Learn to Sail Right Here in Arizona!
young teens. Photo: Phil Freedman
Yes, it’s true. You or your kids can learn to sail right here in the desert. The Arizona Sailing Foundation (ASF) offers classes set up for fun—with maximum time on the water. A little classroom, a lot of boat. Soon you’re scooting across Tempe Town Lake powered by nothing but the wind. What a kick!
ASF has classes for all ages. For the kids, classes start at the new sailor Introduction level and progress all the way to competing internationally in sailboat races. Several of our kids have done exactly that. For adults, get started sailing with our Beginning Sailing class, where you get a little classroom theory and plenty of time hands-on with the boats and out on the water.
How do we do it? With volunteers like you!. ASF is a nonprofit 501c3 organization run by volunteers, primarily AYC members, who share their passion for sailing with others. The classes use ASF boats and class leaders are certified by US Sailing. Are you interested in becoming lending a hand or becoming an instructor? See Main Menu >Sailing Classes > Become an ASF Instructor
ASF Education Programs
Adult Sailing Classes:
- Beginning Sailing – for first time and novice sailors.
- Powerboat Handling – US Sailing course for power boaters
- Introduction to Sailboat Racing – Racing basics that will get you going—fast!
Junior Sailing Classes:
- Kids’ Introduction to Sailing (Ages 8 and up): For first time and developing young sailors to build confidence and competence on the water.
- MORE Junior Sailing and RACING – A class for students who have built confidence in an Opti and are ready for RACING skills and more types of boats.
- High School Sailing – An after-school program for fun, learning, and a bit of competition.
- AYC Junior Racing Fleet – Join the AYC Junior Racing Fleet with boats available through the ASF.
Signing up for kid’s classes is easy. You’ll be guided through the sign-up process, including a medical questionnaire and legal release. If there are questions on the medical release that you cannot answer, indicate that in the blank with a “DK.”
AYC Members may be able to receive a $50 scholarship for a child to attend an ASF Junior class. Fill out this form, attach a written paragraph or drawing and return it to the AYC Commodore for consideration.
ASF Boats: ASF has a fleet of instructional boats kept in the marina at Tempe Town Lake, including Optis, O’Pen Bics, Capri 14.2s, and Lasers. There are also two power boats and at least one is always on the lake during every class.
Support the ASF: Naturally, a nonprofit program of this scope needs contributions and we welcome yours, including your time, cash donations and also via boat donations. If you have a boat (of any kind in seaworthy condition) or boat trailer, consider donating it to ASF and receiving a 501(c)(3) charitable donation receipt for your taxes. Or simply contribute cash to help support ASF operations. For more information, please see our donate page.
QUESTIONS??? Call or text (480) 269-2699 or send an email to ArizonaSailingFoundation@gmail.com.
Mission Statement
The Arizona Sailing Foundation, Inc., will provide fun, safe, community based education in the art of sailing on a nondiscriminatory basis. The Arizona Sailing Foundation, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the sailing school. ASF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other sailing school-administered programs.