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 SailATL, we focus on water safety and sailing skills to build the confidence needed to enjoy time on the water. Join us and discover the freedom and joy that comes with mastering the art of sailing.
Located on Lake Allatoona near Acworth, Georgia, SailATL is the premier destination for both juniors and adults eager to explore the art of small boat sailing. Leveraging the top-notch facilities and boats of the Atlanta Yacht Club (AYC), we are dedicated to delivering exceptional sailing and water safety education to both AYC members and the general public.
Our diverse sailing programs feature single-handed Optimists, two-person 420s, Flying Scot sailboats, and occasionally other one-design dinghy sailboats. Tailored to fit your schedule, we offer weekday programs for juniors and weekend programs for both adults and juniors. Embark on your sailing journey with us and experience the thrill of navigating the open water!
We invite you to dive into our junior and adult sailing programs and discover the thrill and joy of powering your boat solely by nature's wind and your knowledge of sailing. Join us and feel the magic of the wind in your sails!
Our Story
SailATL Mission
The mission of SailATL is to provide sailing and water safety education for youth and adults to build skills and confidence on the water and inspire a lifelong love of the nautical arts.
We strive to achieve the following:
-
Create a safe & fun atmosphere around the sport of sailing
-
Promote self-esteem, self-confidence, sportsmanship, integrity, and interpersonal skills
-
Develop respect & love for the environment & nonpowered watersports
-
Instill a responsible attitude for water safety, boats, equipment and our waterways
Our History
The Atlanta Yacht Club (AYC) has cultivated a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts for over 70 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 sailors proudly representing AYC and the USA in competitions both 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.
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.