PREREQUISITES: Open to adults and minors age 14+ accompanied by a parent or guardian. In order to sign up for HSC classes, you must first become a member of Hunterdon Sailing Club ($150/family membership).

Beyond gaining access to take our introductory ALTS classes, HSC membership offers access to many free classes including weekly coached practice sessions, free use of club boats during club racing and sailing events when a safety boat is on the water, and participation in social events and picnics.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  These single-weekend courses are designed to teach beginners how to sail a Sunfish, which is a single-handed sailboat with a single sail.  HSC typically holds four Adult Learn to Sail (ALTS) classes in June or July.  

COURSE CONTENT:  Each day includes “Chalk Talk” instruction on shore followed by practice on the water.  You will learn how to rig a Sunfish sailboat, steer, tack (change direction upwind), sail upwind and downwind, gybe (change direction downwind), understand right-of-way rules, recover from a capsize, and use common sailing terms and concepts.  The last day of the class is a solo long-distance sail to practice all points of sail.  

Water Comfort Check
All participants must be capable of swimming 25 yards and treading water for 1 minute while wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

CLASS SIZE:  Limited to 12 students on a first-come, first-served basis.

BRING: Well fitting life jacket (Coast Guard-approved), closed-toe shoes (water shoes or sneakers that can get wet), sunscreen, water, lunch, sunglasses (if desired) with a safety strap. 

Dress for the weather – rain or shine.  Note that students will launch boats from the beach each day.  Be prepared to get wet and bring a towel and change of clothes.

NEW MEMBER MEETING:  March 15th 2026 at Riley & Jake’s, 1831 Rt 31, Clinton, 12-3pm Learn what HSC has to offer, ask questions and meet some HSC members at the New Member Meeting. Attendance is suggested, but not required. Class registration opens and registration links will be posted on this page on the day of the meeting.

LEARN TO SAIL CLASS SCHEDULE:
Friday: 6PM until dark (approximately 8:30 PM). Please arrive early.
Saturday: 8:30AM to 4PM
Sunday: 8:30AM to 12PM

CLASS FEE:  $175 for 2026 

DATES & REGISTRATION: (Class registration links will be posted here on March 15th, 2026)

ALTS Class A: June 12 – 14 
ALTS Class B: June 19 – 21  
ALTS Class C: June 26 – 28 
ALTS Class D: July 10 – 12 

NOTE: Upcoming Adult Learn to Sail class fees and dates are typically posted on this page by late February when the annual HSC Calendar and Budget are finalized.  These registration links will be posted when registration opens on the day of HSC’s New Member Meeting, which is held in March.

For questions about this class contact the HSC Training Coordinator training@sailhsc.org