MEMBERS COMMUNITY SAILING GROUP
It’s you - our wonderful members who come together to make The Island Sailing Community Sailing Group such a great way to experience and share the joy of sailing!
Who can join and how?
Community Sailing is open to all Island Sailing Club members. To join, become a member (memberships start at $230/month) and sign up using the member form below.
When do sails happen?
Community Sails run throughout the entire year, with day sails and overnight trips scheduled monthly.
Do I need to be certified?
Only the basic certification of ASA 101 is required. Members with that certification level can join more experienced members on the bigger boats for these events.
What does it cost?
There are no additional fees or costs associated with participating in our community cruising events.
T H E C O M M U N I T Y S A I L I N G G R O U P A T I S C
Since 1978, Island Sailing in Portland, Oregon, has been a beacon for sailors of all stripes, creating a vibrant community bound by a shared love of sailing. Through decades of lessons, races, and group outings, Island Sailing has nurtured not just skilled sailors but enduring friendships and a legacy of maritime passion in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
At Island Sailing, community is at the heart of every adventure. Whether you're an experienced skipper or a first-time sailor, you'll find a welcoming environment where members connect, learn, and grow together. From mastering practical navigation applied to our local waters to simply enjoying the wind in your sails, every gathering contributes to the rich and ever-evolving story of community sailing.
Ready to set sail?
Join us and immerse yourself in a variety of sailing activities tailored to every level of adventure. From Community Sails, perfect for skill-building and relaxed cruising, to Day Sails with scenic destinations and picnic breaks, and even Overnight Sails for the intrepid, Island Sailing offers something for everyone. Come be part of our legacy and discover the joy of sailing alongside a community of members that feels like family.
Get Involved!
Looking to have fun on the water, meet fellow sailors, and build your sailing skills in a laid-back, supportive environment? The Cruising Group is the perfect opportunity! While the winter months are quieter, we’re actively planning for spring and summer, so now is a great time to get involved.
By joining, you’ll receive direct emails about upcoming cruising group events, notices, and opportunities to sail together.
Types of Sails:
Community Sails – Enjoy a shorter time on the water, focused on honing skills, and enjoying the sail, without a specific destination.
Picnic or Day Sails – Spend a full day with us! We’ll usually have a set destination and a planned lunch break.
Overnight Sails – For those looking for a bit more adventure, these are at least two days, including an overnight stay at a set destination.
Getting More Involved!
Are you interested in taking on a larger role in the cruising group? Here are a couple of ways to get more involved:
Event Hosts - If you enjoy organizing, consider being an Event Host. Hosts manage the planning to bring events to life. While some sailing experience is helpful, it’s mostly about making things happen smoothly.
Join Our Pool of Regular Skippers and Crew Members - For our more experienced sailors, consider joining our pool of regular skippers and crew members who commit to events in advance:
Regular Skipper – As a skipper, you’ll be responsible for the boat and crew aboard. Experience on the type of boat you’ll be skippering is required, along with a desire to teach and share your skills. We’ll also work to expand your comfort with different boats, and we’ll pair you with at least one other experienced crew member whenever possible.
Regular Crew Member – Acting as a second to the skipper, capable crew members have enough sailing experience to support the skipper and can also sign up in advance to participate in events.
Community Sailing faqs
Who can join, and how?
Community Sailing is open to all Island Sailing Club members. To join, become a member (memberships start at $230/month), then sign up using the member form on this page.
When do sails happen?
Community Sails run throughout the year, with day sails and overnight trips scheduled monthly. The winter months are quieter, and spring and summer bring the fullest calendar of events.
Do I need to be certified?
Only ASA 101 certification is required. With ASA 101, you can join more experienced members aboard the club’s larger boats for these events, which is a great way to gain experience on bigger boats.
What does it cost?
There are no additional fees or costs to take part in Community Sailing events. Participation is included with your Island Sailing Club membership.
Is Community Sailing a good fit if I’m newer to sailing?
Yes. Community Sailing is a laid-back, supportive way to have fun on the water, meet fellow sailors, and build your skills. If you have your ASA 101 certification, you’re ready to join.
What kinds of sails are there?
Community Sails are shorter outings focused on honing skills and enjoying the sail, with no set destination. Picnic or Day Sails are full days on the water, usually with a set destination and a planned lunch break. Overnight Sails are at least two days long and include an overnight stay at a set destination.
How will I hear about upcoming events?
Once you sign up, you’ll receive emails about upcoming events, notices, and opportunities to sail together.
Can I take on a bigger role?
Yes. If you enjoy organizing, you can become an Event Host. Hosts manage the planning that brings events to life; some sailing experience helps, but the role is mostly about making things run smoothly. More experienced sailors can also join our pool of Regular Skippers and Regular Crew Members, who commit to events in advance.
What does a Regular Skipper do?
A Regular Skipper is responsible for the boat and crew aboard. Experience on the type of boat you’ll be skippering is required, along with a desire to teach and share your skills. We’ll work with you to expand your comfort on different boats, and we’ll pair you with at least one other experienced crew member whenever possible.
What does a Regular Crew Member do?
A Regular Crew Member acts as a second to the skipper. Crew members have enough sailing experience to support the skipper and can sign up in advance to participate in events.
ISLAND SAILING MEMBERS
JOIN THE COMMUNITY SAILING GROUP
For current members of Island Sailing
Complete the information form linked below and we will follow up with you
Seasonal events being planned now - stay tuned for more developments!
ISLANDSAILING MEMBERS only - Click to learn more!
