At Community Sailing New Orleans, we believe that everyone should have access to Lake Ponchartrain.

Sailing 101: Intro to Sailing

We offer beginning keelboat courses for adults. These courses teach the fundamentals on our Independence 20 keelboats.

Beyond the Basics: Keelboat Prep Course

A multi-class course designed for adults looking to advance their sailing skills for independent sailing or earning certifications.

Women in the Wind

These clinics are for women of all levels. The content of the class ranges from fundamentals of sailing to racing.

Tolmas Military Sailing Program

The Oscar J. Tolmas Military Sailing Program is provided for active military members and veterans who served in our armed forces.

Corporate & Group Outings

For team building or entertainment purposes, local businesses and organizations can spend a day on the water at Community Sailing New Orleans.

Access Pass

With an annual fee, Access Pass holders have access to our facilities and fleet of boats and paddle boards. Pass holders also receive discounts on sailing lessons and camps. Annual fees are scaled to ability to pay.

Sailing 101: Intro to Sailing

Designed for adults looking to learn the basics of sailing.

Curious about sailing but not sure where to start? Sailing 101 is a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of sailing, designed for beginners with little to no prior sailing experience. This hands-on course builds confidence on the water while introducing the essential skills every sailor needs.

Participants will learn basic sailing nomenclature, on-the-water safety, essential knots, boat rigging, steering and boat handling, how sails work, and the “rules of the road” that govern safe navigation. Instruction combines shoreside learning with on-water practice, allowing concepts to come to life as students sail on Lake Pontchartrain.

Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, preparing for future sailing courses, or simply want to understand the basics, Sailing 101 provides a strong foundation and a fun, supportive entry into the world of sailing.

Join us as often as you’d like to keep building your skills!

Classes are $101 per person.

Beyond the Basics: Keelboat Prep Course

Group sailing lessons for adults ready to move toward independent sailing and formal certification.

Open to both beginners and developing sailors, this course provides a deeper dive into sailing fundamentals to build and strengthen skills to become confident sailors.

Over six sessions, participants focus on understanding sailing concepts and gaining extensive practice in boat handling, sail trim, docking, maneuvering, safety procedures, navigation rules, and on-the-water decision-making in a variety of weather conditions. From learning the parts of the boat and proper rigging to reefing and emergency maneuvers, this course covers everything you need to go from your first time on the water to sailing confidently.

Whether you are brand new to sailing or looking to strengthen existing skills, this multi-session course provides the experience and preparation needed to enjoy independent sailing.

$450 per participant

*Your registration includes six sessions, each 2 hours long, held over three consecutive weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

May Session Dates Include:

May 2 & 3

May 9 & 10

May 16 & 17

June Session Dates Include:

June 13 & 14

June 20 & 21

June 27 & 28

July Session Dates Include:

July 18 & 19

July 25 & 26

August 1 & 2

Women in the Wind

An introduction to sailing designed by women, for women.

Women in the Wind is an introductory sailing program created by women, for women—designed to provide a supportive, confidence-building environment for learning the fundamentals of sailing. This program welcomes women and non-binary individuals of all experience levels, from complete beginners to those looking to refresh or strengthen their skills.

Each class focuses on a specific sailing topic or skill. With a rotating curriculum, participants are encouraged to return as often as they like, building knowledge and confidence over time while learning at their own pace.

Instruction blends shoreside learning with hands-on time on the water, allowing Lake Pontchartrain to become an engaging classroom where skills come to life. Whether you’re brand new to sailing or looking for a welcoming space to grow your abilities, Women in the Wind offers an empowering pathway into the sport—and a community to grow with.

Each class is $50 per participant.

Military Sailing

Oscar J. Tolmas Military Sailing Program

The Oscar J. Tolmas Military Sailing Program welcomes active-duty service members and military veterans who have served in our armed forces. This program is made possible through generous support from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.

Participants learn the fundamentals of sailing as well as basic nomenclature, safety, knots, rigging, steering, how sails work, and the rules of the road. During each session, participants meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings for three weeks. Our facilities and fleet of boats can accommodate veterans with disabilities or mobility challenges. We provide specialized equipment, instruction, and support to enable veterans of all abilities to participate in sailing and enjoy the benefits of being on the water.

We also offer sailing clinics throughout the year in conjunction with our community partners who work and serve veterans, including the New Orleans VA and Bastion Community of Resilience.

  • Who: Active and Retired members of the US Military.

  • Requirements: No sailing experience required.

  • Cost: The fee for this course is $50.

  • When: Each course includes a total of 5 classes. Classes are from 9-11am on Saturdays and Sundays over a three-week period.

  • Where: Community Sailing New Orleans, 101 N. Roadway, New Orleans, LA 70124

  • What to Bring: Please be sure to wear or bring appropriate clothing, including closed-toed shoes, sun protection (sunglasses, hats, sunscreen), a rain jacket, and a water bottle. We will provide life preservers for each participant. You are more than welcome to bring your own as long as it is US Coast Guard approved.

“I’ve sat out here for 60 years on the wall looking at sailboats and never dreamed it was possible for me to be sitting in a boat and enjoying it. I suffer from PTSD, but while I’m out there on the water, I have no outside interference coming in. It’s just a calmness, you know, you’re like in your own world.

I’ve lived here all my life. I swim off the wall, I’ve fished off the wall, for years I watched the sailboats going. And as I was sitting on the dock, I have a picture and I was just saying, look at me now. I’m on the water looking at the people sitting on the land. It’s really peaceful, and I advise anyone to put your fears away and just come out and enjoy.”

– Harold
VA Sailing Clinic Participant

Group & Corporate Outings

Sailing is the perfect platform for team building.

Corporate & Group Sails offer a fun, engaging, and unforgettable way to build connections, strengthen communication, and create shared experiences—no sailing experience required. Participants collaborate as a crew—learning the basics of sailing, problem-solving together, and celebrating successes along the way.

Led by professional instructors, these hands-on sailing experiences can be customized to fit your group size, goals, and schedule. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic team-building activity, a unique addition to a meeting or retreat hosted at our facility, or a standalone on-the-water experience, we’ll design a sail that works for you.

Group Sails are also perfect for birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette celebrations, family gatherings, and other special occasions looking for something truly memorable.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain, these sails turn teamwork into an adventure and leave your group with stories they’ll be talking about long after they’re back on shore!

Let us know you’re interested by completing the form below.

Community Sailing Interest Form

Private Lessons

Learn to sail at your own pace!

Private sailing lessons offer a personalized and immersive way to learn how to sail, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine advanced skills. Unlike group classes, private instruction focuses entirely on your goals, pace, and confidence level, making it one of the most effective ways to master sailing.

Private sailing instruction is ideal for:

  • Beginners who want focused guidance without the pressure of a group setting

  • Couples or families looking to learn together

  • Experienced sailors seeking to improve specific skills (e.g., docking, heavy weather sailing, racing tactics)

Our private lesson tuition is $75 per hour, per participant, with a two-hour minimum. We do offer group rates!

Let us know you’re interested by filling out the form below.

Community Sailing Interest Form

Access Pass

Under Construction

As an Access Pass holder, you have access to our fleet and facilities. You’ll also receive discounts on sailing lessons and camps. Your annual dues help fund our social impact programs for young people, individuals with disabilities, and military veterans.

If you’re interested in any of our programs, email [email protected] or call 504-233-3292.

If you’re interested in any of our programs, email [email protected] or call 504-233-3292.