Colorado Sailing Lessons

Our philosophy is simple.  We want to increase the popularity of this amazing sport by providing top notch sailing instruction on the best boats that are easy to access and safe to use.  We are committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills to have fun and stay safe on the water so you can enjoy a lifetime of sailing.

All of our sailing classes consist of small group on-the-water instruction with a maximum of four students.  For every class, we will spend a short amount of time on the dock doing a chalk talk that will cover some sailing concepts. We'll also talk about safety, boat rigging, and a plan for that day's class.  However, the best learning occurs by seeing and doing so we limit the amount of theory discussions and focus on hands-on learning.

All of our instructors have training in first aid and CPR.  We carry cell phones and a VHF radio during all classes in order to call for help if needed.  Our instructors have been sailing for years and carry certifications from US SAILING and the American Sailing Association (ASA).

 What to Bring

Temperatures on the lake can be 5-10 degrees cooler than on land depending on the wind and the sun.  Check the forecast before you head to the lake and dress in layers. Most sailors carry a small bag for extra gear.  If there is rain in the forecast, avoid wearing jeans or cotton as it is slow to dry.  Lightweight rain gear is recommended as we sail rain or shine.   Sailing gloves are recommended but not necessary.  Only closed-toe shoes with non-marking rubber soles are allowed on our boats. Traditional boat shoes are inexpensive and will give you better traction than gym shoes, but they are not required.   PFDs are required and provided for all students.

Essential Gear for Sailing:

Sunglasses with strap * Hat *  Sunscreen * Layered Clothing * Rain Gear * Water * Snack * Closed-toe shoes with non-marking rubber soles

US SAILING Level 1 (Junior Sailing Classes) (coming July 2009)

Rocky Mountain Sailing offers small group sailing lessons for youths ages 10-17.  Classes are limited to eight students and will run during the course of one weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a consecutive Saturday and a Sunday.  Student sailors will be required to provide a swimming proficiency certificate.  For additional information, please call us. 

US SAILING Basic Keelboat (Keelboat Daysailing)

Following the rigorous curriculum of US SAILING, the successful Basic Keelboat student will have demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in light to moderate wind and sea conditions.     

  Photo Courtesy of J-Boats

Topics Covered

Weather * Safety Equipment * Parts of the Sailboat * Knots * Sailing Theory and Terminology * Crew Responsibilities * Leaving the Dock * Sail Trim and Boat Control * Anchoring & Mooring * Piloting Basics * Rules of the Road * Heavy Weather Sailing * COB Maneuvers * Safety and Emergency Procedures * Docking and Securing the Sailboat * Corinthian Spirit

The Basic Keelboat  course requires the successful completion of these skill requirements.  These requirements are expected to be able to be performed safely with confident command of the boat in familiar waters with a wind range of 5 to 15 knots. The student will be able to skipper a tiller steered keelboat up to 27 feet in length.

                                                                                                                                                                 Basic Keelboat is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow presentation of the essential principles of  safe, confident day sailing. Developed by U.S. SAILING, this book uses short explanations and descriptions that are simple and easy-to-follow. Dozens of diagrams take the guesswork out of learning the sailing basics. It is included with class or is available from US SAILING.

Our Keelboat Daysailng class is taught aboard our International Class J/22, Irie ("irie" is a Jamaican word that roughly translates to "all is good with life"). The J/22 is not only a one-design racing boat, but it is one of the best sailing boats available. In fact, some J-boat sailors say the 22 sails better than many of the larger J's.  With its fin keel, the J/22 is very stable and forgiving.  It heals in a breeze but there is no fear of tipping over in this boat.  Its slick hull shape and generous sail plan makes her fast, and the tiller-controlled spade rudder makes her ultra responsive. These traits along with numerous sail controls make it easy for students to "feel" how the boat reacts to the helm and sail trim changes.  With a maximum of four students and one instructor, the seven-foot cockpit provides plenty of room. 

Please call us for more information.

Keelboat Cruising

The Keelboat Cruising graduate will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat, during daylight hours, within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.

                                                                           Photo Courtesy of Ghost Lake Sailing Academy

Topics Covered

Inspection and Use of all Boat Systems * Safety Gear and Essential Inventory * Use of VHF Radio * Winch Techniques * Line Handling * Crew Briefing * Float Plans * Proper Stowing of Gear * Proper Mooring Techniques * Advanced Sailing Theory * Casting off and Approaching with Considerations for Current, Wind and Tide * Advanced Boat Handling * Piloting * Emergency Situations

Successful Keelboat Cruising students will be able to demonstrate these skills, and will be able to maintain confident command of the boat in a wind range of 5 to 15 knots. The certified candidate will be able to skipper a keelboat up to 32 feet in length.

We recommend Basic Cruising, which provides an introduction to the world of comfortable, enjoyable cruising. It was developed by U.S. SAILING, and opens the door to an exciting new world by offering information essential for safely spending extended periods of time on the water.

We highly recommend the new book, The International Marine Book of Sailing by Robby Robinson.  This book is very well written and has over 1,000 color pictures.  It's written to follow the sailing learning curve and builds on concepts gradually.  Its a great book for all sailors - new and experienced- and will be an invaluable resource as you start your sailing life. It is readily available online or at your favorite bookstore. 

Spinnaker Class I

This three-hour class is intended to introduce the spinnaker and the techniques for using this sail while reaching and running.  We will use a simple to handle, small asymmetrical spinnaker aboard our Coronado 15.  We'll discuss rigging, hoisting, gybing angles, velocity made good (VMG), gybing, and dousing.

Spinnaker Class II

This is our advanced spinnaker class, which uses the larger and more technical symmetrical spinnaker aboard our J/22 Irie.  In a breeze, the J/22 can plane with the chute up, which gives quite a thrilling ride!  For class, we'll shoot for a day with moderate breezes in order to teach the rigging, the hoist, the gybe and the douse.  We'll also talk about gybe-sets, packing the chute, shrimping (and how to avoid it!), and safety best practices.
          
Two-Tacks Short Course

This three-hour class is intended for folks that are brand new to sailing and simply want to get a crash course sailing experience in order to determine if they want to pursue further instruction and training.   In the first half-hour, we'll do a very basic chalk-talk about the parts of the boat, how to hoist up and drop the sails, the rules of the road, the points of sail and a safety briefing.  For the remainder of the class, the focus will be on sailing. This class focuses on how to sail and limits the use of technical jargon.

Please see our Rates & Packages for more information.

Women's Only Classes

Ready to leave the guys on shore?  Rocky Mountain Sailing offers a  women's only Two-Tacks Short Course lead by a female instructor.  Call us for more information.

Dinghy Sailing

Rocky Mountain Sailing offers a full line of sailing opportunities, including dinghy sailing lessons aboard our Coronado 15.  The C-15, built by Capri Yachts, provides a combination of dinghy responsiveness with a large cockpit that can accommodate four adults. Ideally, however, this boat is sailed with two.  The C-15 as with all dinghies is very light weight and does not have any ballast.  To keep the boat upright, we will rely on crew position, including the use of a single line trapeze!  While we don't usually intend for it to happen, this boat can and will tip over, so lessons aboard this boat are reserved for swimmers in good physical condition.  For those that appreciate fast acceleration and high speeds, this is the boat for you! It will plane in 10 knots of breeze, and the trapeze system allows the adventurous to push the boat's performance limits.

During your dinghy class, you will be escorted at all times by an instructor that is aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat.  Inflatables have good maneuverability, stability and load capacity.  The Zodiac will be near your boat at all times to provide instruction, coaching and most importantly, a helping hand should you capsize.

Pre-requisite:  Participants should be capable of swimming 50 yards. A swim check must be obtained.

Notice:  Classes will be rescheduled if combined air and water temperatures do not total at least 120 degrees.  PFDs will be provided. Please bring swimwear or clothing that is suitable for the water. Questions?   Please call or email for more information.

Sail Share Check-out Exam

For experienced sailors that are interested in participating in the RMS Sail Share Program, we offer the opportunity to take a check-out exam to demonstrate your sailing knowledge and skills.  The check-out includes a 100-question written examination and a practical sailing exam.   

Knowledge and skill requirements are in close alignment with those required by a typical sailboat charter company.  We keep our yachts in top condition and are cautious about letting potentially unqualified skippers sail them. This ensures that you receive the maximum value as our boats are extremely well cared for by RMS as well as our Sail Share skippers.  Skippers that pass the check-out exam will have the fee applied towards the Sail Share program costs.  Please see our Rates & Packages for more information.

Please visit the Rates & Packages page for more information.