Learn to Sail FAQ

Sorry, but Hoover Sailing Club does not rent boats. All of our club-owned vessels are used for instruction during class time only.

Not yet - we're keeping it old school with stamps and paper checks for the time being.

Nope. As a Club member you receive a tuition discount and will receive informational mailings and access to enrollment before the general public.

If a course is full for a particular session, you will be placed on a waiting list for that session. If spaces open up, you will be notified via email, at which point you may either accept or decline the invitation. You may also consider enrolling in a different session that is not yet full.

Full refunds less a $50 administrative charge will be given up to four weeks prior to each session. Withdrawals in the four weeks prior to the beginning of a session will receive a 50% reimbursement, less the $50 administrative charge. No refunds will be given after the session starts.

It is strongly discouraged, as we find that it disrupts the natural flow of the course for the whole class, and is a challenge for both the instructor and the students. Arrangements, however, can be made through Jamie Jones, the Sailing Director, though understand that there may be no discount in the tuition.

Registration forms and full payment must be complete ahead of time, and a Liability Waiver and Emergency/Health Information forms should be completed prior to students’ first lesson. All forms will be sent out via email prior to the beginning of your session.

All completed forms and the gear mentioned below. If your child takes any medications or has any prescriptions in case of allergy or other emergencies, please bring these with instructions for use (and please be sure to notify the Sailing School Director and Head Instructor in person).

Gear can vary slightly with the type of class your child is taking. For instance, Intermediate and Race Team sailors typically need more specialized equipment than Beginners. The basics, however, are the same:

• a USCG approved Type II or III life jacket that fits – room to grow is a bad thing
• rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes that stay on in the water – sport sandals are NOT acceptable
• sunscreen
• water bottle
• change of clothes
• a towel
• and a bag to carry the gear

And make sure you label everything!

Promotions are made solely on the basis of instructors’ evaluation. If you have specific questions about advancement or your child’s sailing education, please contact the Director of Sailing at the Sailing School.

Registration begins January 15 every year and many of our courses fill up in advance.Information can be found on our Sailing Instruction Application. For an updated list of course availability, please contact Jamie Jones at 614-216-2679 or jjone45@outlook.com .

At no time will students be allowed to be near the water without a life jacket. For Opti Sailing students, a high level of comfort in and around the water is necessary, but strong swimming skills are not a must. For all other classes, students MUST be comfortable in the water in their life jackets and will be tested on the first day of class.

Your child should bring his or her own lunch. We have two large refrigerators and a fully functioning kitchen on site. We will break for lunch every day between 11:30 am and 1 pm.

We offer three Adult Classes: Beginner, Intermediate/Sail my Boat and Racing. Each course is specifically designed to teach a different set of skills, although there are some common aspects. Please visit our Class Descriptions page for specific information on each course.

Yes. Although all students are required to wear life jackets at all times, swimming skills are prerequisite.

All students must have:

• a USCG Approved Type II or III life jacket
• closed-toe, rubber soled shoes – sport sandals are NOT acceptable, as they do not protect toes
• many students like sailing gloves to protect their hands from abrasion – specialized sailing gloves are available at marine stores, but cycling/weightlifting gloves work just fine
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• hats

You can skip a class, but we don't recommend it. Tuition is not adjusted, and you may miss valuable information that could affect your overall learning experience.

Make up sessions may be available depending on enrollment. Please contact the Head Instructor once your session begins to make schedule arrangements.

Make up sessions may be available depending on enrollment. Please contact the Head Instructor once your session begins to make schedule arrangements.