Discover Buffalo Sailing, an Introduction to the Sport - $75 

Registration is OPEN For 2025!

Ask any sailor what sailing means to them and the answers will be varied but always passionate. For some, it’s the feeling of silently gliding on the water and the lift of the wind in the sails. For others, it’s the rush when the boat heels or the thrill of running a race line. But for all, it is the camaraderie of sharing a sport that is at the same time intellectually challenging, emotionally exciting and physically demanding. The Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club wishes to share all of this with you.

Discover Buffalo Sailing (DBS) is your introduction to the world of sailing. Taking place the first 4 weeks of the sailing season, the program will expose you to basic sailing skills through a structured program of onshore chalk-talks and on the water, hands-on experience. Club boat owners volunteer their equipment to give you the best possible experience. Mentors and seasoned crew members will coach you as you learn how the wind and the sails move the vessel through the water. The program will include basic boat handling and safety.

Registration is open January - April each year. The program kicks off each year with an orientation session in April that will outline the program expectations, recommended equipment, and boat assignments. It is also your “meet the skipper” opportunity as all participants will be assigned a boat and skipper in advance. Fellow crew members, your club mentors, and skippers will all be introduced in this initial orientation meeting. This meeting is held at Obersheimer Sailor Supply – 1884 Niagara St. in Buffalo, NY 14207 on their second floor sail loft.

Discover Buffalo Sailing regular sessions will then run on four Saturday mornings beginning in May. Sessions consist of a 45-minute dockside chalk-talk and 2-1/2 hour sail, weather permitting. Please check the Calendar for times. Sessions on the water will not be rescheduled should poor weather prevail, however additional dockside lessons will be substituted instead. Each boat will have a skipper and experienced crew members. Participants will be actively involved in sailing during each session.

To participate in the program one must become a club member, pay a small materials fee, and sign a liability waiver. Participants need to be agile enough to easily move around a boat in motion.

For additional information please visit our DBS FAQ page or Contact Us with your questions.

Registration for this program is available December ~ April only

Click New Member Signup and choose Discover Buffalo Sailing