Sailing lakes and the salty sea for many years has put me in touch with countless amazing people, taken me on thrilling adventures, and given me memories that will last a lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to own a boat to get into sailing! Read along to learn how I got my start in sailing, a few beginner level options to kickstart your sailing experience, and two popular lakes to sail in Pennsylvania.

At a young age, sailing entered my life and never left. Something about getting behind the helm and letting the wind effortlessly take you across the water brought a calming essence to my person that has resonated with me for years. I began my sailing journey at 8 years old at a wonderful summer camp in the Adirondacks on Saranac Lake camp Camp Regis Applejack. Here they taught me the intricacies of being a captain and the true art in the sport of sailing on Blue Jays, F Jays, O boats and Sunfish  I learned and climbed the ranks to the Commodore level. I give all the credit in the world to this little camp in upstate New York for my 40+ year sailing career that somehow wrangled the attention of me as an 8 year old for a whole summer to teach me how to sail.

If you weren't able to get an early start into sailing, it is certainly never too late to get out on the water and learn. Sailing has a major misconception tied to it as a very inaccessible sport that is limited to boat owners. I am here to tell you that is most definitely not the case! Listed below are a few sailing clubs in the area that offer five-star sailing lessons, and my favorite local lakes to sail.

Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia

Located right on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Liberty Sailing School offers the best introduction to sailing courses in the city for sailors of all levels. Their sailing class includes limited time in the classroom spent learning on water safety and ways of the water, with the majority of the time being spent on the water learning the tricks of the trade by hand. The whole course is taught by the renowned Captain Steven Mink. For more information on the Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia, click here.

Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia

Heading south down the Delaware River, Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia is another great establishment that teaches introductory sailing courses. Located a few miles away from the airport in Essington, Corinthian offers private and semi-private lessons all on the water. Unique to their strictly on-water sessions, the Head Sailing Instructor is able to dive deep into the details of basic sail trim, points of sail, on-water safety, tacking, jibing, and docking. For more information on the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia, click here.

Lake Nockamixon 

Located in Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, Lake Nockamixon is the state's largest lake in Southeastern PA, stretching 1,450 acres. An extended weekend may be necessary to explore the picturesque views of Lake Nockamixon and the small park town shopping. Nockamixon State Park is complete with six public launching areas and a marina.

Lake Marburg

Situated in the rolling hills of Codorus State Park, the ever popular Lake Marburg provides 1,275 acres of serene sailing escape. Known for its strong southwest winds, sailing enthusiasts drool over this expansive lake and the 26 miles of wildlife that you can explore within that hosts many rare and endangered animal species. Lake Marburg is conveniently equipped with seven boat launch ramps around the lake.

I encourage you all to give the great sport of sailing a chance. I know it sounds intimidating to get out on the water, but I promise you the calming sounds of the wind driving you through the water is simply an incredible experience I can’t put into words. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about sailing or are interested in learning more!