Fairwind Yacht Club
2006 and 2007 SCYA Yacht Club of the Year

Frequently Asked Questions About Fairwind Yacht Club

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Feel free to write us with any questions you have at info@fairwind.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions
If I don't know how to sail, will you teach me?
What if I'm already an experienced sailor?
What does it cost?
Why is the club so inexpensive?
What kind of boats does the club have?
Where are the boats kept?
Who is in the club?
Iwant to check the club out - where do we meet?
Once I'm "checked-out", how do I reserve a boat?
When can I go cruising to Catalina, etc.?
Once I'm "checked-out", is there a boat for me?
How are the boats maintained?
What's the catch?
Does the club carry insurance?
After reading the FAQ, who can I call?

If I don't know how to sail, will you teach me?
Yes. Members who are American Sailing Association certified instructors contribute their time to train and then to check-out new members as Skippers. The Club emphasizes safety in all boat activities.
What if I'm already an experienced sailor?
All you need to do is learn to operate our daysailers, be checked out, and you're a qualified Skipper. Move-ups to the cruising boats can be accelerated, provided you have been checked out on each Club boat as you progress.
What does it cost?
Dues are $60 per Quarter until checked-out on day-sailers. When Skippering, $99 Quarterly on day-sailers; $195 per Quarter on medium-level cruise boats (26 to 28 feet), and $270 Quarterly on the large-level boats (over 30 feet). A refundable security bond is required for each level.

	Why is the club so inexpensive?
	Because everyone who joins is expected to volunteer to serve! This is the secret of our more than four decades of successful low-cost operation. The Commodore, Board Members, Boat Chiefs, Cruise Chairman, Sailing Instructors, Editor - ALL VOLUNTEER. If new members have previous sailing club experience, or boating talents, we all will benefit.
	What kind of boats does the club have?
	Fairwind members have use of the following boats: Small Boats Two Fixed Keel Capri 14.2K's G22 Rambley Catalina 22 Soling Seaweed Soling Blue By U Eight Hobie Waves Hobie Dragoon Ten Kayaks Medium Boats Hunter 26.5 Collective Effort Catalina 27 Freedom Too Catalina 270 Zephyr Catalina 28 Island Side F-27 Sea Wing Large Boats Catalina 30 Mk III Mark III Catalina 320 Osprey Catalina 38 Happy Ours Catalina 400 Angelsea See our Fleet Information page for more details.
	Where are the boats kept?
	All boats are in the water, ready to sail. They are located in three areas: dock C-2400 - off Panay Way, Marina del Rey; dock G-2500, Marina del Rey; and in Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.
	Who is in the club?
	Men and women, from age 20 and up, some single, some married, some with children. Some experienced sailors, some new to sailing.

I want to check the club out - where do we meet?
Come to a "Free Sail", normally held the first Saturday of each month in Marina del Rey. Come to Gate C-2400 (off Panay Way) Marina del Rey, at 9:30 a.m., for introductions and for light boat maintenance work, then you sign up for the boat you wish to go out on in afternoon. In Channel Islands Harbor, the "Free Sail" is normally the third Sunday of each month, at the Channel Islands Yacht Club.
Once I'm "checked-out", how do I reserve a boat?
Reservations are made on-line through our website. For people without web access, a volunteer takes telephone reservations. Either type of reservation guarantees you sailing time - even during the warm summer months.

	When can I go cruising to Catalina, etc.?
	As a crewperson, go as soon as you join. The Club has cruises each year to Avalon and the Isthmus; to Long Beach, and brunch and dinner cruises to King Harbor. To cruise as a Skipper, you must learn the boat; be checked-out; and have completed American Sailing Association courses.
	Once I'm "checked-out", Is there a boat for me?
	Yes, boats are there for you to sail almost any time. However, as you improve and progress through the Club, you are expected to volunteer - TO RETURN THE HELP given to you by fellow Club members. You learn, you offer to teach and you serve newer members.
	How are the boats maintained?
	Each boat has a volunteer member assigned as Boat Chief. Major work is contracted, minor work is done by members working with the Boat Chief on Saturday work days or at other times.

What's the catch?
There is none - except that each member is expected to contribute time and help to the Club in what-ever way he or she can. Members serve as officers, as newsletter editor, as sailing instructors, as cruise chairperson, or by helping with boat maintenance.
Does the club carry insurance?
Yes, for both hull damage and liability. There is, however, a deductible amount - very similar to one's automobile insurance.
After reading the FAQ, who can I contact?
Eail us at info@fairwind.org Fax us at (866) 210-3019 or write us at Fairwind Yacht Club P.O. Box 12684 Marina Del Rey, CA 90295-3684