Quick & Salty 101: Sailing Basics
Foundations of Sailing
Service Description
Quick and Salty 101 is a practical sailing course for people who want real skills, not a certificate. This class skips the fluff and focuses on what actually makes someone a confident sailor. The course takes place on board Stumptown Viking, our Ericson 23 MKII training vessel. She is a classic tiller steered sailboat with responsive handling which makes her the perfect boat for learning the true mechanics of sailing. You will feel how sail trim affects speed and balance, and you will learn how to steer with precision using a tiller instead of a wheel. You will learn by doing. This course covers the essential knowledge that every new sailor must know in order to be safe and competent on the water. We focus on what matters most such as reading wind and weather, understanding keelboat draft and charts, identifying boat parts and sailing terminology, learning the six points of sail, basic sail trim, and rules of the road for collision avoidance. Most importantly, you will learn and practice the four core sailing maneuvers that every sailor uses on every trip. The first three hours of this course are taught aboard Stumptown Viking at the dock where we build a strong foundation with interactive instruction and hands on learning. The next three hours are spent sailing on the Columbia River, putting everything into practice with real helm time and crew roles. By the end of this course you will understand how to control a boat under sail, how to communicate clearly as crew, and how to handle a tiller with confidence. If you want a fast, direct path into sailing, this is where to start.
Cancellation Policy
Booking and Cancellation Policy We are excited to sail with you! Your spot on the water is reserved just for you, so here is how changes work: • Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled sail will receive a full credit toward a future class. • Cancellations within 48 hours, or no shows, are non refundable. Sailing requires prep, gear, and a ready vessel, and short notice changes make it hard to fill your spot. • If weather, safety, or instructor availability requires us to cancel, you will receive a full credit or the option to reschedule. Mother Nature always has the final tack. • Running late? Please text or call. Arrivals more than 15 minutes past start time may forfeit the lesson since we need time to cast off and make the most of our sail. • Special circumstances happen. We want every sailor to have a positive experience, and we understand that life can throw surprises. If something unexpected comes up, reach out and we will review on a case by case basis to find a fair solution. Thank you for respecting the time, tides, and teamwork that make this experience amazing. We cannot wait to get you out on the water!