Come Sail With Us!
Welcome to SailATL Sailing School, where your adventure on the water begins! Whether you've had previous sailing experience or you're a complete novice, our instructors are here to guide you through the exhilarating world of sailing. At Sail ATL, we focus on water safety and sailing skills to build the confidence needed to enjoy time on the water. Join us and discover the joy that comes with mastering the art of sailing.
Located on Allatoona Lake near Acworth, Georgia, SailATL is the premier destination for all ages to explore the art of dingy sailing. Having the advantage of the top-notch facilities and boats of the Atlanta Yacht Club (AYC), we are dedicated to teaching sailing and water safety.
Our youth sailing programs are taught in the single-handed Optimist Pram ("Optis") and the two-person 420. Adult classes use AYC’s club-owned Flying Scots, and other one-design dinghies that are raced at AYC.
We invite you to launch into one of our sailing programs and discover the thrill and magic of having the wind in your sails!
Our Story
SailATL Mission
The mission of SailATL is to provide sailing and water safety education for all ages, to build skills and confidence on the water, and to inspire a lifelong love of the nautical arts.
We strive to achieve the following:
-
Create a safe and fun atmosphere within the sport of sailing
-
Promote self-esteem, self-confidence, sportsmanship, integrity, and interpersonal skills
-
Develop respect and love for the environment and nonpowered watersports
-
Instill a responsible attitude for water safety, boats, and our waterways
Our History
The Atlanta Yacht Club (AYC) has cultivated a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts for more than 75 years, catering to a diverse array of sailors, from leisure cruisers to competitive racers. The club has been instrumental in fostering young talent, with junior Opti, ILCA (Laser) and 420 sailors proudly representing AYC and the USA in competitions regionally, nationally and internationally. This tradition of excellence continues through high school and collegiate sailing programs, numerous class National championships, and notable achievements such as Olympic campaigns and America's Cup victories, exemplified by the legendary Ted Turner. We currently have local sailors racing at the varsity level at the US Naval Academy, Tulane University, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), The Webb Institute, and Georgia Tech.
Recognizing the potential to further enhance its contribution to the sport, the idea of establishing a nonprofit organization at AYC has been a topic of consideration for more than three decades. In early 2023, this vision began to materialize with the formation of the SailATL Exploratory Committee, spearheaded by Past Commodore Eddie Kuznicki. The Committee, alongside the AYC Board, has expressed strong support for the initiative, believing that SailATL will not only advance sailing education but also provide avenues for incentivized contributions to support its mission.
The establishment of SailATL is expected to enrich the local sailing community by offering educational programs, resources, and opportunities that deepen the understanding and enjoyment of sailing for all. Through this initiative, AYC aims to nurture the next generation of sailors while preserving its longstanding tradition of excellence in the sport.