First Sail FAQ

Class Information

Please arrive 15 minutes before your sail to complete a waiver and prepare for the sail.

Where do I go for classes?
All classes will be held at the Community Sailing Center. Located on the Burlington, Vermont waterfront just north of Burlington’s A_Dog Skate Park. 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 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!

What if I can’t make it to class?
If you’re unable to make it class, please call the Center at (802) 864-2499.

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. Class meets at all scheduled times, regardless of the weather.

How wet will I get?
Participants 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?
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.
The Center 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 Sailing Center reserves to right to review all PFDs brought from home. Please remember that water and electronics don’t mix. We advise leaving all cell phones 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.

Every CSC participant should come to class with the following items:

  • 1 quart of drinking water (minimum) in a reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses -with safety strap!
  • Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old sneakers work well – no flip flops)
  • Dressed appropriately for the weather – keep in mind it is often cooler on the water

First Sails with Foam Brewers participants will also need to bring valid ID.

Additional Sailing Opportunities
Learn to Sail Courses
Enjoyed the First Sail? Take one of our 15 hour Learn to Sail Courses to be able to sail on your own! Offered throughout the summer. More information can be found here.
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.
Women in Wind Club
The CSC is proud to host the new Women in Wind Club. Anyone who identifies as a women is welcome to join regardless of her sailing ability. For more information can be found on our website here or call 802-864-2499.

Questions?
Please call the Sailing Center anytime at 864-2499. General inquiries can be directed to info@communitysailingcenter.org.

More information is available at www.communitysailingcenter.org

See you on the water!