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Sessions for 2024
  • Session #1 (Full): June 4,6,11,13
  • Session #2: June 18,20,25,27
  • Session #3: July 9,11,16,18

Classes run from 6:30 to 9:00pm


Link to 2024 Registration form

Link to the 2024 ALTS Flyer

What are people saying about our program?

  • The instructors were superb, patient and understanding
  • Great hands-on experience
  • Instructors are extremely knowledgeable and effective teachers
  • Class was well-tailored to varied experience levels
  • Instructors are passionate and friendly about sailing
  • Great experience switching between different types of sailboats
  • Everything met my expectations
  • Very well put together
  • Fabulous experience
  • Instructors are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable
  • Loved it!

FAQ

Q: What does it cost to participate?
A: The price is $250.00 (non-member) or $150.00 (member), and includes an instruction manual and t-shirt. Please bring a life jacket, and wear light-soled or non-marking shoes. Classes run from 6:30 to 9:00pm with four(4) Tues-Thur evening classes per session. To sign-up just complete the registration form and mail it to: NCYC - Adult Learn To Sail Program; 11850 Toledo Beach Rd.; LaSalle, Michigan 48145. If you have any questions, e-mail them to: ncyc.adultlearntosail@gmail.com, or phone (734) 430-9393.

Q: What size boat and are they stable?
A: Our Adult Learn To Sail program is taught on a fleet of 26-foot J80 sailboats. We chose the J80, with its 2,900(lb) displacement and 1,400(lb) keels, as our teaching platform because of its stability, and for their large cockpit area.

Q: How many students per boat?
A: We typically assign three to four students to a boat, along with two instructors. We maintain a high student/instructor ratio, both for the student's safety and to promote a more positive learning experience.

Q: What do I need to bring to class?
A: Recreational clothing suitable to the conditions. Bring sun protection: a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Wear closed-toed shoes such as sneakers or boat shoes. Also, it's almost always cooler out on the water, particularly during the evening, so a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, or windbreaker is recommended. We may sail in the rain, so - based on the weather - a rain suit or rain jacket is also a good idea. Also, if you forget something the sailing school usually has extra gear you can borrow; just ask the administrator. And, please bring your own water bottle.

Q: Are life vests provided?
A: No. You'll need to provide your own US Coast Guard approved life vest; however, we may have one you can borrow.

Q: Can I eat at the club before or after class?
A: Absolutely. Bar food is available; hamburger, pizza, sub sandwiches, etc.

Q: The forecast for my class time does not look favorable, how do I check to see if we will be having class?
A: Classes will be held unless prolonged severe weather is unavoidable; 'severe' meaning heavy winds, thunderstorms, etc. Light rain is wet, but not 'severe!' Since you've blocked class out on your busy schedule, we usually wait as long as possible before canceling. Sometimes, instructors might restructure class or activities to work around the weather; so, your best bet is to call or text the administrator at (734) 430-9393, a few hours before class to see if there are any changes likely. The administrator may also communicate via text message or email to the group in the event of a change..

Q: What if I am late for a class?
A: The obvious answer is to try not to be late, as the class may be on the water by the time you arrive. But if you are late call, (734) 430-9393, and let the administrator know your approximate arrival time..

Q: I would like to take a course, but I may have to miss a class or two due to my busy schedule is it worth taking the class?
A: Missed classes can often be made up in a later session, pending availability; so, the answer is, possibly.

Q: What if we have to cancel?
A: Students who cancel 48-hours prior to the program start date will receive a full refund. No refunds are possible beyond this deadline.

What is Adult Learn to Sail all about?

Our program is open to adults 18 years or older wishing to learn to sail. It is geared toward beginning and beginner-intermediate sailors. North Cape Yacht Club offers several sessions throughout the summer months.

North Cape Yacht Club in La Salle, Michigan is home to one of the finest sailing programs in the country for adults and youth; and can proudly say it is the home of both world and national sailing champions.

Our Adult Sailing program gives you an in-depth understanding of sailing, and will instill in you a life-long passion for the water and the sport. Students will experience all the thrills, exhilaration, enjoyment, and satisfaction that come from skippering and crewing a boat..

Our program at North Cape Yacht Club is a unique combination of classroom and on-the-water hands-on instruction and practice. Using the US Sailing Keelboat education curriculum, our class participants learn sailing theory, nomenclature, boat handling, basic safety procedures, vessel rigging and more. Because nothing teaches like experience, the majority of our time is spent on the water, under the supervision of North Cape Sailing School staff. The on-the-water portion of our program is taught on a dedicated fleet of 26ft J80 fixed keel sailboats that are owned by North Cape Yacht Club.

The Adult Learn to Sail Program offers three evening sessions with four-classes per session. Lessons take place at North Cape Yacht Club, situated on the western shore of Lake Erie; just south of Monroe, and only 9-miles north of Toledo.

Be the envy of your shore-side friends this summer as you enjoy and evening sail on Lake Erie!

Where do I go once I learn to sail?

I finished my class but I'm looking for more time on the water?

New in 2024 is an Advanced ALTS course! Offered in May and August, this course builds on the sailing basics from the regular class to offer students additional sailing skills including reading the wind and waves, navigating to a specific point, and more advanced sail trim. The August course will take place on the 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th using the same schedule as the regular course (6:30 - 9:00 p.m.). Once you have completed the first course, you are welcome to sign up for the advanced course!

In addition, North Cape Yacht Club offers its members and their families a welcoming clubhouse and facilities, further enhanced (especially for the sailor) by a deep water harbor. NCYC is a working club, with an active membership and community of primarily sailors, many of whom volunteer as mentors to ALTS participants! There are races most Wednesday nights during the summer and skippers are often looking for additional crew members. Also, we have one of the largest cruising fleets on Lake Erie; sailors who enjoy sailing their boats to various ports around Lake Erie and to destinations north. And, on almost any day, you'll see a number of our members taking their boats out for a short day or evening sail. We will happily connect you up with one of the club mentors in order to give you additional sailing experience.

Also - don't be shy - introduce yourself at the bar. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get out on a boat! North Cape Yacht Club members are very friendly people and enjoy sharing their passion with prospective sailors.

As an added benefit for our Adult Students, introductory memberships are available. This 90-day introductory membership entitles you to enjoy clubhouse and bar, social activities, racing/cruising and grounds privileges at North Cape Yacht Club. It's a great opportunity for you and your fellow students to get together, meet other North Cape members, and discover ways you can become more involved in the North Cape Yacht Club sailing community.

Still can't figure it out? Don't fret. We have something for you, or can customize something if needed. Just call (734)430-9393 or email ncyc.adultlearntosail@gmail.com

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North Cape Yacht Club, 11850 Toledo Beach Road, Lasalle, MI 48145
Phone: 734.242.5081 Fax: 734.242.1496 Email:
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