Sessions may be morning or afternoon depending on our club’s scheduling needs and availability of program volunteers. Check the schedule posted below. You can expect a brief introduction to the day’s activities followed by launching, and sailing. For morning sessions, you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it on our patio after the sailing. Length of sessions are weather dependent.

Sailing for Fun schedule for 2024:

• April 28 - Sunday - 10:00 AM
• May 22- Wednesday - 10:00AM
• June 08 - Saturday - 10:00 AM
• August 17 - Saturday - 9:00 AM (Registration closed. Session is full.)

To Register for one of our Sailing for Fun sessions, please email event coordinator Ryan Gaskin: r98gaskin@gmail.com

Notes:

• Schedules are developed throughout the year and may change based on weather and volunteer instructor availability. If you have enrolled in a session that must be rescheduled, your event coordinator will notify you.
• If all sessions for the current year are completed and you would like to be notified of next year’s schedule, leave your email address using the contact information above.

Preparedness Checklist.  Please read before attending class.

1. *Wear soft soled shoes. Boat shoes are better for wet surface traction, but ordinary sneakers or athletic shoes are fine. Do not wear open toed sandals or thongs.

2. Bring sunscreen or sunblock. If you normally wear sun protective clothing outdoors, be sure to wear it for these sessions.

3. Wear sun shades. Your eyes need the protection.

4. Layered clothing is best for unexpected weather. A waterproof bag for the extra layers and a light rain jacket (for spray in frisky conditions) are recommended.

5. Bring plenty of water (or your favorite electrolyte beverage). Two 20 oz. bottles should be considered a minimum. Dehydration on the water is much more common that most folks realize.

6. **Bring a properly sized US Coast Guard approved PFD with you.

7. Wear a cap, or better, a hat with 360 degree brim. UV protective clothing is a good option. Use lotions even if the day is cloudy. Indirect UV is just as harmful as UV from full sun.

8. Sailing gloves (bike gloves, soft gardening gloves can serve also) are recommended. Lines used to trim sails can exert a strong pulling force in bigger breezes that, with repetition, can become uncomfortable. Sailing gloves can be purchased locally from West Marine or online.

* To avoid risk of injury from wearing open toed or hard sole shoes, we are unable to carry students wearing these items.

**Safety requirements prohibit us carrying students not bringing USCG approved Personal Flotation Devices. If you do not have an approved device and cannot borrow a suitable one from a friend, your local marine store, sports outfitter, or on-line retailer will offer basic models at nominal cost.

Sailing for Fun fees ($55) are inexpensive because it is a “not for profit” program supported by volunteers. It is our First Sail program tailored for adults. Youth 14 to 17 are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If, after your Sailing for Fun experience, you want to know more about sailing, how to learn, and how to continue enjoying the activity, feel free to ask your instructor. With membership, we offer affordable alternatives to expensive commercial lessons. Commercial lessons provide instruction only. If you plan to pursue your sailing career locally, you will need a place to sail and store your boat. Lake Murray Sailing Club membership includes 24/7/365 access to Lake Murray, inexpensive on site boat storage for fully rigged boats, two launch ramps, and access to a community of active sailors with uncountable combined years of experience.