Nelson Sailing Center

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn to sail?
This is a question that can be answered on different levels.  You can learn to sail in the Basic Keelboat Sailing course in 2 days.  After two days you will not be an expert, but you will be able to take out a smaller sailboat in familiar waters, and average conditions, enjoying a day on the water.  Then, over the course of several days (about 50 hours) of sailing on your own, you will develop your skills and become comfortable and more capable.  At the other extreme, most experienced sailors don't feel that they have finished "learning how to sail."  The beauty of sailing as a sport, and even a lifestyle, is that there are always new challenges in the form of new boats, new waters, and new sailing experiences to master.  Our philosophy is to get people started in sailing and bring them to a point where they can achieve self-sustaining momentum toward a lifetime of rewarding sailing. 
 

How many hours will I spend on the water in the Basic Keel Boat course?
The basic course lasts two days, with approximately 12 hours of total on-water instruction.  At Nelsons you will get right out on the water and will learn in a floating classroom.  Your experienced instructor will be working non-stop to give you the practical skills needed to handle a sailboat, while reviewing safety issues, sailing theory, navigational topics, and the other things which go into boating and sailing.

Is the course only about sailing?
No. Docking, operation of the motor, an introduction to navigation, seamanship topics, and a variety of safety topics are all part of the course.  Your certification is accepted as the equivalent of a safe boating course, in addition to a sailing course.

What if the weather is inclement?
If it is overcast we will still sail.  If there is heavy rain, lightning, or 25 knot winds, we will not sail. Because weather prediction is often less than accurate, we will only cancel a class that day and not before.  If the class is canceled you will be rescheduled for a different date.
 
Is there a test?
Certification courses, like Basic Keelboat Sailing, have written tests at the end.  The test will take a little over an hour and is mostly matching questions, and multiple choice.  After doing some reading and after the two days of instruction, you should be ready for the test and will probably pass.  Occasionally, people prefer to come back later to take the written test.

What if I don't pass?
  In the event that you don't pass, a retest can be arranged at nominal cost.  Private instruction, at an hourly rate, can be arranged for additional on water time to get you past any hands on sailing problems.

After I finish the basic course and I receive my certification, what does that do for me?
Your ASA log book with certification stamps for the course(s) you have completed, is your credential to prove sailing competence.  ASA sailboat rental facilities will accept the logbook as sufficient evidence that you are OK to sail appropriate boats from the rental fleet under appropriate conditions.  The basic course qualifies you for a boat in the 20-25 foot range, and you may wish to take further courses if your goal is to rent a large "bareboat charter" sailing yacht. 

Can I rent boats from Nelson's after completing my course?
Yes.  Nelson's has a large fleet of boats ranging from around 19 feet to around 34 feet.  They can be rented daily for 3 hrs., 6 hrs., or 9 hrs., or on a multi-day, or seasonal basis.  There are boats with a racing feel, boats that have greater stability for those who are bringing family or novice passengers, boats with ample cabins for overnight or weekend use, and large boats suitable for a big group or an extended cruise around Barnegat Bay.  Our boats have a variety of sail configurations and a variety of motors, from electric outboard to inboard diesel.

Should I consider a seasonal rental?
Renting seasonally is a good way for people who are considering boat ownership to explore sailing in an intermediate way.  Daily rentals can get expensive if you want to go out frequently, but taking the plunge of buying a boat, with the maintenance and other ownership responsibilities, may seem a big step.  Seasonal rentals are affordable and allow you to focus on the fun of sailing and not the work of bottom painting and the like.  After having exclusive use of a boat to August 1st, you can try out different boats at no additional charge, thereby getting a good idea of what type of boat you want to eventually buy.

I am not interested in major risks and challenges at this point.  What conditions will I find on Toms River and Barnegat Bay?
Toms River has some great sailing in a limited and safe area.  You will not encounter large wind-driven waves.  The water depth is ample and consistent.  You can have fun, but always be a few minutes from the shelter of the dock and marina. The basic sailing course is conducted on the river.  The Bay is more exciting, with possible distances of 10 or 20 miles without really changing course.  Sailing in the bay requires a bit more experience and navigational skill, but is essentially very safe.  Winds may get up in the 20 mph range in the afternoons, but, typically, the wind blows pretty steadily, and is not usually changing or too gusty.  For both the river and bay, there is an absence of strong currents and there is little or no commercial traffic.  

What to bring?

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
• Footwear: Non-marking light-colored soles or actual boat shoes are required.  Shoes with dark soles will not be allowed as they put difficult-to-remove marks on the boats.
• What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable clothes (sailing is athletic).  Dress in layers as temperatures can vary greatly between the land and the water.  Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions as we will conduct the classes during light rain (i.e. bring a raincoat or suitable alternative).