Our Programs
Our programs welcome sailors of all ages and experience levels — from youth and adult classes to US Sailing certifications and our shared boat program.
US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
This beginner-friendly course requires no prior sailing experience. You’ll learn the essentials of handling a keelboat and earn certification to responsibly skipper or crew in light to moderate winds.
What You’ll Learn:
Sailing terminology and boat handling
Safety procedures and seamanship skills
Confidence to crew or skipper with ease
Course Structure
Orientation Sail (before the first class)
3 Classroom Sessions + written exam
3 On-the-Water Sessions (about 3 hours each)
US Sailing Adult Small Boat Certification
A beginner-friendly course designed for adults with no prior sailing experience. You’ll learn to handle 1–3 person centerboard sailboats, including capsize recovery, using balance and body movement.
What You’ll Learn:
Tack and jibe
Sail close to the wind
Basic knots and rigging
Capsize recovery
Course Structure
Orientation Sail: None
Swim Test (50 ft unaided swim at the BoatHouse)
3 Classroom Sessions + on-the-water training
Youth Beginner Sailing: Level 1
Ages 9-16
A four-day introductory course for kids and teens with no prior sailing experience. Students will learn to rig, launch, and sail small boats in our RS Tera and Zest fleets, building confidence, coordination, and teamwork while learning essential water safety. A swim test (50 ft unaided) will be given at the BoatHouse at the start of the session.
What You’ll Learn:
Rigging and launching small boats
Basic sailing skills and boat handling
Water safety and seamanship
Teamwork and confidence on the water
Course Structure
Orientation Sail: None
Swim Test (50 ft unaided swim at the BoatHouse)
Sessions: 16 hours of instruction, primarily on the water, plus short classroom sessions (Mon–Thurs, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Friday makeup day for weather)
Youth Class: Intermediate Sailing
Ages 9-16
For second- and third-year sailors ready to build on beginner skills. This four-day course expands sailing knowledge through a mix of new challenges, confidence-building, and teamwork. Students will sail a variety of boats, including Lasers, RS Tera, RS Zest, and the American 14.6. A swim test (50 ft unaided) will be given at the BoatHouse at the start of the session.
What You’ll Learn:
Improve sailing on all points of sail, especially upwind.
Be introduced to racing, including rules, starts, and course navigation.
Longer destination sail (weather permitting)
Course Structure
Orientation Sail: None
Swim Test (50 ft unaided swim at the BoatHouse)
Sessions: 16 hours of outdoor instruction (Mon–Thurs, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Friday makeup day if needed)
Shared Boat Program
Sail without the cost of ownership. For $300/year, members get access to well-maintained keelboats, join a crew, and spend more time on the water instead of in the boatyard.
Why Join:
Affordable access to club keelboats
Great for graduates of our Keelboat course or experienced sailors
Participate in club races or casual sails
Orientation sail included before reserving boats
Club Racing
From friendly match-ups to big regattas, our racing program keeps sailors on the water all year long.
Highlights:
Annual regattas: Hiram Douglas, Jerry Layton, Commodore’s Cup Series
Trophies in both Spinnaker and Cruising Fleets
Opportunities for skill-building and camaraderie
Open to members of all experience levels
Outreach
At Thunderbird Sailing Club, sailing is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect, give back, and share the joy of being on the water. Through partnerships with local organizations, we make boating and water activities accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Our Outreach Includes:
Bridges of Norman — introducing high school students to sailing
C.A.S.T. for Kids — unforgettable fishing experiences for children
OKASA Waterfest — our annual day of adaptive water sports on Lake Thunderbird
Partnerships with the OKC Tri Club, OU Sailing Club, Tinker Chiefs, and the Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation to promote water safety, recreation, and education year-round
Private Lessons
Prefer learning at your own pace? Our certified instructors will work with you one-on-one, tailoring each lesson to fit your experience and goals—whether you’re brand new to sailing, brushing up before a test, or just wanting more confidence on the water.
What You’ll Get:
Personalized coaching built around your needs
Flexible scheduling that works for you
All experience levels welcome
Lessons start at $75/hour
“Sailcation”
Take your sailing beyond Lake Thunderbird. Join fellow members on group trips to Florida, South Texas, or the Caribbean—where you can sharpen your skills, explore new waters, and enjoy the camaraderie of sailing together.
2026 Upcoming Classes
Youth Beginner Sailing Small Boat: Level 1 (Session I)
June 8-11
Spots Available: 10
Youth Beginner Sailing Small Boat: Level 1 (Session II)
June 15-18
Spots Available: 10
Youth Intermediate Sailing Small Boat: Level 2
June 22-25
Spots Available: 12
Recurring Events
Thunderbird Sailing Club is more than sailing — it’s community. We host monthly gatherings and annual traditions that bring members, families, and friends together on and off the water.
Club Traditions:
Monthly Meeting & Potluck
Share a meal and connect with fellow members
September: Pirate Party
Costumes, sailing, and fun on the water
October: Halloween Party
Costumes, sailing, and fun on the water
November: Thanksgiving Potluck
Food and fellowship at the BoatHouse
January 1: New Year’s Day Sail & Polar Plunge
Kick off the year with adventure
Community Outreach Events:
OKASA Waterfest
Annual day of adaptive water sports on Lake Thunderbird
C.A.S.T. for Kids
Creating unforgettable fishing experiences for children
Scroll Less, Sail More
Join the Thunderbird Sailing Club
Take a break from the busyness of life by spending time on the water with us.