Sail away

Two organizations offer online resources and list certified schools: the nonprofit US Sailing and the American Sailing Association.

Most gear will be provided by the school; bring your own sunglasses and hat, and straps to keep both on in windy conditions. Sailing gloves protect your hands, and white rubber–soled shoes keep you from slipping. Wear plenty of sunscreen.

BERKELEY, CA
OCSC Sailing–San Francisco Bay $790 for a 40-hour course. 800/223-2984.

HONOLULU
Honolulu Sailing Co. $445 for an 8-hour course. 800/829-0114.

LONG BEACH, CA
United States Sailing Center $900 for a 48-hour course. 562/433-7939.

SEATTLE
Windworks Sailing Center. $640 for a 24-hour course. 206/784-9386.