Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions that we get asked by our Club members and people interested in the Tradewinds Sailing Club.

Do I have to be a Tradewinds Sailing School graduate to use a boat?

No. If you are not a Tradewinds Sailing School graduate, you must complete our Practical Skills Challenge-in Review before you can reserve any of our boats.

What is the reservation policy?

A member can have only 2 reservations in the system at one time.

What is the cancellation policy?

Your reservation must be cancelled 48 hours in advance. Members canceling within 48 hours are charged $50.

How do I reserved a boat?

Reservations are taken using the Tradewinds Internet reservation system.

How do I get approved (checked out) to sail a boat in my fleet?

As a Tradewinds Sailing School student, you are normally approved to sail the boats used in your course. You can reserve those boats anytime after your class.

If you want to sail another boat that is in your membership fleet, you must attend a scheduled checkout on that boat. Tradewinds holds 2-hour boat checkouts throughout the year on various boats.

Since almost every boat in our Club is different, the purpose of a checkout is to

• familiarize you with a boat's systems -- engine, head, galley
• show you all through-hull locations
• note unique rigging setups
• give you the opportunity to experience how the boat handles under power

How do I move up to the next fleet?

Tradewinds boats are restricted by your skill level. You must have completed the

• Basic Keelboat course to sail Fleet 25
• Basic Coastal Cruising to sail Fleet 29
• Bareboat Chartering to sail Fleet 33

To sail Fleet 38 and above, you must have sailed all boats in Fleet 33 and will need to pass a more advanced boat checkout.

I have not sailed at Tradewinds for the last 6 months, can I reserve a boat?

No. We require that you take a review class or contact our office for a skill review session with an instructor.

Can I take my pet on the boat?

No. Tradewinds has a No Pet policy on all of its boats as a courtesy to other member's allergies.

Can I single hand a boat?

No. You must have one crew member with you when you sail or motor a club boat.

Can I sail at night?

No. We do have monthly Club Night Sails that give you some night experience.