Experience the thrill of sailing with US Sailing’s First Sail Program—a perfect introduction for beginners!
The First Sail Experience is a two-hour lesson offered to anyone through a growing list of First Sail Locations, comprised of community sailing centers, sailing schools and yacht clubs around the country. This unique opportunity offers beginners an introduction to sailing in a casual setting and is designed to provide a memorable experience that will motivate newcomers to continue sailing. Participants will get out on the water with an instructor in a sailboat provided by the First Sail Location. The First Sail Experience features basic hands-on learning on board a sailboat that will cover topics such as: how a sail works; parts of a sailboat; points of sail; and important safety guidelines.
This hands-on, on-the-water experience provides a fun and easy way to learn the basics of sailing under the guidance of a certified instructor.
No prior experience is needed—just a sense of adventure!
Join us for your First Sail and take the first step toward a lifetime on the water.
What to Bring for Your First Sail Course
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
✅ Clothing: Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes.
✅ Non-Slip Shoes: Closed-toe, non-marking shoes with good grip (no flip-flops).
✅ Sun Protection: Sunglasses with a strap, a hat, and reef safe sunscreen (water-resistant SPF 30+).
✅ Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated—bring a reusable water bottle and light snacks.
✅ Gloves (Optional): Sailing gloves can help protect your hands while handling lines.
✅ Notebook & Pen: Take notes on sailing techniques and navigation tips.
Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!
Stay tuned for more information from our new Education officer!
Beginner Keelboat Sailing
16 hours | Ages 16 and up | No experience necessary!
This course is for anyone interested in learning the basics of sailing.
Whether you are looking to try something new, or you’re itching to buy a boat and sail around the world, this is the place to start. You will learn everything you need to know about sail theory and how to use the wind to get where you’re going!
Be prepared to take the helm; you will quickly learn how to trim your sails and navigate the Kona waters!
The goal of this class is to prepare people to independently skipper a boat.
Each Keelboat class is taught with a 2:1 or 3:1 student-instructor ratio and offers a great environment for addressing the particular needs of each student. This class takes place on the water, so come prepared to be out on the boat for nearly all of the session.
KSC is an accredited US Sailing Center; this class is taught by certified instructors to US Sailing standards.
Prerequisites: None! Though, if you want to experience our Keelboats first, try an First Sail before your course!
Next Step: Keelboat Refresher or Intermediate Keelboat
Topics Include:
- Basic sailing theory
- Boat parts and sailing terminology
- Rigging the boat
- Upwind and downwind sailing maneuvers
- Efficient sail trim
- Tacking and jibing
- Rules of the road
- Person overboard recovery practice
- Approaching and leaving a dock or mooring buoy under sail
- Understanding the basics of local weather and tides
Recommended Reading: We use US Sailing’s Basic Keelboat textbook in conjunction with this class. This book is a great resource as you start your journey as a sailor. We have a limited number of copies for sale and a few that are available to borrow from us. You can also find it online or at the library. We suggest that you glance through it before the start of class, having a sense of these concepts will allow us to maximize your time on the water!
Our Skills Test may be administered during the course at the instructor’s discretion.
Basic Keelboat Certification
US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course
Ready to set sail? The US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course at Kona Sailing Club provides the perfect introduction to sailing for beginners and a great skill refresher for intermediate sailors. This hands-on course teaches the fundamentals of sailing, including boat handling, sail trim, docking, navigation, and safety procedures. Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognized US Sailing certification, allowing them to rent or skipper keelboats up to 27 feet in length.
Course Overview:
Sailing Basics – Terminology, sail theory, and boat rigging
On-Water Training – Points of sail, steering, tacking, and jibing
Docking & Maneuvering – Operating under sail and power, anchoring techniques and trailer launching
Navigation & Seamanship – Basic charts, rules of the road, and weather awareness
Safety & Emergency Procedures – Crew overboard drills, reefing, and heaving-to
Why Take This Course?
US Sailing Certification – Recognized at sailing clubs and charter companies nationwide
Expert Instruction – Learn from experienced, US Sailing-certified instructors
Hands-On Learning – Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction
Beautiful Kona Waters – Train in ideal sailing conditions with stunning views
Course Details:
Location: Kona Sailing Club, Big Island, Hawaii
Now Enrolling – Limited Spots Available!
Duration: 4-5 days (classroom, land drills, and on-water training)
Contact Us: education@konasailingclub.org
Learn More & Register: Register Here
Set sail with confidence—join our US Sailing Basic Keelboat Course and start your sailing adventure today!
Our Skills Test may be administered during the course at the instructor’s discretion.