Iowa Sailing Club

FAQ

Q. How long does it take to learn to sail?
A. Sailing is a sport that takes a lifetime to master. However, after sailing for about 5 days with a good instructor and a sense of humor, most people will master the basics and feel comfortable handling a boat.

Q. What do I need to sail?
A. The sailing club provides just about everything you need, such as boats, sails, safety gear, etc. You will need to wear suitable clothes (read, clothes you don't mind getting wet) and with some respect for the time of year. Old sneakers or Teva-type sandals are recommended for your feet. If you forget your sun-block, there is plenty in the boathouse, and many people also bring with them sunglasses and a hat. A water bottle is recommended.

If you really enjoy sailing, and begin to spend many hours on the water, you may want to buy your own life jacket or PFD personal floatation device ($50-$100), gloves($10-$30), and sailing boots($50-$100). Club members who have been sailing for many years are a great source of advice for what type of gear to buy.

Q. How do I get started?
A. First step is to contact the ISC any of the current officers by email. Many weekends we have lessons and racing (see Club regattas and sailing events page), but contact us for exact times and dates. For UI students, transportation from Iowa City to the ISC is available; you should definitely contact someone beforehand if you need a ride; pickup is 30 minutes before the event, at the IMU South entrance (on Jefferson).