Learn to Sail This Summer on Long Island's East End Waters

There’s no better place to learn to sail than here on the East End in the summertime!

Sail Montauk
See The End from a new perspective as you sail off the coast of Montauk during a lesson from Sail Montauk. The sailing school offers three types of sailing lessons to adults of all abilities. For those interested in a one-on-one experience, Sail Montauk also offers private lessons by the hour. These lessons are for students at all levels. Instructors are ASA certified. Private lessons focused on racing are also offered. Sailors looking for more specific instruction can sign up for one of Sail Montauk’s workshops: Learn the Ropes, Points of Sail, and Match Racing/Spinnaker Sailing. Classes are small in order to foster hands-on learning. “Sailing lessons are a fun way to get out on the water, learn a great new skill, and challenge yourself,” says owner and operations manager Emily Havlik. For more info, visit sailmontauk.com or call 631-522-5183. Sail Montauk is located at 32 Star Island Road, Montauk.

Breakwater Yacht Club
Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor is a community sailing center where anyone can become a member or take a sailing lesson. From June through September, Breakwater offers hourly sailing lessons in both private and group settings with ASA certified instructors for sailors at all levels. Instructions in navigation and racing are also available upon request. Sailing director Sean Elliott says “students can be sailing a boat on their own in just a few hours.” To schedule a lesson, call Breakwater Yacht Club at 631-725-4604 or visit breakwateryc.org. “Sailing gives a lifetime experience,” says Elliott. “It’s something that sticks with you forever and is a sport that can be played for a lifetime.” Breakwater Yacht Club is located at 51 Bay Street, Sag Harbor.

Southold Yacht Club
Adult sailors may have had some difficulty finding lessons on the North Fork but, this summer, the Southold Yacht Club (SYC) plans to remedy this, as they have put together a proposal for an adult sailing clinic. Nicole Leitch, membership chair at SYC, believes the proposal is likely to be accepted: “when these proposals are driven by passionate volunteers, they almost always go through.” If accepted, the adult sailing clinic would be a comprehensive, hands-on group instruction for total beginners. For questions about membership and the sailing programs, visit southoldyachtclub.com. Southold Yacht Club is located at 165 North Parish Drive, Southold.