Sailing the Friendship Sloop
Lessons aboard the traditional American sailing craft BELFORD GRAY.
- Dates
- July 30 – August 5
- Location
- Brooklin, Maine
- Tuition
- $950
- Instructor
- David Bill
- Experience Level
- Beginner
- Activity Level
- Moderate
This is a five-day course ending Saturday
The friendship sloop was traditionally sailed as a coastal workboat in Maine waters. WoodenBoat School’s own friendship sloop, BELFORD GRAY, was built by students under the guidance of Gordon Swift and launched in 1992. Since then, BELFORD has served as a “floating classroom.” With plenty of lines and sails to handle, and no auxiliary engine, BELFORD is a thrill to sail.
During this five-day course, Captain Dave will guide the crew through the mechanics of handling a traditional mid-sized sailing vessel. In the morning crew meeting, the forecasted wind, weather, and tide will be discussed and planned around. Throughout the week the crew will navigate and voyage to numerous pristine coast of Maine anchorages. Each day will be filled with hands-on, sailing exercises including navigation, sail handling, lines and rigging, safety, reefing, heaving to, mooring, and anchoring.
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Who is this course best suited for?
This course is appropriate for students with some knowledge and experience. Basic knowledge and ability to sail is required for most waterfront courses.
This course involves a moderate level of activity throughout the week including: having adequate balance and agility to get in and out of boats on a moving float or other boats, ability to occasionally walk forward on the decks of larger boats.
Register For This Course
Courses fill quickly, so don't delay if this is a course you want to take.
