What to Expect on Your First Day

  • What to Wear
    Dress casual and comfortable. Layers work best for fall, winter and spring. Most people wear
    shorts and t-shirts or polo-style shirts. Bring a windbreaker or pullover. White or non-marking
    rubber-soled shoes only. Remember: Hat or visor, sunscreen, sunglasses.
  • Directions
    1801 W. Coast Highway. Between the Balboa Bay Club and the Sea Scout Base. Approximately 1
    ½ mile south of the Newport Blvd. overpass on Coast Highway. Tall gray building with a curved
    copper roof. Large sign on Highway says “Intercollegiate Sailing and Rowing Base”.
  • Weather
    Classes are held regardless of the weather. If it is too rainy or windy, classes will move indoors.
  • Parking
    Parking is always tight. Arrive early for a space in our lot. When parking in the double spaces be
    sure not to block others. Do not park in red zones. Parking is available along Coast Hwy and in
    the public parking lot off Tustin Ave at Avon, near the Coast Hwy intersection. You will need
    quarters in the p-lot.
  • Where to Meet
    Lido, Shields and Junior classes will meet in the upstairs classrooms. Basic Cruising, Bareboat and
    Alaska Eagle course will meet aboard the boat.
  • Missed Class
    There are no make-ups. If you know in advance you’ll miss a class, ask your instructor what will
    be covered so you can read ahead. Otherwise, just show up at the next session of class. Missing
    the first class of a new session is not advisable.
  • Book
    The OCC Beginning Sailing manual “Sails in the Sun/Masts in the Mud” and for Shields students
    the book to purchase is “Basic Keelboat. Both books are recommend, but not required. The books
    are available for $10 and $21.95 respectively on the first day of class, or from the office during
    the week.
  • Sailing
    Your first day of Beginning Sailing is spent learning all about the boat and a bit on sailing theory.
    You probably will get on the water for a short time. The rest of the class meetings will be 80%
    sailing!
  • Capsize
    Lido 14s do capsize and people “walk” off docks now and then. While most people make it
    through the course without getting wet, it’s certainly a possibility. Everyone wears a life vest.
    We recommend you carry a change of clothes and a towel in your car.
  • Safety
    Safety is very important to your instructor. Classes will not be on the water in dangerous
    conditions. Everyone wears a life vest all the time, regardless of the weather. Life vests are
    provided.
  • Classmates
    Classes range from 3 to 33 people and two to three people per boat. Couples are able to sail
    together most of the time, and individuals will quickly find sailing friends in class. There will be
    up to 12 boats on the water, and your instructor will be nearby in a launch.