Membership
Learn to sail at PCC Sailing School
Welcome to PCC Sailing School! Our Sailing School was established in June of 2019 as a part of the Pymatuning Century Club, with the mission to provide affordable sailing lessons to as many students, members, and prospective members as we can. The majority of our teaching boats have come to us through donations and have been cared for by our volunteer instructors. PCC Sailing School is located at Pymatuning Century Club in Jamestown, PA. Its prime location on the Pymatuning Reservoir allows ample sailing grounds on a low-horsepower lake. Although we mostly cater to adults, we offer kids programs throughout the summer. Our all-volunteer staff is comprised of US Sailing Certified Instructors who promote safety, fun and learning in all our classes. Please read below about the courses offered.
Small Boat Level 1 Sailing Lessons
Small Boat class description
Introduction to Small Boat Sailing is Pymatuning Century Club's introductory sailing class, designed for those with little or no sailing experience (or for those who've spent too much time away from sailing!) Sailing in smaller boats is the absolute best way to learn quickly how to harness the wind to sail efficiently. Every shift in the wind and every adjustment made can be immediately felt, so your sailing senses will be honed quickly. This is a US Sailing endorsed course, and our instructors are US Sailing certified instructors. As the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing, US Sailing’s mission is to provide leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States. This class is available to sailors age 13 and up.
Course objectives include basic knots, boat handling & seamanship. On-the-water lessons will be conducted on our club owned Sunfish, American 14.6 or Flying Scot. PCC Members will have full access to club fleet for additional practice.
Format
Classes will be conducted in the classroom and on the water per the schedule below. Registered students are eligible to attend all classes per the schedule below and have 2 years from application year to complete the course. Additional instruction is available upon request.
2024 Class Schedule
May 4 (half day) - theory and land drills
June 1 (all day) - on the water skills practice
July 13 (all day) - on the water skills practice (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)
August 10 (all day) - on the water skills practice
September 14 (all day) - on the water skills practice (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)
Cost
$150 Students | $200 Members / $350 Non-Members*
*Non-Members are permitted on premises only during scheduled class times.
Pre-requisites
None
Registration
Registration is OPEN now thru May 1st, 2024. Download an Application today to receive your study materials!
Certificate
Our Small Boat sailing classes are structured so that students can learn to sail at their own pace throughout the season. Students will receive a US Sailing textbook (material to be covered in classroom), and a "Little Red Book" where instructors will track each student's skill progress. A written test can be taken at each student's discretion, anytime throughout the season. Once all skills are signed off in the "Little Red Book" and the written test has been completed, students will be eligible to receive an official US Sailing Logbook with Small Boat Level 1 Certification sign off.
Basic Keelboat Sailing Lessons
Basic Keelboat class description
In our Basic Keelboat course, students will learn to skipper and crew a sailboat approximately 20-27 feet long. We will discuss basic sailing terminology, parts of the boat and their functions, helm commands, sail trim, points of sail, reefing, docking, basic seamanship and rules of the road. This is a US Sailing endorsed course, and our instructors are US Sailing certified instructors. As the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing, US Sailing’s mission is to provide leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States.
Course objectives include basic knots, boat handling & seamanship. On-the-water lessons will be conducted on our club owned Ranger 23. PCC Members will have full access to club fleet for additional practice.
Format
Classes will be conducted in the classroom and on the water. Each weekend course will include 20 hours of instructions (Friday evening - Sunday afternoon) and will conclude with on the water practical and a written test. Registered students can select one of the weekends on below schedule. Additional instruction is available upon request.
2024 Class Schedule
May 17-19 - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday (CMPT)
June 14-16 - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday (CMPT)
August 2-4 - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday (Registration OPEN; Pat & Dave)
August 16-18 - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday (Registration OPEN; Pat & Dave)
Cost
$300 Students | $400 Members | $600 Non-Members*
*Non-Members are permitted on premises only during scheduled class times.
Pre-requisites
Although there are no pre-requisites per US Sailing requirements, it is highly recommended that candidates have at minimum 1-2 years sailing experience, or have successfully completed our Small Boat Level 1 course.
Registration
Registration is now open. Download an Application today to receive your study materials!
Certificate
Upon completion of the weekend course, an on the water assessment as well as a written test will be administered by our instructors. Once successfully passed both tests, students will be eligible to receive an official US Sailing Logbook with Basic Keelboat Certification sign off. You will also receive a 1-year US Sailing Membership free of charge.
Basic Keelboat Refresher
Basic Keelboat Refresher class description
Are you looking go spend extra time at the tiller, or refresh your sailing skills? Maybe you'd like to introduce a family member to sailing? Whether you are keelboat certified or not (US Sailing or ASA), this class will be tailored to your personal needs. Spend some time with one of our certified US Sailing instructors to continue to build your skills and confidence level.
Format
This will be mostly on the water, a classroom theory session can be arranged as needed. Knots review included upon request. One-day (8 hrs) classes will be held during the week or weekends, from 9am-5pm.
2024 Class Schedule
June 29 - Saturday (Pat D.)
July 5 - Friday (Pat D.)
July 19 - Friday (Pat D.)
Registration
Registration is open throughout the season and additional dates will be published based on instructor availability. Download an Application today to secure your spot.
Certificate
This is not a certification course.
Cost
$150 Students | $200 Members | $300 Non-Members ($100 each additional person in your party, up to 3 sailors)
*Non-Members are permitted on premises only during scheduled class times.
Meet our instructors
Lidia Gray
PCC Sailing School Director
Small Boat Level 1 & Level 2
Basic Keelboat
Bill Gray
Small Boat Level 1
Basic Keelboat
Ron Gallagher
Basic Keelboat
Sofia Gray
Small Boat Level 1
Pat Donnelly
Basic Keelboat
Dave Porter
Basic Keelboat
Because our sailing school is supported mostly by lessons, and our instructors are all volunteers, any donations are accepted and greatly appreciated. Please use PayPal link below to make a donation. From all of our staff - THANK YOU!
