Adult Sailing

A US Sailing-accredited school. Courses and clinics for every level — first-timers to cruising and racing — taught by US Sailing-certified instructors.

Biscayne Bay · Coconut Grove

Adult Sailing

Learn from US Sailing-certified pros.

As a recognized US Sailing Accredited School, the CGSC Instructional Center is proud to offer an adult program rooted in professionalism, integrity, and a passion for getting you confidently out on the water.

All our instructors are US Sailing certified, ensuring every course meets the highest national standards for safety, instruction, and seamanship.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, you can feel confident that you're learning from experienced professionals dedicated to your success on the water.

Register for 2026 courses →

Beginner / Novice

Start here.

New to sailing, or getting back into it after time away — foundational courses on stable, forgiving boats.

Basic Keelboat Course

Get started with the national gold standard in sailing instruction. Taught on a 23′ Ensign keelboat, this immersive weekend course introduces core sailing skills and safety procedures — sailing terminology, rigging, points of sail, knots, charts, emergency recovery, navigation rules, anchoring, and more.

Goal
Foundation for US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
Format
Classroom + on-the-water
Schedule
2nd or 3rd weekend monthly · Sat & Sun, 9 AM–4 PM
Cost
$645 members · $745 non-members
Contact
Rosa Lamela · adultsailing@cgsc.org · 305.747.2600

Flying Scot Beginner Lessons

Learn to sail on the nimble and stable 19′ Flying Scot — perfect for two students and an instructor. A great intro to sailing in a hands-on, supportive setting.

Goal
Learn steering, tacking, and basic sailing theory
Format
3-hour classroom + water sessions (12–24 hours to solo-ready)
Schedule
On request
Cost
$285 per 3-hr session
Contact
Bud Price · flyingscot@cgsc.org

Learn to Windsurf or Wingfoil

Experience the thrill of windsurfing — where balance, wind, and water come together for an unforgettable ride. This beginner-friendly course is the perfect introduction to one of the most dynamic and rewarding watersports. We also welcome returning windsurfers who haven't sailed in a while and are looking to brush up their skills in a supportive environment.

Prereq
A willingness to try something new (and very cool)
Format
On-land instruction followed by on-the-water practice
Schedule
Beginners — 1st & 3rd Sat · Intermediate — 2nd & 4th Sat · 9 AM–12 PM
Cost
$225 members · $265 non-members
Note
Most students gain confidence after 4–6 sessions
Contact
Rosa Lamela · adultsailing@cgsc.org · 305.747.2600

Intermediate Courses & Clinics

Sharpen the skill.

Certification coaching and casual racing clinics to build confidence and tactical awareness in small-boat racing.

Basic Keelboat Certification & Coaching

Take your next step toward certification. Two to five private lessons prepare you for the exam, which includes a written quiz and an on-the-water skills test. Experienced sailors may test without lessons.

Coaching
$80/hr first person · $40/hr each additional student
Exam
Certification exam $305
Note
Challengers welcome — test without lessons

1-Day Sunfish Course

A dynamic course for students ready to transition to single-handed dinghy sailing.

Goal
Prepare for Sunfish Racing Clinics
Format
Land drills, rigging, sailing, capsize practice · full-day
Schedule
1st Saturday of each month · 9 AM–4 PM
Cost
$305 members · $355 non-members

Sunfish Racing Clinics

Casual, fun racing clinics to build your confidence and tactical awareness in small-boat racing.

Prereq
Basic Keelboat or prior experience
Level
Beginner racing
Format
3-hour clinic
Schedule
Sundays, 3–6 PM
Cost
$50 members · $70 non-members

Flying Scot Saturday Racing Clinics

Casual racing and community sailing with post-sail debriefs on the CGSC veranda.

Format
3-hour session with short races and group feedback
Schedule
2 Saturdays/month · 10 AM–1 PM
Cost
$75 per day

Laser / ILCA Clinics

Ready to sharpen your skills and get race-course confident? Ideal for intermediate Laser/ILCA sailors refining boat handling and racing strategy. Hands-on coaching focused on mark roundings, starts, upwind/downwind tactics, and situational awareness — in a fun, supportive environment.

Prereq
Comfortable sailing solo in moderate wind, managing basic sail trim and maneuvers
Format
On-water drills, tactical discussions, race simulations
Schedule
Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM
Cost
$75 members · $95 non-members

Windsurfing Clinics

Ready to take your windsurfing to the next level? Perfect for intermediate sailors comfortable on the board who want to dip into windsurfing competition. Guided coaching on different courses, racing drills, and an introduction to beginner-level racing tactics — in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Prereq
Comfortable sailing in moderate wind and completing basic maneuvers
Format
On-water training focused on racing techniques and decision-making
Schedule
Saturdays, 1–4 PM
Cost
$75 members · $95 non-members
Contact
Rosa Lamela · adultsailing@cgsc.org · (305) 747-2600

Cruising & Navigation

Go further.

Multi-day cruising certifications and classroom navigation courses for sailors building toward bigger water.

Basic Cruising Course + Certification

Build on your keelboat skills with three days of cruising-focused instruction covering boat systems, weather awareness, safety preparations, chart reading, navigation, and more.

Prereq
US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
Schedule
Dec 19–21, 2025 · Jan 9–11 · Mar 20–22 · May 1–3 · 9 AM–4:30 PM
Cost
$1,155 members · $1,255 non-members

Bareboat Cruising Certification

A 4-day in-depth course covering planning and provisioning for extended cruising, emergency procedures, anchoring overnight, advanced sail trim, and other key topics.

Prereq
Basic Cruising Certification
Schedule
Dec 5–8 · Feb 20–23 · Apr 17–20 · Jun 26–29 · 9 AM–4:30 PM
Cost
$1,375 members · $1,475 non-members

Coastal Navigation

Navigate with confidence — without electronics. Learn traditional skills using paper charts, bearings, dead-reckoning plotting, and more.

Format
4-evening classroom course · Mon & Thu, 5:30–9 PM
Dates
January 19, 22, 26, 29
Class size
Max 4 students
Cost
$720 members · $770 non-members

Celestial Navigation

Master the timeless art of navigating by the sun, moon, planets, and stars.

Prereq
US Sailing Coastal Navigation
Format
6 classroom sessions · Mon & Thu, 5:30–9 PM
Dates
March 9, 12, 16, 23, 26
Cost
$1,025 members · $1,075 non-members

Off-season

Keep your skills sharp this winter.

While Flying Scot Wednesday-night racing and Laser clinics take a break until daylight saving returns on March 8, the fun continues — sign up for Flying Scot, Windsurf, and Sunfish clinics to keep sailing, learning, and connecting with your fleet.

Flying Scot Clinics

Every other Saturday · 10 AM–1 PM

Bud Price · flyingscot@cgsc.org

Sunfish Clinics

Sundays · 3–6 PM

Marc Pendaries · Marc.pendaries@hotmail.com

Windsurf Clinics

Saturdays · 1–4 PM

Norlem Garcia · garcianorlem@gmail.com

Where we sail

On Biscayne Bay, in Coconut Grove.

The Instructional Center is on the water at 2990 S. Bayshore Drive — a five-minute walk from downtown Coconut Grove, with the full CGSC fleet, dock, and coaching staff on site.

CGSC Instructional Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and part of Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Visit the parent club →

Register

Sign up for 2026 adult courses.

Registration is open through Clubspot. Not sure which course fits? Send a note or call — Rosa runs the adult program.

Click here to sign up →

Questions first?

Not sure which course fits? Ask us.

Tell us your experience level and what you want to do on the water; we'll point you to the right course or clinic.

Adult program contact

Rosa Lamela · Director of Programs Development

adultsailing@cgsc.org305.747.2600

Main office

(305) 444-4571

Location

2990 S. Bayshore DriveMiami, FL 33133

Flying Scot lessons: contact Bud Price · flyingscot@cgsc.org.

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