3 Day Private Sailing Immersive On Lake Travis Women Only

Women‑Only • Personalized Instruction • Hands‑On Sailing + Live‑Aboard Experience

Ready to truly unlock the joy of sailing on the stunning waters of Lake Travis? Join us for a three‑day immersive sailing experience designed just for you. Whether you’re brand new to sailing or looking to refine specific skills, this private intensive blends expert one‑on‑one instruction, real‑world practice, and the adventure of life aboard a sailboat.

1 Instructor / 1 Student

Select Your Dates

3 Days

Lake Sailing

What Makes This Program Special

This isn’t just a lesson — it’s a personalized sailing immersion. Over three days, you’ll build confidence and real skill while living aboard a cruising sailboat, mastering essential techniques, and navigating varied conditions on beautiful Lake Travis, just outside Austin.

Highlights include:

  • Customized instruction tailored to your goals

  • Hands‑on sailing — from helming to sail trim

  • Navigation, anchoring, planning, and real‑world decision‑making

  • An overnight anchorage under the stars

  • Optional NauticEd practical assessment opportunity


At a Glance

Duration: 3 Days
Location: Lake Travis, near Austin, Texas
Group Size: 1 student + instructor
Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Boat: 27′ Monohull with wheel steering

Ready to Set Sail?

This isn’t just an instructional trip — it’s a confidence‑building adventure that meets you exactly where you are on your sailing journey. If you’re ready to spend three unforgettable days learning, laughing, and living life on the water, let’s chart your course together.

Have Questions?

Who This Trip Is For

This program is ideal for:

  • Women new to sailing who want fast, personalized skill-building.

  • Aspiring cruisers or charterers preparing for time aboard a boat independently.

  • Intermediate sailors looking to refine specific skills or gain real-world confidence.

  • Anyone seeking immersive, hands-on learning in a private, supportive environment.

It’s not for those looking for a passive “watch and learn” experience — this is for sailors who want to take the wheel and truly learn by doing.

What You Leave With

√ By the end of this three-day intensive, you’ll walk away with:

√ Confidence at the Helm: You’ll be comfortable steering, trimming sails, and making decisions on your own.

√ Hands-On Skills: Anchoring, docking, sail handling, navigation, and planning routes under real-world conditions.

√ Practical Sailing Knowledge: Understanding wind, weather, and safety while learning to think like a sailor.

√ Live-Aboard Experience: The confidence of spending a night aboard a cruising sailboat and managing all aspects of boat life.

√ A Roadmap for Future Sailing: Clear next steps for building skills, certification, or planning your own sailing adventures.

Pre-Trip Crew Meetings (2 Total)

We don’t just show up and hope for the best, we run three structured crew meetings prior to departure to ensure everyone is prepared, aligned, and confident.

  1. Crew Meeting #1 – Expectations & Goals
    Trip overview, certification pathways, outlining your sailing goals, and outline responsibilities.
  2. Final Crew Meeting – Logistics & Readiness
    Travel coordination, safety review, and final Q&A.

The Sailing Grounds: Why Lake Travis

Lake Travis Offers:

  • Calm, scenic waters ideal for learning and practicing sailing

  • Open stretches and sheltered coves for hands-on skill building

  • Short day sails that let you practice navigation, anchoring, and boat handling

  • Opportunities for overnight anchoring in quiet, picturesque spots

  • Beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery and stunning sunsets over the water

  • Clear water perfect for spotting shallow areas and practicing depth navigation

  • Local lakeside restaurants and marinas for post-sail relaxation

It’s the perfect classroom — and an unforgettable place to learn to sail.

Proposed Sailing Itinerary

This is a proposed itinerary to give you an idea of the route, stops, and skill-building opportunities. All plans are flexible and may change based on weather, crew decisions, or timing — the goal is a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding sailing experience for everyone.

Day 1 — Marina Meet & Skill Building

Embarkation: 10:00 AM, Sail and Ski Marina (16406 Stewart Rd, Austin, TX 78734)

Your adventure begins right at the marina with a thorough boat briefing. You’ll get familiar with every system on my Pearson 27 — from the sails and rigging to the navigation electronics and safety equipment. Once comfortable, we’ll cast off the lines and practice essential under-power skills right in the marina, giving you a safe, hands-on introduction to steering, docking, and line handling.

We’ll also go through provisioning, visiting the local grocery store to stock the boat for the next two days. You’ll have the option to spend the night aboard at the marina, giving you a first taste of life on the water, with convenient access to showers and a lakeside restaurant.

Day 2 — Sailing to Sometimes Islands + Overnight

We will meetup at the boat to untie from the dock and head out into open water! This is your full day for hands-on sailing: practicing different points of sail, honing navigation skills, and learning the rules of the water while managing boat traffic.

We’ll stop for a lakeside lunch at anchor, giving you the chance to practice setting and retrieving the anchor and learn anchoring etiquette. Together, we’ll develop a daily sail plan, adjusting for wind, weather, and your comfort level.

As the day winds down, we’ll find our perfect anchorage off the scenic Sometimes Islands. We will prepare dinner onboard and enjoy a wonderful night under the stars, gaining the confidence that comes with living aboard a sailboat and managing all aspects of a real cruising experience.

Day 3 — Return & Celebration

Wake up to breakfast at anchor, soaking in the tranquility of Lake Travis before preparing for the sail back to the marina. Today, you’ll refine your skills, practice departures, close-quarters maneuvers, and docking under real-world conditions.

We aim to return by late afternoon, wrapping up your immersive experience with a review of your accomplishments and skills learned. If time allows and you’re up for it, we can cap off the journey with a celebratory drink at Sundancer Grill, after securing the boat and disembarking, leaving you confident, skilled, and inspired for your next sailing adventure.

Minimum Sailing Skills Required

This intensive is designed for sailors who already have some basic experience on a boat. You should have a general understanding of sailing and feel comfortable moving around onboard.

If needed, you may be asked to complete a couple of free NauticEd courses before the trip to ensure you’re ready for the hands-on instruction. We’ll evaluate your skills during our first crew meeting, or you can schedule a call beforehand to discuss your experience and confirm readiness before reserving your cabin.

This ensures that every student gets the most out of the three days and can fully engage with the immersive, hands-on learning experience.

What if I want to pursue certification?

Certification is available through the NauticEd curriculum. The level you can achieve depends on your prior experience and which online courses you’ve completed. If you’d like to pursue certification during your intensive, there is an additional fee for the practical assessment.

Please note: a certification is not guaranteed. If we run out of time during the trip, your assessment fee will be refunded. However, if you are unable to demonstrate the required skills during the practical assessment, the fee is non-refundable.

What airport do I fly into?

If you're joining me from out of town, your destination will be Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). It's conveniently located and offers several options for getting to the Sail & Ski Yacht Club and Marina.

Getting to the Marina from Austin Airport (AUS) Rideshare: Both Lyft and Uber provide reliable service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport directly to the Sail & Ski Marina.

Rental Car: If you prefer to drive, rental car services are readily available at the airport. You can park your car at the marina for free during your sailing intensive.

Driving Directions to Sail & Ski Yacht Club and Marina (from AUS) From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), head south on Presidential Blvd. Turn left onto TX-71 W / US-290 W (signs for US-290 W/Johnson City). Continue on TX-71 W for approximately 18-20 miles. Take the exit toward Lakeway/RM 620 N. Merge onto Ranch Rd 620 N. Continue on Ranch Road 620 N for about 3-4 miles to Stewart Road (turn left) The Sail & Ski Yacht Club and Marina will be on your right-hand side (look for the signs) at the end of Stewart Road.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation policy carefully: 90 Days or More Prior to Embarkation: If you cancel your booking 90 days or more before the embarkation date, you'll receive a full refund of your deposit. The refund will be reimbursed to your original payment source. 45 to 90 Days Prior to Embarkation: If you cancel your booking between 45 and 90 days prior to the embarkation date, your deposit is non-refundable. However, if a replacement can be found for your cabin, you'll receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. Less Than 45 Days Prior to Embarkation: If you cancel your booking less than 45 days prior to the embarkation date, no refund will be allowed unless a replacement can be found for your cabin. If a replacement is found, a full refund will be issued minus an $200 administrative fee. Reservation Transfers: A reservation can be transferred to another student, upon approval, with a $200 administrative fee.

Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Of course! A reservation can be transferred to another student, upon approval, with a $200 administrative fee.

When is the final payment due?

Your final payment for the trip will be due 45 days prior to the embarkation date.

If you'd like to set up additional, smaller payment dates between now and the final due date to help manage your budget, please don't hesitate to let us know! We're happy to work with you.

Do I need a hotel before or after the trip?

Not required! Our embarkation starts at 11:00 AM, and we stay docked that day. Hotels are optional if you want to arrive early or rest before sailing. Recommendations are in your Trip Guide after booking.

What should I pack for the trip, and what kind of luggage is best for a boat?

We recommend packing light and using soft-sided bags or duffels that are easy to stow onboard. For a detailed list of what to bring — including clothing, gear, and personal items — check out the complete Packing Guide in your Trip Planner, which you’ll receive after your cabin booking is confirmed.

Can I bring my own food, and can my allergies be accommodated?

Yes! All provisioning is planned, purchased, and managed together, so there’s flexibility to accommodate dietary needs. If you have allergies or special dietary requirements, you’ll be able to include foods that work for you when organizing provisions with the crew. Bringing a few personal items is also fine, but most meals will be prepared from the shared provisions on board.

What happens if there's a medical emergency?

Your safety is my top priority. Sashe carries a comprehensive first-aid kit, and I have been trained in basic first aid. For more serious situations, we contact local emergency services immediately via cell phone.

If onshore medical care is required, we can transport you to the nearest appropriate facility in Lakeway, Texas.

Will I have cell phone coverage?

Yes, cell coverage on Lake Travis is good throughout with spotty service in a few areas.