Nols Baja Coastal Sailing 2026

Learn to sail and explore the remote and rugged Baja coast aboard the Drascombe Longboat. This is a unique sailing experience where you will learn both technical sailing skills and coastal expedition skills, including boat handling under sail, motor and oars; hazard evaluation; navigation; anchorage assessment; beach landing/launching procedures and desert camping. The Baja California Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez are beautiful, dramatic environments. The land is rugged, dry, and mountainous, while the sea teems with marine life. The 22-foot longboats you will learn to sail are versatile, open (without a cabin) boats. The skills you will learn sailing these boats can be applied to a wide variety of watercraft. You will learn to navigate sea hazards and explore the tiny coves and beaches inaccessible to larger yachts. As you sail, youll have plenty of practice in each crew position, developing skills in leadership and seapersonship. You will learn the basics of sailing including: terminology, wind awareness, points of sail, sailboat maneuvers, sail handling, sail trim, rowing, anchoring and wind, wave and weather theory. Youll also learn about the rich natural history of Baja Californias desert and coast and practice Leave No Trace camping techniques, including cooking, sanitation, and shelter and stove use. You will be introduced to the NOLS Leadership Curriculum and will have practical opportunities to use your sailing and leadership skills. On some days, you may take hikes along the coast to learn about the environment or explore tide pools. Youll walk away from this course with leadership and outdoor experience that you can use for the rest of your life. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.