DIY Sailing vs Sailing School

DIY Learn To Sail vs. Sailing Lessons

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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 LessonsSailing 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 handlingBoat 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

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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

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learn to sailSpringtime 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 LanierSunRise 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

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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 Islandfascinating 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

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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 FunSailing across generations

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

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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 atlanta sailing on lake lanier

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!

 

Learning to Sail on Lake Lanier

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Are you looking to start up a new hobby that your whole family can enjoy? Or have you just always wanted to be called “The Skipper?” Either way, sailing is one of the most adventurous and thrilling hobbies out there, so why not learn something that can get your adrenaline pumping? Like most people, you have probably never legitimately sailed on a boat. Fortunately, at SunRise Sail, we understand that not eSteady as she goesveryone knows what a boom is, and we make it our duty to make you the experienced skipper you’ve always wanted to become while also having a good, fun time. 

Isn’t It Expensive? No!

Now, you may be thinking how on earth can you afford to get into a hobby like sailing?

Well, we can answer that for you! The cost of sailing is really up to you since you can do it for no cost at all, or you can spend millions of dollars. If you want to get into sailing for free, then the best way is for you to crew for another sailor because sailing clubs all over the country are seeking new members and sailors for aiding the boats that are already sailing. Unfortunately, this method may not teach you all of the basic, important sailing techniques, and it requires a lot of time and determination.

One of the best approaches to sailing is to enroll in an accredited sailing course at a sailing school, such as SunRise Sail. SunRise Sail, located at Lake Lanier, offers several classes and payment options to suit you sailing and financial needs. We offer both private and group sailing classes. The prices for our private sailing classes are the same or cheaper than prices for group lessons at the other sailing schools. Furthermore, for our group lessons, discounts are available for two or more students. 

ASA-Certification

Since you are now excited about learning how to sail and being able to afford sailing classes, you may be wondering if our instructors are knowledgeable enough about sailing to be worth the price. Here at Sunrise Sail, we are proud to be an ASA Certified training facility with US Coast Guard licensed captains and ASA certified training instructors.

Since 1983, the American Sailing Association has continuously striven to accomplish its mission of teaching people to sail safely and confidently. When you join the ASA, you can be reassured that you are learning to how to sail and getting the best, safety-first sailing education available.

After taking our classes and becoming ASA certified, you can become a member of our Sunrise Sail Club, which allows you to enjoy a top quality sailing experience, while we take care of the boat. For full access to cruising on our vessels, you can join our FreeTime Sailing Fleet. To become a member, you just need to pay a monthly fee, which helps us maintain the boats, and you have access to most or all of our sailboats, depending on your payment plan. Once you become a member, you can easily reserve a boat of your choice through our online scheduling and reservations page.

Whether it is your first time sailing, or The Skipper learned sailing from you, we’d be honored to meet you and get sailing! So, if you are dying to sail, give us a call at 770-271-7444 today or you can visit the SunRise Sail website for more information.

Learning to Sail Can Be a Breeze

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Exciting SailingOne of the most beautiful sights you will ever see is a sailboat skimming gracefully across the water. It’s a sight that stirs the senses and brings to mind thoughts of freedom, peace and epic adventures. We often view the people involved in sailing with envy and wish we had the time, money and ability to learn to operate a yacht ourselves. Fortunately, learning to sail can be a breeze with the right instruction and equipment.

Time Requirements

Many sailing schools and clubs would have you think that it takes weeks of classes to learn the basics of sailing. This is often because they pack their classes with as many students as possible, and you therefore get little to no individual attention. SunRise Sail encourages students to take private lessons (at prices that are comparable to other schools’ group lessons) so that you can progress at your own speed and comfort level.  Small group classes are available that typically are limited to only two students per boat and are offered at a discounted rate.  If you can find the time to invest in a weekend class and a couple of practice sessions, you will be ready to sail Lake Lanier on your own!

Classes and Certifications

Classes are available in ASA Basic Keelboat, ASA Basic Coastal Cruising, and ASA Basic Coastal Navigation. The ASA Basic Keelboat course guarantees certification with extra instruction and re-testing available in the event that the certification test is not passed the first time.

Financial Requirements

Sailing has a reputation for being an activity that is reserved for the very wealthy, but that reputation is changing thanks to SunRise Sailing Club. SunRise Sail maintains a fleet of boats that are available to students and club members. This takes care of the need to rent a slip, buy a boat and keep up to date on maintenance and safety equipment. SunRise Sail takes care of these expenses for you, and you only need to reserve a boat when you want to go for a sail.  SunRise Sail Academy boats are older model Hunter yachts that are well appointed and beautifully maintained. Once you have progressed beyond the student level and are a member of the sailing club, you will be able to use a yacht from the Freetime Fleet. These boats are older model Hunter and Catalina yachts that are equipped with all the amenities you will need to enjoy a worry free day on the lake.

Skill Requirements

Sailing terminology and the ability to handle the sails, lines, and rigging can seem mysterious and complex. Finding the right instruction is important. SunRise Sailing Academy is a certified American Sailing Association (ASA) school, and its instructors are all ASA certified. Their attention to detail and safety will ensure that you develop the skills needed to take a relaxing sail around the lake or an exhilarating turn in a sailboat race.

If learning to sail has been an unrealized dream, it is time to take on the challenge! SunRise Sail will give you all the tools you need to turn your dream of sailing the open waters into a reality!

Learning The Ropes

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A First-Time Sailing Experience

Sailing LanierTaking your first step into sailing might be a hesitant one. Like thousands of other could-be sailors, there are probably dozens of questions racing through your mind. Will I be able to do it? Do I even have the money to pay for a boat?

For Mark, a 43 year-old Atlanta native, sailing was always one of those things he wanted learn, but never had time for. Mark admits, “I didn’t grow up around sailboats and yachts, so I already felt like I was at a huge disadvantage.” And for years, Mark’s unrealized passion for sailing passed him by.

It wasn’t until a casual afternoon conversation that a coworker brought up the idea of sailing. According to his friend, the boat could be used by the day, lessons were cheap, and the time spent on the lake was second to none. This wasn’t the idea of sailing that Mark had conjured for years; it seemed too convenient, too hassle-free to be a real sailing club.

Thinking it too good to be true, Mark called SunRise Sail based on the suggestion of his coworker. One year later, “it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

From sailing terminology to navigation skills, learning how to operate a yacht takes no more than a weekend to get started. And after a couple of days of practice, nothing stands between you and the open waters of Lake Lanier.

Without having to purchase and maintain a boat of their own, sailors are finding solace in a fleet of ready-to-use boats that are available for reservations. Being a member of a casual sailing club isn’t the same as the wine-and-cheese extravaganza you see in movies – it’s simply a practical and economical way to chase your passion for sailing.

According to Mark, “sailing was never something I thought I had the patience or skill to do.” Within the first few hours of training, wrapping your head around the difference between port and starboard or jibing and tacking was surprisingly easy. As soon as you hit the water, “something just clicks. It’s a totally different experience than I ever imagined it to be.”

The hardest part of sailing, like many other things, is starting. The experiences aboard a sailboat are unforgettable and it requires a skill that never goes out of style nor ceases to impress.

Learning the ropes of a sailboat is as easy as picking up the phone and scheduling a training session with SunRise Sailing Academy. Our experienced team has spent decades on Lake Lanier and we take an individualized approach to show you the basics of boat safety and operation.

Becoming a SunRise Sail member is an exciting and economical way to live your dream without having to shell out the financial cost of an entire boat. Maintaining a yacht, paying for marina or docking fees, and the other inconveniences of owning a boat are totally taken care of by the SunRise team, ensuring that your experience on Lake Lanier is consistently fun and relaxing.

“I can’t spend more than a few weeks without going back to the lake,” concludes Mark. “I’m still amazed that I was able to pick up this skill at my age and even happier that I’ll know how to do this for the rest of my life.”

Girls as young as 16 have sailed around the world alone!

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Ella - sailing around the world
Girls as young as 16 have sailed around the world alone! Jessica Watson of Australia and Laura Dekker of Holland, both 16 at the completion of their voyages, each sailed a boat singlehandedly around the globe. Watson sailed her boat nonstop and unassisted, while Dekker made stops along the way.