Marina

Learn to Sail and Explore the Coast

A new adventure awaits on the water with sailing courses, coastal cruises, and hands-on training designed for sailors of all experience levels. Group sailing courses are offered throughout the year in a welcoming environment that makes learning both enjoyable and effective. All courses are taught by experienced instructors who help participants develop confidence and sailing skills quickly and safely. 

Start Your Sailing Journey

The progression begins with the Learn to Sail course, taught in the protected boat basin where students can build foundational skills in a safe and fun setting. Located just 10 minutes from the ocean, the training area provides an ideal transition to real-world sailing conditions. 

After completing Learn to Sail, students can advance to Basic Keelboat, which is a US Sailing certified course, where they gain the skills needed to sail independently on the ocean in a relatively short amount of time. 

Build Confidence and Expand Your Skills

Additional courses help sailors prepare for more advanced adventures:
Seamanship Course: Develop the confidence and practical skills needed for coastal cruising.
Navigation Course: Learn the art of traditional chart navigation and deepen your understanding of coastal passage planning.  

Specialty Clinics
Throughout the year, a variety of clinics are offered to further enhance sailing knowledge and skills, including: Spinnaker Handling, Engine Maintenance, Celestial Navigation, and Bareboat Chartering               

After completing each course, participants are eligible to independently rent the boats they trained on. Graduates of the Basic Keelboat course can continue advancing to larger vessels through additional sailing experience and practical checkouts. 

Get started today and discover the freedom, challenge, and excitement of sailing.

Learn to Sail Course

Prerequisite
None.

Duration
3 days  (usually over two weekends)

The Learn to Sail Course is designed for individuals with little or no sailing experience. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a lifelong skill, or a pathway to coastal cruising, this course provides the perfect introduction to the sport of sailing. 

Classes are offered every month on weekends in a safe, fun, and supportive learning environment. Students learn essential sailing fundamentals, including: Boat safety, Rigging and boat preparation, How sails work, Points of sail, Basic knots, Sail trim, Sailing terminology and nomenclature, Rules of the road, and Fundamental sailing techniques. 

Participants get out on the water on the very first day of class. Instruction takes place aboard a Capri 16.5 sailboat equipped with a mainsail and jib. The course fee includes the Learn Sailing Right textbook, and students are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary practice sailing sessions before the final day of instruction. 

This course is an excellent way to build confidence, develop practical sailing skills, and begin your sailing adventure. 

Important Information
Please note that sailing these boats requires moderate physical movement, including shifting from one side of the boat to the other while underway. Individuals with knee, back, or mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the sailing center before registering. 

Course Fee
$300/participant  includes the Learn Sailing Right textbook

Basic Keelboat Course

Prerequisite
Completion of the Learn to Sail Course or successful challenge of the program prior to the course start date.

Duration
3 days  (over two weekends) 

After mastering the fundamentals of sailing, it's time to take your skills to the next level and venture into the open ocean. The Basic Keelboat Course introduces sailors to coastal sailing and cruising along the beautiful Southern California coastline, where encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and even whales are common. Designed for graduates of the Learn to Sail Course, this hands-on program develops the knowledge and confidence needed for day sailing and coastal cruising. Students will head out to sea on the very first day of class and gain practical experience in a variety of essential sailing skills, including: sail trim and sail handling, anchoring techniques, VHF radio operations, reefing procedures, outboard motor operation, docking and maneuvering, crew-overboard recovery, weather awareness and forecasting, basic chart reading and navigation, and coastal cruising skills.

Instruction is conducted aboard a Catalina 22 sailboat and combines classroom learning with extensive on-the-water training.

• Included with registration: US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook, US Sailing Logbook, and a one-year membership with US Sailing. 
• Upon successful completion, participants receive: US Sailing Keelboat Certification, United States Naval Sailing Association Qualification B Skipper, qualification to rent Catalina 22 sailboats for day sailing, and eligibility to participate in fleet cruises, including trips to Dana Point, Mission bay and Catalina 

Course Fee
$375/participant  includes all course materials and books

Advanced Seamanship Course

Prerequisite
Completion of the Keelboat/Cruising Course and a minimum of 16 hours logged as Skipper on the ocean.

Duration
2-day weekend course

The Seamanship Course is designed for sailors who are ready to refine their skills, build confidence, and become more capable coastal cruisers. This intensive weekend program focuses on practical seamanship techniques and advanced boat-handling skills that help transform competent sailors into experienced skippers. Through a combination of instruction and hands-on training, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the skills required for safe and effective coastal cruising. Topics covered include: charting, navigation, set and drift, GPS operation, mooring procedures, advanced sail trim, anchoring techniques, docking and maneuvering, crew-overboard (COB) recovery, reefing and heavy-weather preparation, and additional seamanship and boat-handling skills 

Training is conducted aboard the club's Catalina 27 sailboats, providing valuable experience on larger cruising vessels. Qualification on the Catalina 27 is not required prior to enrollment.

• Participants will be provided: NOAA Chart 18740 
• The following navigation tools will be provided for in class use, particularly for those planning to enroll in the Navigation Course:
  • parallel rulers or navigation plotter
  • dividers
  • pencils
  • eraser
  • navigation calculator (optional)

Course Benefits
By the end of the weekend, participants will have improved their confidence, boat-handling abilities, and decision-making skills while gaining practical experience that supports more advanced coastal cruising and future sailing qualifications. This course is an excellent bridge between basic cruising skills and more advanced navigation and offshore sailing opportunities. 

Fee
$200/participant  includes all course materials and charts

Youth Discover Sailing & Kayaking

Ages
8-17 years.

Schedule  June - August
Wednesday - Friday: 9am - 4:30pm

Duration
3 days

Welcome to the Youth Discover Sailing & Kayaking Course! This exciting hands-on program introduces young adventurers to the fundamentals of sailing and kayaking in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Participants will learn to harness the wind, skipper their own sailboat, and build confidence both on and off the water. Whether your child is brand new to sailing or has some prior experience, this course provides an excellent opportunity to develop boating skills, teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence while enjoying time outdoors on the water.

Course Highlights
Students will sail aboard our Expo 16.5 sailboats, spend one morning learning kayaking skills on sit-on-top kayaks, and also learn how to operate a paddleboard. Classes are conducted in protected waters and combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on practice. 

• basic boat handling and skipper skills
• basic knots
• boat safety
• capsize awareness and recovery concepts
• how sails work
• points of sail
• responsibility on and around the boat
• rigging and boat preparation
• sail trim
• sailing terminology and nomenclature
• teamwork

Students learn many of the same fundamental sailing skills taught in our adult Learn to Sail program, adapted for younger sailors. 

• Footwear
  Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Tennis shoes work well, provided they do not have black soles. Reef walkers or old tennis shoes are recommended for kayaking activities on Thursday.
• Clothing
  swimsuit (the kids like to get wet every day), change of clothes, towel, sweatshirt or light jacket
• Sun Protection
  hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses with a retaining strap
• Other Essentials
  Refillable water bottle, lunch, and snacks; a soda machine is available onsite. Participants also have access to a refrigerator, microwave, and water cooler for refilling water bottles. 

Important Information
Please arrive on time each day. The course covers a significant amount of information and hands-on instruction, and punctuality helps students get the most from their experience.

Course Benefits
By the end of the program, participants will have gained basic sailing and kayaking skills, increased confidence and independence, team-building and communication skills, a greater sense of responsibility, and an appreciation for boating safety and outdoor recreation. 

Most importantly, students will have fun while learning skills that can lead to a lifetime of sailing adventures.

Course Fee
$200/participant

Advance reservations are required.

Seasonal Sailing Regattas

Throughout the year, sailors have the opportunity to test their skills and enjoy friendly competition during our three annual regattas, held in the Spring, Fall, and Winter. Open to sailors ages 10 and older who are qualified to rent a Capri 16.5, these events offer a fun and exciting way to gain experience, improve sailing techniques, and spend a full day on the water with fellow sailors. Whether you're an experienced racer or participating in your very first regatta, everyone is welcome. New racers will receive guidance, helpful tips, and valuable lessons throughout the day, making these events an excellent introduction to the sport of sailboat racing. 

Details
Participants will compete in as many races as conditions and time allow, providing plenty of opportunities to practice:

• racing tactics and strategy
• sail trim and boat speed
• starting procedures
• boat handling skills
• decision-making under pressure
• sportsmanship and teamwork

At the conclusion of racing, awards will be presented to top performers. 

Boat Requirements
Requires a skipper and crew member. Crew must be capable of operating the jib and handling jib sheets. 

Registration Fee
$30/boat 

Additional Information
Please check the sailing center calendar for upcoming regatta dates and registration information. Sailors interested in improving their racing skills are also encouraged to attend the Race Clinic, which provides instruction on racing rules, tactics, starts, mark roundings, and overall race performance. 

Come join the fun, challenge yourself on the racecourse, and enjoy a great day of sailing and competition on the water! 

Overnight Sailing Cruises

Take your sailing adventures beyond the harbor and join us for one of our exciting Overnight Sailing Cruises. These popular trips provide the perfect opportunity to build cruising experience, explore new destinations, and enjoy unforgettable weekends on the water with fellow sailors. Throughout the year, we organize overnight cruises to a variety of Southern California destinations, including: Dana Point, Glorietta Bay, Mission Bay, and even Catalina Island. 

Each cruise offers a unique experience, from scenic coastal passages and harbor exploration to evenings spent relaxing with friends and fellow sailors in beautiful waterfront locations. These trips are ideal for sailors looking to gain additional cruising experience, develop confidence as crew or skipper, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with spending time on the water together. Whether you're building sea time, refining your sailing skills, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway, our overnight cruises provide an unforgettable experience. 

Why Join an Overnight Cruise?
Gain practical coastal cruising experience, improve navigation and seamanship skills, build confidence in varying sailing conditions, explore new ports and destinations, meet and sail with fellow boating enthusiasts, or just enjoy a fun-filled weekend away from home. 

Upcoming Cruises
Cruise destinations and schedules vary throughout the year, and new trips are added regularly based on member interest and seasonal opportunities. For current schedules, availability, and registration information, please stop by the office or contact us directly. Our overnight cruises are among the most popular activities we offer—and it's easy to see why. Great sailing, beautiful destinations, and memorable weekends on the water make these trips a favorite among our sailing community. 

• Renters must be a qualified patron and in possession of a current DoD ID.
• All boats must be signed out by an adult 18 years or older (that is an authorized patron).
• Operators of power vessels shall be at least 18 years of age.
• Must wear Personal Flotation Devices on all vessels at all times. Children 12 years and younger and non-swimmers must wear PFDs on the docks.
  Exception on the Duffy: Only those under the age of 13 and don't know how to swim are required to wear a PFD.
• No children under the weight of 15 lbs. allowed on any MCCS vessels.
• Skippers must be licensed, fill out manifest, and are fully responsible for vessel and crew.
• Skipper must ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Skipper's card remains the property of MCCS and may be revoked for careless or negligent use of equipment, failure to properly unrig and clean boat, violation or disregard of safe boating practices and failure to obey all rules and regulations. IF IN DOUBT – ASK!!
• Crew member must be at least 16 years old.
• Sailboats 22' and above are the only vessels allowed in open ocean.
• Pedal boats are restricted to the Del Mar basin only; all other vessels are restricted to the harbor.
• Report all accidents or injuries to Marina staff.
• Alcohol and boats don't mix; intoxication is prohibited on any MCCS boat.
• No rental boats out of harbor in heavy weather or small craft advisories.
• Capsized or Disabled Boat – STAY WITH THE BOAT.
• No picking up additional passengers not listed on the manifest.
• No sailing into slips unless motor problems. Please call marina for assistance.
• Skipper is responsible for leaving the vessel clean inside and out after use.
• No black-soled shoes or high heels; wear proper boating shoes.
• No pets on rental boats or equipment.
• Military vessels have right of way in basin and channel.
• No beaching of boats.
  Exception: kayaks without pedals
• Porta-potties must be cleaned thoroughly after use. Skipper is responsible.
• Fishing is allowed on all boats.
  Exception: Duffy, Capri's, Expo
• ** No single-handed sailing of 22′ and above**

Wet Slips
The marina offers 85 wet slips available for monthly rental, accommodating vessels ranging from 26-73 feet in length. A limited number of longer end-tie slips are also available. A waiting list is maintained for all slip sizes; however, active duty military personnel receive priority placement.

Monthly slip rentals include: parking, fresh water hookup service, 30-amp electrical power, access to restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and a soft drink vending machine. Slip fees are calculated based on the vessel's overall length or the slip length, whichever is greater.

Dock boxes are available for monthly rental, providing secure onboard storage for equipment and personal gear. 

Dry Storage
The marina offers a limited number of dry storage spaces for vessels stored on trailers. Maximum combined boat and trailer length is 30 feet.

Kayak & Dinghy Storage
Convenient rack storage is available for kayaks, paddlecraft, or small dinghies. Storage spaces are rented monthly and provide a secure, organized location for keeping your watercraft ready for use.

For current rates and availability, please refer to the marina's pricing information or contact the office directly.

* Fishing licenses are required if fishing.
** No fishing on Duffy.
One-hour minimum rental charge on all boats.
Boats returning later than posted time charged $25 per 15 minutes past posted return time. Example: 1-15min $25 / 16-30min $50.

* 22'+ are appointment only.

* 22'+ are appointment only.