Sailing: Adult Programs Information
Get ready to set sail!
Please review the important information below to be prepared for your class.
Location & Parking
All classes will be held at the Community Sailing Center. Our address is 505 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401.
We are located on the Burlington, Vermont waterfront just north of Burlington’s A_Dog Skate Park. We can be reached by car, biking, or walking.
Parking
There are a few free first come-first serve parking spots in the CSC’s gravel parking lot. There are also several pay-by plate spots along Lake St.
Please be aware parking can be limited on busy weekend days and evenings. We encourage participants to carpool and bike to the CSC.
Directions
To reach us by car, turn right onto Lake Street and follow it past Waterfront Park. Cross the train tracks and keep right to continue past the skate park. We are the large blue building located at the end of Lake Street, and our front doors face the skate park. We’re also easy to find by bike or foot on the Burlington Bike Path!
Liability Waiver
Every Community Sailing Center participant is required to sign the CSC’s liability waiver.
You can sign the waiver online linked here before the course or sign a physical copy when you arrive for your class.
Packing List
Every CSC participant should come to class with the following items:
- 1 quart of drinking water (minimum) in a reusable water bottle
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses -with safety strap!
- Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old sneakers work well – no flip flops)
- Insulating layers -fleece vest, jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket
- Change of clothes and shoes, towel
FAQ
What if I can’t make it to class?
If you’re unable to make it class, please call the CSC at (802) 864-2499. If you are running late or need to miss part of a class, please notify the CSC as soon as possible to limit disruptions for other participants.
What if it’s raining?
While we will never go out on the water if the weather is dangerous, rain alone is not considered dangerous. Classes will include on-land and on-water learning. Class meets at all scheduled times, regardless of the weather and Instructors will cover on-land material during foul weather.
How wet will I get?
Participants in any dinghy classes should come prepared to practice capsize recovery on their first day. This is a simple but essential skill for every dinghy sailor that involves tipping a boat onto its side, swimming briefly in the lake, then righting and re-boarding your boat. Opportunities for drying off and changing clothes will follow shortly afterward.
Participants in all classes should come prepared for weather that may include rain or, even on sunny days, spray or waves washing over the deck.
What should I bring to class? What will the weather be?
Please be prepared for conditions that range from 85° F with bright sunshine and no wind, to 48° in a rain squall with 18 knots of wind. All participants will have a safe space to leave any belonging and the opportunity to change before or after being on the water.
Will there be a lunch break?
Full-day programs will have a brief mid-day opportunity to eat a packed lunch or pick up food from one of the nearby restaurants.
Do I need a Life Jacket/PFD?
The CSC will provide a life jacket for every participant.
You are welcome to bring your own USCG-approved Type III Personal Flotation Device if you have one. The CSC reserves to right to review all PFDs brought from home.
Can I bring my phone for photos?
We advise leaving all cell phones and other electronics ashore with their ringers turned off. There will be opportunities for leaving these devices in a supervised location in our office while you’re on the water. Please remember that water and electronics don’t mix.
I have more questions!
Please call the Sailing Center anytime at (802) 864-2499. General inquiries can be emailed to info@communitysailingcenter.org.
Additional Opportunities after the class
Friday Night Dinghy Racing
Put your dinghy skills to the test in one of our casual weekly races. Races are held every Friday of the summer, June 26th – August 28th. Availability is first come first serve with sign-up starting Friday at 5pm; first race begins at 6pm. Individual sailors may bring their own crew to the event or match up with someone else upon arrival.
Private Lessons
Get some additional one-on-one instruction to refine what you learned in your group class. Private lessons are also a great way for dinghy graduates to make the transition to keelboat sailing and vice versa. You can request a private lesson online here or contact the CSC via phone at 802-864-2499.
Women in Wind Club
The CSC is proud to host the Women in Wind Club. This volunteer led group is open to all who identify as women sailors and designed for those who are comfortable on the water, prior sailing experience is recommended. Learn more and sign up for the club on our website here.
Rentals & Season Passes
Continue your sailing adventures and growing your skills independently! Boat rentals and season passes provide access to a fleet of maintained vessels to sail with your friends and family.