WYC Lessons

Most WYC members had zero sailing experience before joining the club. WYC offers a wide variety of sailing lessons for our members, from novice to skipper.  We also offer teaching opportunities.  If you have questions about our lessons, lesson program, or need more information about lessons, please contact the Vice Commodore (vicecommodore@washingtonyachtclub.org).

Costs

All sailing lessons are free. Sign up for as many as you like.

Prerequisites

You must be a CURRENT member to enroll in a class. If you do not have a current membership, you will be dropped from the class you enroll in.

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are open to all members.  No experience is necessary, we are here to teach you! We supply the boats too.

Some classes do require you to read and be familiar with the Day Sailing handbook, that blue book you got with your membership card.

Some classes also require you to pass the Novice Written Test, see below.

Novice Written Test

A novice single handed or double handed rating requires passing both a practical (on the water) and written test.  Passing the novice written test is a prerequisite for some classes. You can make arrangements to take the test at the club office during office hours, or at the WAC during Ratings Examiner or Chiefs hours (look for hours posted on the WAC sail locker door).  The written test only covers material in the Day Sailing handbook, which includes sailing concepts in general and our specific club rules. More than one experienced sailor has failed the novice written test the first time because they didn't familiarize themselves with the club rules before taking the test!

How to sign up

There are many ways to sign up for a WYC sailing lesson:

Online: This is the preferred option. You can sign up below by clicking on the Enroll link next to a class.  You will get a confirmation email.

Email: You can sign up via email by contacting the Vice Commodore (vicecommodore@washingtonyachtclub.org).  In your email, say what class you want to sign up for.  You will get a confirmation email.

In Person: You can sign up in person at the club office in HUB SB-24 during regular office hours.

Telephone: You can sign up by leaving a message on the office phone (206-543-2219) with your name, phone number and the class that you wish to sign up for. Someone will call you to confirm that you were able to get into the class of your choice. If you do not get a call to confirm your choice you may want to show up for your class time, but be prepared to be asked to sit out if the class is already full.

Boat on the Lawn: This is our big membership and lesson drive, held at the beginning of a quarter. When you see a sailboat parked on the grass in front of the HUB, it will be staffed by WYC members who can help you join the club, sign you up for lessons, and answer any questions you have.

What to Bring to Class

Your instructor will tell you what clothing and/or equipment to bring, but here is a general list:

Weekly dinghy class - change of clothes (a wetsuit or drysuit also works)

Weekend dinghy class - change of clothes, lunch

Keelboat class - rain jacket and rain pants

For all classes it is recommended to wear warm, non-cotton clothing to sail in.  Again, use this information as a guideline only, your instructor will tell you what to bring to your particular class.

Where to Go For Class

All classes are taught at the Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) behind husky stadium.  If you show up on time for your class, and stand around the canoe rental window looking lost, your instructor will find you.

How to Drop a Class

Email the Vice Commodore (vicecommodore@washingtonyachtclub.org) with your wyc number and which class you want to drop.

WYC Online Sailing Lesson Signups

If you want to sign up for a class, click on the Enroll link next to a class. If you have questions about a particular class, please contact the instructor directly. If you have questions about classes in general, please contact our Vice Commodore.