American 18
The American 18 is a sloop-rigged day sailer, and one of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron‘s main training boats for new sailors or those wishing to brush up on their skills.
The Squadron boatshare program makes access to a fleet of American 18s affordable for club members.
This is a great way to encourage sailors of all experience levels to get more time on the water and develop their skills while having fun, whether or not they own a boat.
In addition, Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s Learn to Sail program offers a variety of instruction levels in American 18s and other small boats as a way to improve your sailing skills.
Fleet Fridays
Gently Competitive
We are an enthusiastic group of Sailing Squadron members and boatshare participants and we have organized ourselves as a fleet. After gathering for Fleet Friday, we have a quick briefing, then launch and sail up to six American 18s around the Sarasota Bay.
Sailors will be assigned to a crew of 2-3 people per boat. The more experienced sailors are expected to pass on their skills to their fellow crew. We have found that this “pair and share” approach in a gently competitive environment is a great way to develop and improve sailing skills.
We sail a series of short, windward-leeward races and then we return to shore for debrief and social time.
Come and Join Us
Maybe you want to sail and build your confidence, maybe you’re experienced and are looking for more tiller time, maybe you have good memories of sailing in your distant past and are looking to revive your passion? Or maybe you want to meet other sailors?
Come and join us on Friday afternoons and jumpstart your sailing life. Sign up for the email below and we’ll send you more information on how to get sailing with us.
Sign up to receive emails
We’ll keep you updated on boatshare and American 18 fleet activity. You can unsubscribe at any time. We use mobile phone messaging for last-minute updates and cancellations, especially when they’re due to nasty weather.
Recent emails from the Fleet Captain
Our Participants
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron to participate?
You are welcome as a guest. One of our goals is to get you hooked on sailing, which should only take one or two sessions out on Sarasota Bay (there’s a good chance that you’ll sight dolphins).
If you aren’t already a member, we believe you will see the benefits of joining the Sailing Squadron after an afternoon on the water.
We will require you to join the squadron if you are a frequent sailor on Friday Fleet days. That is if you attend squadron functions such as Fleet Friday, races or regattas more than six times in any calendar year.
Do I need to be a member of the boatshare program?
No. Initially, you’ll crew as the guest of an existing boatshare member. During this time, you can explore the benefits of boatshare membership, to see if it’s right for you.
Will you teach me to sail?
No. We expect you to know the basics of crewing a small boat and to have read the boatshare guide provided by the squadron.
Lessons are always available from the Sailing Squadron.
Do I need any special equipment or clothing?
You’ll need an inherently buoyant (not inflatable) PFD – Personal Flotation Device. If you don’t have one for your first outing, we’ll find you a loaner.
We are blessed with fabulous weather in Sarasota. A first-time sailing outfit will consist of layers that are comfortable to wear, quick to dry, and UV protective.
Wear non-slip shoes with closed toes and a sole that won’t leave scuff marks. And a message from your mother, “Bring a hat, a water bottle and use sunscreen”.
Is there any cost?
As a guest you might be expected to buy a beer for your skipper!