Adult Community Classes
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Community Classes
Adult Classes are for ages 17+
We offer beginner through advanced sailing primarily during the spring and summer seasons.
During the fall and winter, our programs are generally focused on serving UCSC students due to limited staffing, time, and boat availability.
Interested in a community class this fall or winter? If there is enough community interest and we have the staff and resources available, we may offer additional classes or programs outside of our regular spring and summer schedule. Check back for updates or reach out to us at ucscboat@ucsc.edu to let us know what classes you’d like to see offered.
Community Events
Stay connected with the UCSC boating community and find more opportunities to get out on the water year-round!
Join our Google Group to:
- Meet fellow sailors and rowers
- Coordinate weekend sails and outings
- Get updates about regattas and community events
- Hear about other opportunities to get on the water
Class Descriptions:
Our community classes are open to the public and offer instruction for a variety of experience levels, from first-time beginners to advanced sailors.
Click to explore what you learn in each class.
Dinghy Sailing
Build a strong foundation in sailing aboard our small, responsive dinghies. Our dinghy courses focus on the fundamentals of sailing, including boat handling, sail trim, steering, points of sail, tacking, jibing, safety, and confidence on the water.
Beginning Dinghy (Level 1) Syllabus
Learn the fundamentals of sailing, including boat handling, rigging, points of sail, sail trim, tacking, jibing, and basic safety skills.
Intermediate Dinghy (Level 2) Syllabus
Build on your foundational sailing skills and develop greater confidence, boat control, and independence on the water.
Advanced Dinghy (Level 3) Syllabus
Refine your sailing and boat-handling skills while developing the ability to manage more challenging conditions and situations.
Keelboat Sailing
Take your sailing skills to the next level aboard larger sailboats. Our keelboat courses focus on boat handling, sail trim, teamwork, safety, and practical sailing skills.
Beginning Keelboat (Level 1) Syllabus
Learn the fundamentals of sailing and handling a keelboat, including basic maneuvers, sail trim, docking, and safety.
Intermediate Keelboat (Level 2) Syllabus
Develop greater confidence and independence while expanding your sailing and boat-handling skills.
Advanced Keelboat (Level 3 & Captain Joe) Syllabus
Build advanced sailing, boat-handling, and decision-making skills through more challenging on-the-water experiences.
Rowing
Learn the fundamentals of rowing and develop safe, efficient boat-handling skills on the water.
Beginning Rowing
An introduction to rowing fundamentals, equipment, boat handling, and safety.
Intermediate Rowing
Build on your rowing foundation and develop greater confidence, technique, and boat control.
Other Boating Classes
Explore additional courses designed to develop specialized boating skills and expand your experience on the water.
Powerboating
Develop practical powerboat handling skills, including maneuvering, docking, safety, and boat control.
Racing Fundamentals
Learn the skills and strategies needed to get started in sailboat racing, including starting, boat handling, sail trim, and basic racing tactics.
Intro to Bareboat Cruising
Develop the skills and confidence needed to plan and safely operate a cruising sailboat.
Enrollment Instructions
Step 1: Log in or create an account by clicking here. or the link below.
Step 2: Once logged in, click on Boating and select: Boating Programs
Step 3: Click on which class you would like to enroll in.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Please note: The Boating Center no longer accepts cash payments on-site.
Cancellation Policy
Refund requests will be reviewed and processed within 7–10 business days.
Refunds are based on how far in advance you cancel:
- Full refund: 31+ days before the start of class
- 50% refund: 14–30 days before the start of class
- No refund: Within 14 days of the start of class
To cancel your registration or request a refund, please email with:
- Your name and email
- Participant’s name and student ID (if applicable)
- Program or service
- Date of purchase
- Order number
- Amount paid
- Reason for the cancellation or refund request
