Learn to Sail Clinic — Program Details and Curriculum
Everything you need to know about our October 2-3, 2026 clinic on Lake Wylie
Program Overview
The Catawba Yacht Club Sunfish Learn to Sail Clinic is a comprehensive weekend sailing education program held on Lake Wylie near Charlotte, North Carolina. The 2026 Learn to Sail Clinic runs October 2-3, 2026 — Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Designed for beginners ages 18 and above, the clinic provides structured instruction in the Sunfish sailboat, a twelve-foot recreational dinghy that is ideal for learning the fundamentals of sailing. The Sunfish is lightweight, stable, and forgiving, making it the perfect vessel for new sailors to develop confidence and skill on the water. Each clinic accommodates a maximum of ten students, ensuring every participant receives ample one-on-one coaching time with our instructors.
Detailed Curriculum
Our curriculum is carefully structured to build skills progressively across the weekend sessions. Each session combines land-based instruction with on-the-water practice. Here is a breakdown of what students can expect to learn over the weekend:
Friday 5:00 – 8:00 PM — Introduction and Safety
Students learn boat parts and terminology, how to rig and de-rig the Sunfish, basic knot tying, water safety rules, and capsize recovery procedures. The session includes a supervised first sail with an instructor nearby.
Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Wind Fundamentals, Tacking and Jibing
Instruction covers points of sail including close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, and running. Students practice reading wind direction, then learn upwind tacking and downwind jibing while steering the boat independently on Lake Wylie.
Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 PM — Course Sailing and Skills Review
Students sail a triangular course, review right-of-way basics, and complete a skills review with instructor feedback. By the end of the weekend, participants are equipped to sail a Sunfish independently.
Safety and Equipment
Safety is our top priority at the Catawba Yacht Club Learn to Sail Clinic. All participants are required to wear United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices at all times while on the water. Our instructors hold current CPR and first aid certifications. A powered safety boat is always on the water during instruction. The club provides all necessary sailing equipment including Sunfish sailboats, life jackets, and rigging hardware. Students should bring sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, and a water bottle. A signed liability waiver is required for all participants.
Location and Venue
Lake Wylie is a three thousand two hundred and fifty acre reservoir on the Catawba River, straddling the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. It is one of the premier freshwater sailing destinations in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The Catawba Yacht Club is located at 19721-19899 Youngblood Road West in Charlotte, NC 28278, providing easy access from Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Belmont, Gastonia, and the greater Lake Wylie community. The club's protected cove offers calm water conditions ideal for beginner sailors, while the open lake provides more challenging sailing for advancing students.
Registration and Pricing
Registration is available online through our secure registration form. Individual registration is priced at four hundred and fifty dollars per student. Current Catawba Yacht Club members enjoy a special rate of two hundred and fifty dollars per student. Each clinic is limited to ten participants, so early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Payment is accepted via Zelle or personal check. A waiting list is maintained for full sessions in case cancellations create openings.