Best Sailing School Long Beach Near Me

4worldlovers: “Long Beach is the ideal Southern California sail-training venue. It’s windier, closer to Catalina, and at a better wind angle than any other SoCal harbor. Plus, we have the advantage of miles of open water for training without the congestion of the kayaks, paddle boards, Duffys and party boats. It’s simply the best place to learn.” Marc Hughston, Chief Instructor.


Offering local sailing lessons at Rainbow Harbor - Long Beach, California

Sail Training Adventures in the Sea of Cortez, Catalina, and the Channel Islands

Our students are interested in exploring the world of sailing, from day sailing to cruising the world, and everything in between. Some want to be a competent mate for their sailing partner. Some want to take family and friends for day sails. Many want to gain the knowledge and skill to charter a boat for a weekend at Catalina, and others need their SLC Mediterranean Sailing License to charter in the Mediterranean. Some are acquiring their first small sailboat or stepping up to a larger monohull, and still others and prepping for that huge catamaran they want to charter in the Caribbean. And many experienced sailors want to tune their skills in specific areas. In the end, it’s all about gaining the confidence and competence to fulfill your sailing dreams.

“Marc is a squared away sailor who immediately instills a sense of capability and confidence in his clients. One knows that the voyage will be successful. no matter what conditions prevail or what Mother Nature brings. All done with a cheerful, professional demeanor but never a sense of superiority. Would sail with him anywhere anytime as client or crew.”

Many of our students come to us not knowing what they don’t know. When they learn they can voyage to distant shores, anchor in a secluded cove, manage the boat, the crew, and even handle heavy weather, it feels like a little bit of magic is taking place. See our blog on The Best Way to Become a Better Sailor, for a taste of how we can help.

If you want to get somewhere in the world of sailing, even if you’re not sure exactly where that is, see our sailing classes below and find out what the possibilities are. Then contact us for more info. We’re committed to helping you get from where you are to where you want to be.

“I had the pleasure of working with Marc as he was writing his excellent guide to Catalina Island, entitled “Anchoring At Catalina. No Moorings. No Problem.” This consisted of a several day trip around the island in a 30’ sailboat, anchoring and getting photographs at all the sites. I learned more in that weekend than everything else combined.

Subsequent to that trip, we collaborated on a class for the sailing club, and feedback from attendees reinforced my strongly held opinion that Marc has a wealth of practical knowledge from his extensive experience, and he is a master at communicating it. He is an excellent instructor, and truly a pleasure to work with.”

4worldlovers: Sailing and Powerboat Lessons Day- Sailing Charters for up to Six passengers.

There is a reason that over 6,000 over these little day-sailors have been built. Simple, fast and fun. At only 310 lbs the boat is ideal for 2-3 adults, however, there is room for several more. click HERE for more info about the lido 14’

With a little more weight behind her The Cal 20’ is legendary, The Cal 20' is a wonderful boat to learn to sail. Nimble enough to sail on and off the dock, but still a very stable keel boat capable of the open ocean. With this boat you will connect with the water and can truly learn the basics of sailing. Balancing sails, steering a straight course tacking and gybeing are quickly learned aboard this simple to sail boat.

Rigging is Basic so it is easy to learn, however don't underestimate this little boat- all the controls and basics will transfer over to larger and more complicated boats. This is the perfect boat for learning ocean sailing

The Cal 20' is one of the sturdiest little sailboats ever built and has competed in the Single-Handed Transpac (California to Hawaii Race see Black Feathers) and has room inside for a family of 4 to spend a weekend afloat. There are still many Cal 20 fleets across the United States racing every week. Fishbowl has had a complete makeover with fresh paint from keel up, new rigging and upgraded with an electric and gas outboard motor

Our Captains are Licensed by the United States Coast Guard and we are Fully Insured, Crew is Trained in Basic First Aid and CPR and enrolled in Random Drug Testing.

4worldlovers:

The Long Beach Sailing Foundation's mission is to encourage and promote national and international amateur sailing and to facilitate maritime education and community sailing opportunities. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, formed to own, maintain and manage a fleet of identical Catalina 37 sailboats donated by Frank Butler, the president of Catalina Yachts, for use in Long Beach Yacht Club's signature event, the Congressional Cup.

Throughout the year you will see and hear about our programs designed to support STEM education, sailor development and community outreach. These programs are made possible through the support of our donors and through our partnerships with Long Beach Yacht Club, the US Sailing Center and many members of our local sailing.

4worldlovers:
The Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center has had "the wind at it's back" throughout its long history. Founded in 1929 to teach local youth the basics of sailing, the Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center is regarded as one of the premier municipal instructional sailing programs in the country. The Center's mission is to provide a fun, safe aquatic experience, and to teach good sportsmanship and water safety. Along with quality sailing instruction, kayaking, and canoeing are also taught.


Leeway Sailing & Aquatics Center offers classes throughout the year in sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. Group, private and semi-private lessons are available. For information about private or semi-private lessons, please call the Sailing Center at 570-1719. View information about our group classes.

*All classes require registration at least 48 hours in advance either online or at the Parks, Recreation and Marine registration office.

Bring your group to Leeway to enjoy a day at Alamitos Bay! Custom activity days are available for youth and adult groups featuring kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.

A minimum of ten (10) days notice is required to schedule a group activity at Leeway Sailing Center. Parties may be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM and 4 PM.

A Long Beach sailing program on the beach of Alamitos Bay began in 1929. It became affiliated with the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) not long after it founding, and many Leeway Sailing Center (Leeway) members were also junior members of the ABYC.

4worldlovers: Capt Kevin McQuiston is a USCG Licensed Master Captain and holds American Sailing Association Certifications in ASA101,103 and 104 Kevin is launching a campaign to become the first person to successfully sail nonstop alone around the world from the West Coast of America departing October 2023.

We offer 2 and 3 hour sailing charters on friendly local waters for up to 6 passengers.

Learn how to sail! We'll even teach you what you need to know if you want to aquire your own sailboat.

5 easy 3 hour lessons gets you NOWS (National On the Water Standard) Sailing Certification. We schedule your lessons around YOUR schedule.

3 hour sailing charter with Sunglow Sailing; for up to 6 passangers, departs from Long Beach Shoreline Village.

2-hour sailing charter with Sunglow Sailing; for up to 6 passengers, departs from Long Beach Shoreline Village.

Receive your NOWS Sailing Certification from the American Boat Yacht Council. Learn how to sail to Catalina Island.