Sailing Lessons in San Diego
Crafting Lifelong Sailors Since 1969
Harbor Sailboats is San Diego’s leading sailing school offering beginner through advanced sailing lessons, sailing classes and ASA Certifications. Since 1969, Harbor Sailboats has perfected our curriculum to ensure maximum time on the water that will deliver the skills and confidence necessary to enjoy this amazing lifestyle.
San Diego Sailing Lessons
Looking for the best sailing lessons in San Diego? Harbor Sailboats offers year-round instruction with professional sailing instructors aboard the newest and best-maintained fleet of sailboats in Southern California. Whether you’re a beginner or advancing your skills, we provide basic to advanced sailing lessons every weekend on the scenic and protected waters of San Diego Bay.
Our sailing school experience starts before you step on board. Each student receives a professionally published textbook and exclusive Harbor Sailboats study guide, available for pickup or mailed directly to your home. On the day of your sailing lesson, you’ll meet your certified instructor for a brief classroom session reviewing key materials, course expectations, and a class overview. Then it’s time to hit the water—where you’ll spend 80% of your time gaining hands-on sailing experience.
Join Harbor Sailboats and turn your dream of sailing into reality. Discover why we’re San Diego’s top choice for sailing lessons and embark on an unforgettable journey with our award-winning sailing school.
How To Get Started!
Become a member of Harbor Sailboats and start your sailing journey with our Basic Keelboat Sailing Course. Upon enrolling, you’ll receive your official ASA textbook, logbook, and our proprietary study guide to help you prepare for your first on-the-water lesson.
After successfully completing the Basic Keelboat Certification, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and credentials to skipper small keelboats within the protected waters of San Diego Bay.
Continue your sailing education by renting 22’ keelboats for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. These hands-on sailing experiences help you log the required sea time to advance to our next level of instruction: the Coastal Cruising Course. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to progressively larger boats, advanced sailing lessons, and a supportive sailing community.
At Harbor Sailboats, we pride ourselves on offering the most professional sailing instruction aboard the newest and best-maintained fleet in Southern California. Join today and lay the foundation for a lifetime of sailing adventures!
Must I Be A Club Member to Take Class?
Harbor Sailboats is proud to be San Diego’s only members-only sailing club, offering exclusive access to sailing lessons, boat rentals, club events, clinics, international flotillas, and more—all through our club membership.
Enrolling in sailing lessons is the perfect first step for any aspiring sailor. But what happens after your class, when you’re ready to enjoy your new skills with friends and family? As a Harbor Sailboats member, you’ll have year-round access to the best fleet of sailboats in Southern California—perfect for making the most of your sailing lifestyle.
And the best part? ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification) is included with your membership!
Join today and discover why Harbor Sailboats is the top choice for sailing in San Diego.
Courses Offered
Click for class for details
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat
certifies up to 22′
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising
certifies up to 35′
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising
certifies up to 51′
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation
home study that allows passage north of Mission Bay
ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising
advanced passage making
Private Instruction
Have a tough schedule or very particular goals? Harbor Sailboats can tailor private sailing lessons or sailing classes in San Diego to meet your specific needs and goals. Sailing lessons are available aboard any boat in the Harbor Sailboats fleet 22’-51’ mid-week or weekend.
On the morning of class, please check in with the club between 8:30am and 9am, all sailing classes start promptly at 9am. Students should bring homework, class textbook, and ASA logbook. All sailing classes run rain or shine so please check the forecast prior to arriving at the club.
What to Wear
While shorts and a t-shirt will suffice, pack a backpack with the following as it can be chilly on the water (bags can be stowed onboard): jacket, long pants, a sweatshirt or wind breaker, a bottle of water, sneakers or light soled shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
What to Expect
Plan on spending five to six hours per day on the water. Each morning is spent in a classroom setting but we are firm believers that being a competent sailor depends on real world experience, so we will hasten to wrap up the talking early so that we can go SAILING!
