Becoming certified on our Vanguard 15 and FJ dinghies and paying club dues allows you free use of the boats at your own leisure. In order to earn certification you must first familiarize yourself with the boat and its hardware. After becoming acquainted with the boat, an instructor will take you sailing. On this sail the instructor will demonstrate and perform the basic maneuvers: tacking, jibing, and steering. You the student will have the opportunity to handle the sails and skipper the boat when you feel comfortable. There is no pressure in having to sail the boat if you do not want to. We want to keep the learning process as enjoyable as possible, while helping you learn how to sail. After you have demonstrated that you possess the knowledge to rig, launch, sail, de-rig the boat, know safety rules, and tie knots, you will be certified to use the boats. The process is to show us, FSUSA that you have the skills & knowledge to safely sail the boat. Check the calendar or come to a meeting to find out when the next lessons date is.

Becoming certified on our offshore vessels takes a little more time because of their size and additional safety issues. The same principles of sailing exists for these boats as with the Vanguard 15s. The main difference is that these boats require further instruction on navigation and safety.

Lessons are free of charge and do not require membership.