5 Sailing Knots Every Sailor Should Know

Sailing is a wonderful sport that allows us to take to the ocean and our lakes and enjoy the freedom and exhilaration that comes with controlling a vessel while out at sea. Still, when setting out on the water it’s always important to be prepared. With the wind at your back and the vast expanse of the ocean or our lakes ahead of you, it can be extremely liberating but by no means is it a suitable environment for the unprepared. Whether you’re sailing out for the first time or whether you’re a seasoned old salt, preparation makes all the difference between a satisfying sailing experience and a frustrating one.

With that in mind, it’s important to at least ensure that you know a handful of knots that will make for easier control of the sail and make for smoother and more pleasurable aquatic adventures. Here is a handful that will stand you in good stead when setting out on a Sunrise Sailing Club cruise…

Bowline

Bowline Knot

One of the most useful and versatile knots in sailing and widely referred to as the “king of knots,” a bowline is the perfect place to start. If you only learn one knot before sailing out, make it this one. It’s a fairly simple loop knot designed to tighten the more load is placed upon it. If you can tie your shoelaces, you can manage a bowline. It’s most commonly used to fasten the halyard to the head of the sail although it’s also used by the coast guard to haul in wayward swimmers… although hopefully, you won’t need to do that.

Reef knot

Reef Knot

A reef knot or square knot is also not a million miles away from a typical shoelace knot using the same over-under method. It’s commonly used to create a stopper knot to tie two different lines together. With a maritime history that goes back over 4,000 years, a reef knot is easy to tie and release, and it’s another knot every sailor should know.

Figure-Eight

Figure Eight Knot
The aptly named figure-eight knot is another stopper knot that’s highly versatile and widely used at sea as well as in a range of other outdoor sports like rock climbing. This is a temporary knot that can be tied in seconds and handle immense pressure actually growing stronger the more strain is placed upon it. Yet, despite its enormous strength, it’s still quick and easy to untie.

Midshipman’s Hitch Knot

Midshipman's Hitch Knot

This one’s a little more advanced, but it’s a strong and highly versatile adjustable knot that can come in handy in a crisis. Not that we expect you to experience any crisis… but as they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

The midshipman’s hitch knot can be fastened under tension, creating an adjustable loop at the end of your line. Those who find themselves falling overboard can stay secure while they’re hauled back on board by fastening the midshipman’s hitch knot around themselves.

Cleat Hitch

While all of the above knots will help you out at sea, a cleat hitch will keep your vessel secure when docking. Simply wrap your line around the far side of the cleat, then up and across, back toward the nearside, and back to the far side. Repeat this until the line is pulled under itself. It’s a quick and easy knot that ensures your boat is still where you left it when you return.

You are now well on your way to becoming a seasoned sailor with this newfound knowledge of sailing knots. If you’re ready to test your skills out on the water, join the team at Sunrise Sailing Club for an adventure you won’t soon forget. Schedule a sailing lesson or reserve a boat with us today: (770) 271-7444

Basic Sailing Tips to Remember

October 21, 2019/in Sailing /by Dan Kingery

At SunRise Sail, we have a passion for sailing and we love instilling that passion in others. We feel that our job is to help you master the basics of sailing so that you can safely enjoy your time on the water. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or just getting your feet wet, we feel that you can learn from this quick review of basic sailing tips.

Become Familiar With Sailing

For your first time, sail in calm and uncrowded waters. Practicing in calm waters with little traffic will increase your confidence and give you an opportunity to get used to your boat.
Be aware of tide, wind and weather conditions. Being a sailor means always being prepared. Check the weather forecast so you can be prepared for whatever the weather might bring. Be sure to bring along adequate provisions, clothing and basic weather gear as needed.
Sail control is key. Knowing how to take advantage of the various wind and water conditions is the mark of an excellent sailor. In general, sails should be relatively flat when the wind is either very light or very strong, and full when there is a moderate wind.

Get To Know Your Boat

Choose a boat with all lines lead to the cockpit when learning how to sail. Fewer trips on deck make learning to sail less difficult, especially for the older folks.
Begin sailing with only one sail for simplicity. A boat that’s rigged with two sails can easily be sailed using only one sail. Learning sailing basics with the main can be easier and less complicated.
Respect the boom. To avoid a bump to the head, or even worse, being knocked overboard, one of the most important beginner sailing tips to always remember for both passengers and crew is to be conscious and respectful of the boom at all times.

Learn The Procedures

Always follow sailing basics for safety. No matter what your level of experience is, there are certain sailing basics that should always be followed. These include always telling someone before you go out on the water, always bringing a floatation device and knowing in advance how to swim.
Practice capsizing. While this may seem like an odd tip to suggest, we feel that it’s much better to practice how to handle a capsized sailboat in a controlled environment. We learn best from experience, and the valuable sailing basics you’ll pick up from going through a test-capsize in a small boat will serve you well in the event of a real-life one.

Learn basic sailing terms. Before you venture out on your first trip, be sure to acquaint yourself with basic sailing terms. Make sure you know the difference between port, starboard, windward, leeward and other important concepts.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning to sail from someone who has experience is crucial. SunRise Sailing offers affordable and comprehensive sailing lessons on Lake Lanier. Our instructors are ASA certified and are committed to helping you earn your ASA Basic KeelBoat 101 certification. Our classes and schedules are flexible so call on SunRise sail today! 770-271-7444

What are the Rules for Sailing on Different Waters?

October 2, 2019/in Sailing /by Dan Kingery

Sailing and boating, in general, are great fun for adventurous water lovers. However, there are many novices out on the water who aren’t particularly familiar with the rules of the water and they Sailing run the risk of injuring themselves or someone else. Just as drivers need to know and understand the rules of the road, boaters need to learn rules for the safe operation of water vessels before stepping foot on a sailboat, motorboat, or yacht.

Rules can vary depending on the geographic location and the size of the boat or yacht. Ensure that you know the rules that apply to you before you venture out on the water in a sailboat or any other vessel.

International Rules

Any vessel that ventures out onto the oceans and seas must abide by the International (Maritime) rules of the water. These regulations apply to all types of vessels that can travel out onto the oceans and seas. These rules also apply to boats and yachts on waterways that connect with seas and oceans. These waterways may be navigable by large seaworthy vessels.

The types and sizes of vessels can vary significantly, so boaters should have some familiarity with other vessels. Even the definition of “vessel” is somewhat ambiguous. According to international navigation rules, a vessel can be any type of craft navigating the water.

Boaters must follow rules regarding the right of way, lighting, sound, anchoring, and docking as well. Rules of the water govern how boaters operate their vessels around other vessels. These laws are in place to keep everyone safe and to prevent accidents.

Under boating regulations, right of way is different than it is for motor vehicles on the road. This is because waterways do not have streets and intersections. Rather, vessels have one of two distinctions: the give-way vessel and the stand-on vessel. The give-way vessel must allow the stand-on vessel to continue on its way without interfering. The operator of the give-way vessel should signal the intention to yield so the stand-on vessel operator knows to proceed. The stand-on vessel must acknowledge this signal, continuing on with its course in a safe manner.

Inland Rules

Boating laws and regulations apply to all of the inland waters of the United States, such as major rivers and lakes. All watercraft that use inland waters are subject to these laws. Regulations also extend to Canadian waters that are a part of the Great Lakes, as long as the two countries’ laws regarding the same waterways do not conflict with each other. Inland water rules also include special provisions that apply to specific waterways. These waterways include the Great Lakes and the western rivers.

These waterway rules can be very specific. If you have questions about these rules and how to adhere to them, please don’t hesitate to call on our team at Sunrise Sailing Club. Our crew of instructors is ASA certified and highly skilled in sailing. Call on us today! 770-271-7444

Learn To Sail: Tack & Jibe Edition

August 7, 2019/in Sailing Lessons /by Dan Kingery

If you want to learn how to sail to prep for a summer family vacation or as a family adventure at any warm time of the year, you need to learn the two basic turning maneuvers: jibing and tacking. Mastering these sailing techniques requires an understanding of wind direction, a knowledge of sailing terms, and an ability to navigate the assisting features. When performing a tack or jibe the goal is to shift the boom of the boat from one side to the other. Each turning technique is simply a turning of the sail in the opposite direction.

Step 1: Determine Wind Speed & Direction

Most sailboats have access to a variety of wind instruments, which measure wind speed and direction. The next step to sailing mastery is catching the wind at just the right moment. Learn to master the boom with professional sailing lessons in order to ride the wind at your optimum speed heading towards the desired direction. The boom is the horizontal pole extending from the bottom of the mast. You have to adjust the boom towards the direction of the wind so that the sailboat is able to harness the wind power in order to move in forward or backward directions. This sailing trick is used when a sailing vessel is reaching a downwind turn and pushes its stern through the wind in order to make the wind change the sailboat’s direction from one side of the boat to the other.

Step 3: How to Tack

Tacking is more common than jibing since it involves turning the sailboat directly into the wind. Tacking is a sailing maneuver that is the opposite of a jibing turn. During a tack, the bow of the sailboat sails into the wind. Start by trimming the new jib sheet and continue turning until your sails are full on the new desired track. Keep turning the boat as the sails begin to luff. Next you will release the jib sheet, while the crew and the skipper switch sides.

Step 2: How to Jibe

Jibing is a sailing maneuver that is the opposite of a tacking turn. However, during a jibe, the boat’s stern crosses through the wind rather than the bow. Begin by turning your boat so that the stern comes to the wind from the starting side so that your boat is dead downwind, the wind is now at the center of the stern. At the same time center the boom, then steer the stern through the wind while releasing the boom and trim the main over to the new side. Once the main is out on the new jibe trim the jib on the new side in order to complete your turn.

Sunrise Sail is a sailing club and academy located on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. Sunrise Sail offers a general sailing club, sailing lessons, sailing charters and memberships during all seasons of the year including Sundays and holidays. Call to meet the Sunrise Sailing team and fit a once in a lifetime sailing lesson into your schedule (770)-271-7444. Learn to sail or become a member of our sailing club!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Lessons

How much are sailing lessons?

Our single private lesson price is $495, plus $39 for your membership to ASA 101. We offer a multi student discount of $395 per student, plus the $39 membership fee.

How many students can be in one sailing lesson session?

Sunrise Sailing Academy can only be held for no more than 4 students at a time.

DIY Learn To Sail vs. Sailing Lessons

April 9, 2018/in News /by Dan Kingery

There’s nothing quite like sailing — that unique combination of exhilaration, relaxation, and inspiration that only comes as you glide through the water, pushed along by a fresh breeze with the sound of the waves keeping you company.

Whether you’re a novice sailor who’s itching to get out there on the water or you used to sail as a teen or in college and you’d like to get back into it, there’s probably one looming question on your mind: Should I take sailing lessons from a professional instructor, or go the DIY sailing route?

Good question. Consider that all you have to learn is:

an entire new vocabulary
how to make the boat go exactly where you want it to
how to read and use the wind
how to launch your boat
how to trim the sails correctly
the basics of navigation
the different parts of the boat
how to tie and use knots correctly
sailing etiquette
how to sail in different types of weather conditions
how to dock your boat
what to do when something goes wrong
…and much more

(Feeling overwhelmed yet?)

If you were fortunate to be raised on the water, sailing skills and language probably feel like second nature, and DIY sailing may be a good choice. But for the rest of us, professional sailing lessons are a must.

“But how hard could it be to teach yourself sailing?” you may be asking.

While sailing isn’t difficult to learn, it’s both a science and an art form that encompasses many moving parts — and to succeed at sailing, sailors need training, instruction, and practice, just as with any other sport or activity.

Here’s why sailing lessons are essential.

Why Sailing Lessons?

Not too long ago, if someone wanted to learn to sail, they had limited options: Find someone who knew what they were doing and tag along, trying to absorb their knowledge along the way, or teach themselves through trial and error (and given all that can go wrong out on the water, this second option isn’t ideal).

Fortunately, today’s prospective sailors have much better options.

ASA certified instruction courses not only provide the skills and knowledge that sailors need, sailing lessons also offer a measure of confidence that’s key when you’re out there on the water.

In a learning environment that changes by the minute and that itself requires some skill and experience (think the windy Caribbean Sea), trying to DIY the learning process can lead to feelings of panic and anxiety out of the picture.

In comparison, lessons from a certified instructor take the stress out of the picture, turning every circumstance that arises into an ideal opportunity to learn maneuvers, gain skills and build the knowledge and experience necessary to sail on your own.

It’s the difference between calm, expert instruction that helps you build skills, and winging it in a new environment where you simply hope for the best.

That’s a significant difference.

After professional lessons, you’ll understand the rules of the road and gain experience that helps avoid costly damage to boat parts.

Even more importantly, professional sailing instruction prepares you to be safe on the water. You’ll learn about safety measures and precautions to take, so as to avoid injuries other potential dangers.

While lessons may cost more than the DIY sailing approach, in the long run, they’re more than worth it as an investment in safety and peace of mind.

Let’s take a deeper look at the skills and knowledge you need to know to stay safe — and have an enjoyable, low-stress experience — when you’re out on the water.

Sailing Vocabulary

Imagine you’re out on the water, and the captain yells, “Ready to gybe!”

Do you know what to do? (Hint: If you don’t duck, you might get bumped in the head by the boom as it swings over!)

What if you’re instructed to “haul in the jib sheet”? Would you know which line to pull? (Or should you grab a halyard?)

When you’re learning the lingo of sailing, it’s almost like learning a whole new language.

While you don’t need to know every term or phrase simply to enjoy a day on the water, some basic vocabulary is essential, such as:

the parts of the ship (for example, the boom, the rudder, the mast, the keel, the cleats, the lines, the helm, the tiller and the different types of sails such as mainsail and jib, just to start)
directional terms (boat related, such as aft, bow, port and starboard, and wind-related, such as leeward, windward, port tack, starboard tack, point of sail)
maneuvering terms (such as tacking, jibing, heeling)

These terms may be just a start, but they represent the basic vocabulary you need to start confidently making your way around a boat and respond to the captain’s commands.

While it’s not difficult to look up terms a sailing glossary, rote memorization can’t replace the hands-on knowledge that comes from using these terms and associating them with real-life actions.

That’s the type of knowledge you miss out on when you teach yourself sailing.

Rigging the Boat

The mainsail. The jib. Sometimes, the spinnaker.

Your sails harness the power of the wind, driving your boat forward and allowing you to make it go where you want it to go.

But in order to get there, you have to rig your boat.

This is definitely a task that requires instruction, at least the first few times you attempt it.

Sailing lessons will demystify the rigging process, giving you practice and hands-on experience you need to correctly rig the boat, as well as troubleshoot and make needed changes when you’re out on the water.

Sailing Theory

Now that the boat is rigged and ready to go, the next step is… making it go. That requires sailing theory.

And sailing theory is where sailing lessons really come in handy.

First, you’ve got to figure out how the wind works in relation to your boat’s position. Lessons will make it easier to understand the points of sail, or the position of the boat relative to wind direction.

Understanding how points of sail works is key to the way you’ll set your sails and, often, how to position your body’s weight and that of other crew on board.

Oh, and sailing theory has some more basic vocabulary that you’ll want to learn as well. Are you on a beam reach, or are you close hauled? Are you running or on a broad reach?

Learning the different ways that the boat responds to wind direction (and how the boat creates its own wind, adding another layer of complication!) is key to figuring out how to set the sails and make the boat go where you want it to.

Professional sailing instruction simplifies this learning process, making it easier for you to get a handle on sailing theory.

Boat Handling

Tacking. Jibing. Running. Reaching.

The sails are up and you’re on the move. Now, how do you get the boat to go the way you want it to?

It’s all about pointing your boat at different angles to the wind and setting your sails correctly, and that all has to do with the points of sail.

If it sounds complicated, it can be. Fortunately, sailing lessons bring all the moving parts together into one comprehensive picture.

Lessons will teach you how to trim the jib and mainsail, make turns, use the tiller and position your body’s weight correctly so you can maneuver.

It takes practice, but with experience, boat handling will become second nature.

Sailboat Safety

Most importantly, sailing lessons will help keep you safe.

You’ll learn the rules of the road, keeping in mind that sailboats and powerboats have different right-of-way rules.

You’ll learn what to do if a passenger goes overboard and practice crew overboard maneuvers.

You’ll learn how to react if you’re faced with rough weather and strong winds.

While teaching yourself sailing may save a few bucks up front, in the long run, professional sailing instruction represents an investment in your safety and will reduce the likelihood of boat damage.

The combination of ASA-certified sailing lessons, hands-on practice, and expert instruction simply can’t be beaten.

Sailing terms

March 14, 2018/in Uncategorized /by Dan Kingery

Top 10 Sailing Terms

Imagine that the captain falls ill on your cruise and the only choice is for you to take up the hat and wheel and steer the ship to safety. How would you communicate with the crew? You can try to get by with pirate words like hornswaggle, but real sailing terms can help you better understand the ship about you and the way that it moves.

1. Run

It may seem obvious that a sailboat moves in the direction of the wind. It’s not mandatory, since these ships have adaptations that allow them to move against the wind, as well as with it. However, the common term for following the motion of the wind is known as a run, which requires the least effort by the crew.

2. Skipper

The captain, the head honcho, the big cheese. The skipper tells you to jump and you ask them how high. Not obeying the skipper leads to mutiny, which probably isn’t the best way to spend your vacation.

3. In Irons

You might think this term also has to deal with mutinies, but it’s not as literal as you think. It refers to a boat that is effectively immobilized because the wind is directly in its face and it has no maneuverability. Speaking of which:

4. Eye of the Wind

The direction that wind is heading from, a no-sail zone because the ship will move as fast against the wind as it would riding the docks of Lake Lanier in Georgia.

5. Hiking Out

What happens when a sailboat starts to tip over to one side? Sailboats have a great deal of stabilizing weight, but in the event that the ship needs further stabilization, crew and passengers will literally hang over the edge to pull it back up, an uncommon process called Hiking Out.

6. Close-Hauled

An old salty dog knows the wind better than he knows the back of his hand. Close-hauling is sailing as close to the wind as possible, providing the best angle for sailing if the ship cannot follow the exact motion of the wind.

7. Keel

The keel is the boat equivalent of a fish’s fin. This small flap extends down into the water, providing stability as the ship sails. Keels use the forward motion of the boat to generate lift to counteract the leeward force of the wind. The rudimentary purpose of the keel is to convert the sideways motion of the wind when it is abeam into forward motion. A secondary purpose of the keel is to provide ballast.

8. Sheets

In addition to the freshly-laundered bedcovers you’ll enjoy on a swanky cruise, sheets refer to the collective lines that are used to change the space or direction of a sail (also known as the rigging). Sheets can be used to adjust the next term:

9. Center of Effort

The center of a sail area that generates the most pull from the wind’s force. Sails are set up to have a particular center of effort; it’s up to the captain to maneuver the ship so that the sail surface catches the wind.

10. Fun

The most important term is FUN. Sailing is an art form, a sport and requires a little skill. The fun of sailing lasts a lifetime in the memories the friends and acquaintances made along the way.

Springtime Goal: Learn to Sail

May 10, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Dan Kingery

learn to sail Springtime is here and summer is fast approaching. At SunRise Sail, we feel that there’s no better way to enjoy life than to spend it on the open water on a sailing adventure. Sailing is a wonderful sport that soon captures your heart and becomes more of a lifestyle. There are many reasons to learn to sail but here are just a few that quickly come to mind:

Sailing is a great way to enjoy and learn about the outdoors. Not only will you learn to handle your vessel, but you will have a greater understanding of the wind and the weather. Learning to sail will also teach you to be an active participant in other types of boating. Sailing is always a great opportunity to challenge yourself that will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.
No matter how many times you sail, each trip will be new and exciting. The thrill of unique and fun experiences will keep you coming back for more!
One of the best things about sailing is the company you keep. Sailing is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Being secluded away together on your sailboat will give you quiet, quality time. Working together as a team while sailing is a bonding experience that you and your first mates won’t soon forget!
On the other hand, sailing can also offer perfect peace and solitude. Being out on the open water with just the sound of the wind in your sails for a few hours or a few days is a perfect way to lower your stress level.
While sailing is a physical activity that can be a challenge at times, it also provides some wonderful relaxation. Whether you’re soaking in some sun or enjoying a beautiful sunset, sailing is a great way to escape and relax.
At SunRise Sail, we are certain that learning to sail will provide you and your family some much needed “away time.” The mental and physical workout on the water will no doubt leave you with a feeling of happiness and contentment.

ASA Certified Sailing School | Lake Lanier SunRise Sail is a premier Lake Lanier sailing club. We are proud to be an American Sailing Association training facility, offering affordable and convenient classes. Our crew is committed to teaching our students how to sail and sail well. We offer a rigorous, safety-first education program that will prepare you for a lifetime of sailing fun.

Cross ‘learning to sail’ off your to-do list today. We look forward to working with you!

History and Things To-Do on Georgia’s Lake Lanier

October 14, 2016/in Uncategorized /by Dan Kingery

Not only are there plenty of fun things (like learning to sail!) to do at Georgia’s Lake Lanier, the lake also has a Lake Lanier Island fascinating past. Here are some interesting facts that make up Lanier’s rich history.

Lake Lanier’s Creation

The land that became Lake Lanier was purchased in 1948, and the lake—also known as a reservoir—was created in the 1950s. Its original purpose was to provide hydroelectricity, navigation and flood control of the Chattahoochee river. It was also meant to supply water to the city of Atlanta.
The first step in Lanier’s creation was the construction of the Buford dam. To get the project started, workers blasted a channel and built a powerhouse. They then diverted the Chattahoochee River through the powerhouse’s open gates and built saddlebacks (dams created from gravel and dirt) on the channel. On February 1, 1956, the gates of the powerhouse were shut and Lake Lanier began to fill. In 1959, the lake was officially “full” for the first time in history!

Lake Lanier’s Islands

The Corps of Engineers and the state of Georgia worked together in 1962 to carve out Lake Lanier’s islands from four flooded mountaintops. Since then, the islands have flourished with tourist attractions like Stouffer Hotels PineIsle Resort and the Emerald Point Resort, now known as the Legacy Lodge. Additionally, the islands on Lanier boast a super fun Water Park that has resulted in plenty of revenue for the area.

The 1996 Olympics

Speaking of tourism, Lake Lanier was chosen as the rowing/canoeing/kayaking venue for the 1996 Olympics, while the nearby town of Gainesville was chosen as the event’s host city. The fact that the Olympics took place as Lake Lanier was not expected. Originally, the Olympic Committee chose Stone Mountain as its venue. But because Stone Mountain requested such a large amount of money, the Committee went back to the drawing boards, with the end result being to host the 1996 Olympics at Georgia’s Lake Lanier!

Fun Things to Do on Georgia’s Lake Lanier

The amount of activities offered at Lake Lanier means that each year it attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the United States. There are plenty of reasons besides its rich history to plan a vacation to Lake Lanier!
Kayaking and canoeing are some of the most popular activities on Lake Lanier. There is something so peaceful about spending a day out on the calm water. You can also try your hand at fishing or get outdoorsy with some camping. In a day and age when we are so frequently absorbed in technology, connecting with nature is priceless. If you’re looking for an adventure, you can reserve a biplane ride to see a stunning view of the lake from above.

Sailing on Lake Lanier

Full Sail on Lake Lanier

Don’t forget to grow your skills with sailing lessons on Lake Lanier. Sailing is relaxing and fun! Never sailed before? That’s okay because Sunrise Sailing Academy on Lanier is an ASA Certified Training Facility that offers beginner and advanced sailing courses. Their instructors are ASA Certified Instructors guaranteeing the best training possible.

Something for Everyone

As you can see, there are countless things to do on Lake Lanier. Get outdoors and try something new!

Give the Gift of Sailing for Father’s Day

April 1, 2016/in Uncategorized /by Dan Kingery

Finding the right gift for holidays can be tricky, especially when it’s for a person who is important to you, like your father. Father’s Day may not be right upon us, but it will be here before you know it, and you might find yourself scrambling to find the perfect gift for dear old dad. In a Father’s Day gift, you want to strike the perfect balance of letting your father know how much you appreciate him and giving him something he’ll enjoy. Here are a few reasons you should give the gift of sailing for Father’s Day with Sunrise Sailing Club in Gainesville, Georgia.

Health Benefits

Many of us have fathers that are getting on in years, and when this is the case, you want a gift that will help your dad stay active and healthy for many years to come. Sailing has proven benefits for both physical and mental wellness, which makes it the perfect gift when you want to benefit your father. All the various activities required when sailing, like pulling and hoisting, promote physical strength and heart health, while simply being out on the water is conducive to mental health through spatial awareness. Sailing will help your dad to live well and happy for many years to come.

Sailing is Bonding

There is no bond quite like a father and his children, but it doesn’t come without work. If you’re a mother looking for a Father’s Day gift that will bring your husband and your children closer together, you can’t do better than sailing. The hours a father spends out on the water with his children are unforgettable, both for him and the kids. Long after the children have grown up and forged lives of their own, the memory of spending time while sailing with their father will linger on for both him and them.

Sailing for Father’s Day is Fun

Several considerations can go into finding the perfect Father’s Day gift, but there is one that outstrips them all: it should be fun. You don’t want to give your father or husband a Father’s Day gift that is boring, which is why providing the gift of sailing for Father’s Day is the perfect solution. Above all else, sailing is fun! All your worries seem to drift away when you’re out on the water, and this is something that the father in your life will really appreciate. Sailing for Father’s Day is a gift that will be bring a lot of joy.

Your Gift

So many gifts that people consider for Father’s Day just aren’t up to snuff. Ties are lame, gift cards are impersonal and not as many people play golf for fun anymore. When you want to give your dad a gift he’ll love, give him the gift of sailing for Father’s Day from Sunrise Sailing Club. We offer sailing services in Gainesville for both experienced and novice sailors, and would be honored to help you make Father’s Day special for your dad. Contact us today to find out more about how we make sailing fun and accessible for everyone.

Why You Should Take Sailing Lessons

March 1, 2016/in Uncategorized /by Dan Kingery

Planning to spend some time by the water for your next vacation? If the thought of spending hours on end sitting on the sand or getting knocked off your feet by huge waves doesn’t exactly thrill you, maybe you have something a little more adventurous in mind. That’s where we come in: at SunRise Sail, we know how to make your next trip to the water a fun experience for everybody. Whether you are a brand-new sailor or an experienced skipper, we offer a variety of lessons and memberships to get you started on your sailing journey.

ASA-Certified

Worrying about your safety and the accountability of a sailing instructor is an understandable concern—especially if sailing is a new activity you want to tackle head-on. At SunRise Sailing Academy, we are proud to be certified by the American Sailing Association. Since 1983, the ASA has set nation-wide standards for sailors and sailing schools. With this certification, you can easily measure your skills as a sailor. Our instructors can help you attain an ASA 101 Basic Keel Boat, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising or an ASA 105 Basic Coastal Navigation certification. With this certification, you can ensure you have received the best (and safest) sailing education.

Affordable Sailing Classes and Memberships

Many would-be sailors assume that lessons are too expensive to invest in—but at our academy, we offer several class options to suit your needs. Private sailing lessons are the same price or even less expensive than the other sailing school prices for group lessons and you are one on one with your instructor. Furthermore, for our group lessons, discounts are available for two or more students. Simply put, our instructors are dedicated to their students and want to ensure you are comfortable out on the water. Feel free to contact us for more pricing information.

Once you receive your ASA certification, you can also become a member of the SunRise Sail sailing clubs. For access to sailing without the hassles and cost of ownership, you can join the FreeTime Sailing Fleet. With a simple monthly membership fee you have full access to sailing at any time—just book your sailing time online. If you are toying with the idea of owning a boat but aren’t ready to make a huge commitment, you can join the SunRise Sail fractional program. This program allows you to use a boat like it’s your own. Members can reserve their boat from a day or sail up to one week, usage like it’s yours without ownership!

Adventure Awaits!

Perhaps the most appealing—and obvious—reason to take sailing lessons is for the experience and adventure. How many people do you know who can sail? You’d have a unique skill to brag about, and even more reasons to take that island vacation you have always dreamed about. Once you learn how to sail, the possibilities are endless. Just look at our Adventure Gallery for proof!

Who knows? You could own your own boat one day…and maybe you could name it after us.

No matter what experience you’ve had sailing, we at SunRise Sail would love to hear from you. If you are ready to get on the water and have the time of your life, visit our website or give us a call at 770-271-7444. SunRise Sail, we make sailing easy!