Dillon Marina Sailing School

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

American Sailing School Certified Facility

As a certified American Sailing Association (ASA) training facility, we offer the Basic Keelboat Course in the challenging setting of Lake Dillon at 9,017 feet. We have a friendly and knowledgeable staff whose love of sailing is sure to inspire you. We offer sailing opportunities for the novice sailor to the advanced. If you're new to sailing, looking to get your feet wet (not literally), or have been sailing for years & looking to practice some skills or get certified, we've got something for you!

For lessons and courses, all participants must be 18 years of age or older. Sailing lessons for youth are available through Dillon Junior Sailing.

Questions and to book a course or a lesson please email sailingschool@dillonmarina.com or call (970)- 468-5100 x 106. Lessons and courses begin in mid-June and end at the end of August from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather depending). Sailing School reservations can not be booked online.

Sailing Lessons

Learn to Sail | Starting at $122 per person | For 1 - 2 people | Must be ages 18 or older

Rates

Private Lesson (1 person only) $170 per hour
Lesson (2+ People) $122 per person per hour

Private Sailing Lessons

Whether you sign up for a lesson by yourself, with a friend or a group of friends, we've got you covered. We cater the experience to meet your needs. A Private lesson is for one person only. All other lessons accommodate 2-5 people. Depending on the instructor and boat available, we may be able to accommodate more than 5 students, so be sure to ask a sailing crew member if you have a larger group.

Minimums

All sailing lessons and introductions require a 2-hour minimum.

Age Limits

All participants must be at least 18 years of age. Sailing lessons for youth are available through Dillon Junior Sailing.

Call (970) 468-5100 or email sailingschool@dillonmarina.com to learn more and to book a class.

Basic Keelboat Course

ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing 1

Dillon Marina’s unique approach to sailing immediately places the student on the water with the instructor and ends with a solo sailing performance by the student. Our instructors focus on the fundamental terminology, points of sail, and sail safety needed to develop a novice into a confident sailor.

The course provides 12 hours of comprehensive instruction. The majority of the class is spent on water with winds dictating the topic of the lesson. Periods of light wind are used to teach afloat (classroom) topics. Times of particularly foul weather are spent dockside or class may be re-scheduled at a later date. ASA 101 Certification available after practical and written test are successfully passed, speak with your instructor to schedule.

ASA textbook is required, sold at the marina store or online here

Rates

Private Keelboat Course 1 (1 person only): $801 per course

Taught in three 4-hour blocks for a total of 12 hours of instruction.

Keelboat Course 1 (2-5 people): $473 per person

Taught in three 4-hour blocks for a total of 12 hours of instruction.

Must be 18 years or older.

Call (970) 468-5100 or email sailingschool@dillonmarina.com to learn more and to book a class.

Waiver

Sailing Exams

The ASA exam is not mandatory unless you are looking to continue your sailing education and move onto other ASA Certifications (not currently offered at the Dillon Marina). By pursuing certification through the ASA, novice sailors can build their skills and knowledge to sail domestically or charter boats abroad. In pursuing the 101 exam, you'll become a member of the ASA and receive benefits of membership.

To push the exam, schedule a 2 hour exam block. Half the time will be devoted to the written portion of the exam and the other half will be spent on the water for the practical portion. Course work to be completed at home from textbook Sailing Made Easy . Cost of the exam period includes the ASA Exam fee, first year of certification and Log Book.

Many people take the Basic Keelboat Course and continue sailing exclusively on Lake Dillon. For those students, once the course is complete and the instructor is confident in your sailing ability, you will be issued a "Dillon Marina Sailing Card," which allows you to rent our sailboats without taking the verbal sailing quiz each time.

Team Building Programs

PLEASE NOTE: The team building program is not the level of instruction received in a sailing lesson or Basic Keel Boat Course.

Come out for a great team bonding experience in a challenging, safe environment. Let our experienced ASA-certified instructors lead your team in a day of sailing instruction on scenic Lake Dillon. Your group will learn to sail our fleet of 22-foot sailboats in a specialized curriculum developed for your group. Team skills such as navigation, reading the wind and executing tacks and jibes will engage your entire staff. We can prepare a learning experience custom-tailored to your group’s goals for a day your employees will be talking about for years. Participants must be 18 years of age to participate • Maximum of 20 participants for each program.

American Sailing Association (ASA) certified sailing instructors will guide participants from the basics to team dynamics with strong emphasis on developing leadership and confidence by rotating team members through different crew positions on the vessel. On the second day of the two-day format, teams will sail on their own in one of the marina’s boats, following a course set by the instructor. Working together, the groups will navigate the course & accomplish different tasks along the way. Team work, boating safety and having fun will be essential for success.

Weather Policy

As Lake Dillon is located 9,017 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, the weather can be very exciting. Storms roll in quickly, bringing thunder, lightning and extremely strong winds. Additionally, there is no prevailing wind on Lake Dillon, making sailing even more thrilling. For these reasons and the amazing views, Lake Dillon has been voted one of "50 Places to Sail Before you Die", and it lives up to expectations! Keep an eye on the water for shifting winds as well as the mountains and forecasts (we like Windy, NOAA, and Spark) for impending storms.

We understand that sailing requires the cooperation of Mother Nature. In the event of inclement weather (at the time of booking), we can reschedule or refund. However, once your boat leaves the dock, our cancellation policy will apply, with a 2 hour minimum on all bookings.

For example, if you're scheduled for a 3-hour lesson and return after 1 hour due to weather, you will only be charged for 2 hours rather than the 3 hour period.

What to Expect

Sailing on Lake Dillon can be very exciting and challenging at times. You may have sailed other places; however, mountain lake sailing can be drastically different. The mountains have a unique effect; causing winds to rapidly increase in velocity and change direction frequently. Maintaining control requires observation and anticipation of changes, as well as proper sail adjustment. The Skipper must watch for dark clouds forming over the mountains. These indicate changing weather and an increase in wind. Another sign is the surface texture and color of the water. An increase in the wind will cause ripples or waves, or white caps, and the surface will grow darker. With rapid increases, wind can exceed gale forces.

Once you observe the wind increasing, you must act. First, reduce the amount of sail by rolling some of the jib back onto the roller furler. If the wind increases significantly and your boat is rigged for it, reef the mainsail. Finally, if the wind continues to increase, lower the mainsail. The outboard motor should be started and in gear before dropping your mainsail. This will allow you to control the boat through some significant wind gusts and return to the marina safely by motor.

It is important not to let the sails flog (flap) in the wind, this is bad for the sails and creates a lot of noise - making things chaotic on the boat. If the sails are flapping- roll up the jib, start the outboard and put it in gear, then drop the main.

If you sail through gusts and wind increases, there are a few techniques to keep in mind:

1) Reduce the sail area as wind increases.

2) Be ready to ease the main sheet to keep the boat flatter and under control.

3) Fall off (steer away from the wind) to help keep the boat flatter.

Keep these techniques in mind, your head on a swivel and evoke previous experience for an enjoyable sail on Lake Dillon.

Come prepared to get the most out of your sailing experience on Lake Dillon. Check the weather and pack accordingly! Bring sunscreen, warm layers, and rain gear as the weather changes rapidly. Pack food and water depending on the length of your excursion and come ready to learn!

FAQ's

Can I book a lesson online?

No, booking a lesson or a sailing course must be done by calling (970) 468-5100 or by emailing sailingschool@dillonmarina.com

What is the wind like on Lake Dillon?

Lake Dillon has been voted as one of the most challenging lakes to sail in the nation. There is no prevailing wind and the high alpine environment make for extreme winds and weather that rapidly changes. It's a fantastic place to hone your skills or test your ability!

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer full refunds for cancellations made outside of 48 hours of reservation time. Within 48 hours, we'll hold 20% of the booking total.

What is your weather policy?

Programming will not run in the event of thunderstorms. If it's simply raining and you're willing to brave the elements, we'll still send you out! However, if you're not interested in sailing in the rain, we'll reschedule if possible or fully refund you. Varying wind conditions can also be challenging and if the wind is too low or high, we can discuss rescheduling options. For tours, if you choose to leave the dock we will charge for the two-hour minimum.

Is tipping customary?

Tipping is by no means necessary, though greatly appreciated. If you enjoyed your experience and your captain, let them know!

Where can my kids learn to sail?

Dillon Junior Sailing! Inquire about their week-long camps or a family private lesson!

What kind of sailboat will we be on?

We teach exclusively on keelboats ranging from 22 to 30 feet in length. Depending on your instructor, you may be on a Catalina 22, Santana 525, 22' Ensign, or an instructors personal sailboat.