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Boating: How to Boat: Basics

Learn to Sail with Discover Sailing

What is Discover Sailing?
Discover Sailing is a nationwide program that offers thousands of people each year the opportunity to experience the thrill, excitement, and charm of sailing for the first time at no cost. Sailing is a recreation that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're looking for a leisurely way to enjoy the water or an exhilarating new challenge, Discover Sailing serves as introduction to the sailing lifestyle.

What are the goals of Discover Sailing?
The short-term goal of the program is to show people that sailing is an accessible and fun activity that can be enjoyed by individuals and families alike.
The long-term goal is to bring new sailors into the sport in order to grow the sailing industry. Discover Sailing participants will walk away from their first sail wanting to know more about the lifestyle, in turn creating more sailors and more consumers of sailing products.

How Does Discover Sailing Work?
Discover Sailing is a no-cost, no-obligation learning experience. It is an opportunity to get out on the water with a trained skipper who provides valuable information and a chance to become familiar and comfortable aboard a sailboat. Local boat dealers and sailing schools provide the sailboats and skippers. The free introductory sails are offered at a series of sail-only boat shows across the nation, as well as privately arranged through a dealer or school.

Where are the Discover Sailing Outlets Located?
The Discover Sailing program will offer free sails to newcomers at the following 2000/2001 boat shows:
  • Toronto In-Water Boat Show (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) September 14-17, 2000
  • Newport International Boat Show (Newport, RI) September 14-17, 2000
  • Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show (Norwalk, CT) September 21-24, 2000
  • Sail Expo St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, FL) November 2-5, 2000
  • San Diego Boat Show (San Diego, CA) January 4-7, 2001
  • Strictly Sail Miami (Miami, FL) February 15-20, 2001
  • Pacific Sail Expo (Oakland, CA) April 18-22, 2001
  • Baltimore Waterfront Festival (Baltimore, MD) April 26-29, 2001
There is also a network of approximately 200 sailing schools and boat dealerships located throughout the United States that offers free introductory sails. For more information, or to locate a participating dealer or school, please call the toll-free Discover Sailing phone number 800-535-SAIL (800-535-7245).



 
More in this section...
  Knots: Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
  Knots: Sheepshank
  Learn to Sail
  Learn to Sail with Discover Sailing
  Line Handling and Stowing
  Nautical Charts
  Paddling 101
  Quick Reference Chart for Federal Requirements
  Sailing Simplified - Sails, Hull & Rudder
  Tough Docking Made Easy