Show up at:
   • WEDNESDAY: Between 5:00pm. and 5:15pm.
   • SUNDAY: Lessons start at 8:45 and 9:30am. But normally the class is over-subscribed, so we suggest you show up no later than 8:35am for the 8:45am class or by 9:15am for the 9:30am class. Pre-registered students must show up no later than 8:35am and 9:15am respectively to retain their spots. Don't show up before 8:30am, since nobody will be around!
   
   Last edit by: egibber@alum.mit.edu
    
8. Q: What's next?
   A: Please see the What next? page...
   Last edit by: alvarso
    
9. Q: Can I go sailing outside of class?
   A: You need to get a Sailing Card so that once you learn to sail (usually after Lesson 2 or the Sunday All-in-one), you can practice on your own, and ultimate to take friend with you, outside of class. The Sailing Card section of the site has full information.
   Last edit by: alvarso
    
10. Q: If I have already taken the Wednesday Class 1, can I just take the second half of the Sunday class?
    A: No
    Last edit by: theodric