The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, operated by UCLA Recreation, is one of the premiere small boat sailing facilities in California and the home base for UCLA Sailing. Our focus is HANDS-ON training and our skilled and friendly instructors are dedicated to helping you progress from the introductory Sailing I course taught in Capri 14.2s through the Sailing II-IV performance-oriented classes taught in Hobie 16s, Lasers, and Vanguard 15s. After passing a class's written and practical exams, you are welcome to rent that class boat.

The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is primarily an instructional facility so most of our sailors have learned to sail on our boats by taking our classes. This enables us to be sure that everyone sailing our vessels in Marina del Rey and on Santa Monica Bay is able to safely operate the boats in the conditions they are likely to encounter. Each course level builds on the ones before it to help sailors handle more challenging boats and equipment and eventually prepare to sail on Santa Monica Bay. All sailors at the upper qualification levels are eligible to use equipment they have qualified for at the lower levels.

Qualification Levels

• Laser Radial sails are designed for sailors weighing 150 pounds or less.
• Catamaran sailors must have a combined crew weight of NO LESS THAN 300 pounds to sail within the entrance channel or 320 lbs to sail on Santa Monica Bay.
• If the 10-minute wind speed exceeds 15 knots or there are any gusts of wind of 20 knots or more during the past three hours, ocean sailing is expressly forbidden for V-15s or Hobie 16s.
• Under No Circumstances may Lasers be sailed unaccompanied outside the marina regardless of the qualification of the skipper. Lasers sailed outside MUST be in the company of another monohull, the skipper of which must also be Outside Ocean Sailing Qualified.
• Personal Flotation Devices are available at the MAC and are required to be worn at all times while on the dock and while sailing.

Theoretical Knowledge

The written tests consist of a multiple choice exam ranging from 25 to 50 questions. A score of 80% or higher is passing. All lower level written exams must be taken and passed before moving onto the higher levels. You must take the written exam(s) prior to the practical skills portion. Taking the written exams is free. The dockmaster may give you the written exam during regular business hours, but it is best to call in advance to make sure they will be able to do so (weekends are generally very busy). There are many good books to review basic sailing theory and terminology. We also have an in-house manual that has information specific to the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center and its vessels. You can purchase this from the Dockmaster for a nominal fee or download it as a PDF file.

Practical Skills

To test out of each level of sailing classes you will need to demonstrate proficiency in sailing the vessel at the appropriate qualification level. You must complete a practical skills evaluation for each type of vessel (Capri 14.2, Vanguard 15, Laser, and Hobie 16). If you are doing a Skills Evaluation at the Sailing II level or higher, we will require you to also demonstrate your proficiency on the Sailing I level vessel (Capri 14.2). At a minimum the practical exam will include:

The practical skills exam is just that, an exam. Either you are able to perform the required skills and answer the questions or you are not. It is not a lesson. The instructor will only teach you about local knowledge and the MAC's policies and procedures.

Already know how to sail small boats? Experienced sailors coming to the Marina Aquatic Center may demonstrate their skill by completing a Skills Evaluation and Orientation at the appropriate level(s) (see table above). If you feel that you can demonstrate that you already have the skills you would have learned in our Sailing I, II or III classes, then a Skills Evaluation is for you. There is a Skills Evaluation for each Qualification Level and Equipment. Please note that in order to take the Outside Ocean Sailing evaluation one MUST complete the corresponding Sailing IV class. You may NOT take the Outside Ocean Sailing evaluation without having taken Sailing IV! The Skills Evaluation for each level will include testing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

A Skills Evaluation and Orientation Session will take two and a half hours including rigging and de-rigging. Allow additional time prior to that for the written exam. Call or e-mail the MAC to schedule a Skills Evaluation and Orientation. When taking a practical exam it is best if you provide your own crew. You also should bring a change of clothes (you will get wet during the capsize recovery). PFDs are available at the MAC and are required to be worn at all times while on board.