SAILING MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION

What Will I Learn?

All membership orientations cover baseline requirements for renting equipment at MBAC, but are otherwise tailored to your specific learning objectives. These topics commonly include:

• Where equipment is located and how to set it up (rigging) properly
• MBAC rental rules and procedures including safety rules, boundaries, proper use of equipment, and rental return times
• How to safely handle your equipment of choice, independent of an instructor
• Body mechanics specific to your equipment of choice
• Areas to improve with your body mechanics, sail trim, and line sighting 
• How to safely recover from a capsize (Sabot excluded)
• Proper storage of equipment at our facility  

Upon successful completion of the orientation, you will be qualified to rent the specific boat you completed your orientation on and eligible to begin your sailing membership.

Is this the right class for me?

This is a great fit for anyone with sailing experience looking to become eligible to rent sailboats at MBAC and join our Membership Program.

MBAC requires you to bring at least one other person (aged 14+) with you to rent the Hobie Getaway, but your passengers do not need to be present for the orientation, nor do they need to be qualified to rent at MBAC. 

If you have little to no sailing experience, we suggest starting with learning the basics on the Sabot through one of our formal Recreational Classes or a Small Boat Private Lesson. Be aware that a certain degree of mobility is required to effectively maneuver on a small monohull such as the Sabot, RS Quest, or Laser, as well as windsurfing equipment. A better option for those with balance or mobility issues may be to book your class/lesson on the Hobie Getaway which is a 16-foot catamaran with much more stability.

Requirements

• Must have prior experience and understanding of sailing and basic navigation on the water to get checked off for the membership within the limited 2-hour lesson period. 
• Minimum required age to become qualified and obtain a sailing membership is 14 years old. 
• A general liability waiver is required to participate. Minors between the ages of 14-17 may participate on their own sailboat with someone over the age of 18 supervising them and a waiver must be signed by their parent or legal guardian.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must also have their membership agreement signed by a parent or legal guardian. 
• Participants must acknowledge that they are water-safe (able to swim 50 meters and comfortably tread water).
• Up to 5 participants. For lessons for more than 5 participants please see special events.
  • Please note that additional participants limit the amount of time each participant has to demonstrate the required skills for membership qualification and a participant who has little to no sailing experience will slow down the process of the experienced sailor becoming qualified to rent.

If you are using the orientation to become qualified for the membership program and to rent at MBAC you must be able to demonstrate the following skills during your lesson: 

• Solid understanding of basic sail theory
• Rigging
• Upwind sailing
• Capsize recovery
• Derigging and storage of equipment

How to Prepare

Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. The temperature can feel much cooler than expected once you are on the water, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket, even on warm days. We suggest comfortable closed-toed shoes. Sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. Lifejackets are provided and required for all sailing lessons. 

Additionally, if your goal is to qualify to rent the RS Quest, Hobie Getaway, or the Laser, you will practice a capsize recovery, which will involve getting into the water. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. You may use a MBAC wetsuit for no additional charge while participating in your lesson.

Outside of the capsize recovery, it is unlikely that you will end up in the water while sailing during your lesson (Windsurfing excluded - be water-ready at all times). However, it is possible, so we recommend wearing clothes that can get wet at all times. You will likely get a little bit wet from small splashes, handling wet lines, etc. anytime you are on a boat and there’s always a chance of accidental capsize. 

For any lesson, we recommend bringing sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. MBAC has a water bottle refilling station, but keep in mind that food and drink are not available for purchase at MBAC.

Parking can be a challenge at MBAC, especially during the summer months. Please visit our parking page for more information.

What's Next?

Continue your sailing education through our recreational classes or another orientation! Successful qualification for renting the Sabot, RS Quest, Hobie Getaway, Laser, or windsurfing equipment makes you eligible for our Sailing Membership program. Membership is a low-cost way to continue sailing and learning through discounted rentals and free instructional clinics. Find rates and more details on our Membership page.

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