Ask any sailor what sailing means to them and the answers will be varied but always passionate. For some, it’s the feeling of silently gliding on the water and the pull of wind in the sails. For others, it’s the rush when the boat heels or the thrill of running a race line. But for all, it is the camaraderie of sharing a sport that is at the same time intellectually challenging, emotionally exciting and physically demanding. The Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club wishes to share all of this with you.
Discover Buffalo Sailing is your introduction to the world of sailing. Taking place the first 4 weeks of the sailing season, the program will expose you to basic sailing skills through a structured program of onshore chalk-talks and on the water, hands-on experience. Club boat owners are volunteering their equipment to give you the best possible experiences. Mentors and seasoned crew members will coach you as you learn how the wind and the sails move the vessel through the water. The program will include basic boat handling and safety.
Registration is open. The 2023 season will kick off on Thursday, April 20th with an orientation session from 6:30-8:30 pm that will outline the program expectations, recommended equipment and boat assignments. It will also be a “meet the skipper” night as all participants and fellow crew members, including your club mentors, will be introduced. This meeting will be held at Obersheimer Sailor Supply – 1884 Niagara St. Buffalo, NY 14207 on the second-floor sail loft.
Sessions will run on four Saturdays (we are not sailing on Saturday 5/27) with the first session running from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday May 13th. The remaining sessions will start at 9:00 am. Each session will consist of a 45-minute dockside chalk-talk and 2-1/2 hour sail, weather permitting. Sessions will not be rescheduled if poor weather prevails. In the case of poor weather, a dockside lesson will be substituted. Each boat will have a skipper and seasoned crew members. Participants will be actively involved in sailing during each session.
