New this summer, Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation (CISF) is offering community boating lessons and bay adventures geared towards adults. The foundation is traditionally involved in youth programming out of Fort Getty; STEM classes, coastal camps, youth sailing, and after-school programs all make up their robust offerings for Jamestown’s kids and teens. “There’s a really strong presence in the community for kids to go sailing, but not so much for adults if they want to get back into sailing or learn how to sail in the first place,” Marina Barzaghi, the instructor running the adult community classes, explains.
Through a donation of a twenty-three-foot Sonar keelboat, CISF is using that to open sailing lessons to the adult community on the island. “Sail Newport has something like that, but we don’t have anything like that on Jamestown,” says Barzaghi. Sonars, which are known as day sailors, can easily hold three to five people.
There are multiple ways for interested adults to experience the sailing lessons. The first is through two-hour group sailing lessons held three times a day on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Barzaghi hopes that these open group lessons will encourage sailors to meet in the community, whether the participant is new or experienced. The second way to participate is through Women’s Sailing Nights, held 5-7 pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. “It’s another opportunity to meet women in the community who are adventurous and want to do new things outside,” she asserts, hoping that the ladies-only night will be a valuable experience for women seeking to build new connections, female friends, and female empowerment in the sailing community. Group sailing lessons and Women’s Sailing Nights both begin June 5 and will continue through the end of August.
Another way to get out on the water is through private lessons with Barzaghi. A private lesson costs $150 for one person, and a boater seeking private lessons with friends or family can add up to three additional people onto the boating trip for an extra $20 per person.
These boating experiences can be tailored to sailors of all proficiency levels. “The sailing can be whatever you want it to be. Come every week all summer and get really proficient at sailing so you can buy your own boat. Or, if you’re in town visiting family and you want to go for a scenic sail around Newport, that’s totally fine as well.” Barzaghi recommends four back-to-back lessons for those who want to hone their sailing skills, but the point of the community sailing lessons is to get adults out on the water, engaged and connected with sailing and the marine ecosystems.
Where to sail the Sonar is largely up to breeze conditions and the desires of the participants. The boat is based out of TPG Conanicut Marina, which is in downtown Jamestown. Barzaghi lists off Castle Hill as a sailing destination, or alternatively staying close to shore with a harbor cruise around Newport. “The world is our oyster,” she jokes.
Barzaghi has plenty of experience sailing and teaching others the ropes – kids and adults. She grew up in Saunderstown and has sailed since she was seven, competing on North Kingstown’s high school sail team, as well as continuing to sail in college. She has worked for Conanicut Yacht Club, Sail Newport, and most recently for Sail to Prevail, a nonprofit in Newport. For these outings, Barzaghi recommends boaters wear comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothes with layers – “It’s always about ten degrees colder out on the water” – so interested parties should come prepared for a bit of sea spray and cooler temperatures. Otherwise, it’s all about having fun.
To sign up for lessons, email Marina Barzaghi at communitysailing@jamestownsailing.org.
