windward 15 sailboat

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They say every design is a compromise. But we ask: If you can ride the edge, point and surf down waves like a dinghy, enjoy the safety and stability of a keelboat, gunk-hole in waters only kayakers can reach, sleep two comfortably and eat on a table that’s big enough for a full-size paper chart, where’s the compromise ? RoG, 15FT OF 1-OF-A-KIND.

I had this design in the back of my mind for a long time:  An expedition micro that will accommodate 2 adults for a week-end or a single-hander for up to 5 days.  Ability to take on some weather and deliver solid performance while doing so.  For the crew: forgiving and predictable but fast & fun.  Launch time should be kept to a minimum.  As a RAID class boat, she must draw 8” or less, be rowing-friendly and launched from the beach unassisted; in other words, as small as possible.

The result is RoG(River of Grass), a 15ft  micro expedition cruiser

 RoG completed the 2019 Everglades Challenge and took First-in-Class .  She also completed the 2018 and 2017 Challenges.

RoG was voted 2021 Trailerable sailboat of the year by Voile Magazine

A given was that this would be chinned hull, built of developable panels. I spent a lot of time comparing various iterations and there is no way around the fact that bringing down that chine close to the waterline increases stability significantly, hence the slab sides.  Ditto for the blunt nose; but it is a balancing act to achieve this while keeping the transom out of the water at all angles of heel and wetted surface to a minimum; as the latter is a strong indicator of light-air performance. So don’t be deceived by the boxy look, this is a powerful hull and can support a significant sail plan.

If there is one topic on which sailors love to argue, it is sail plan.  Many aspects have to be juggled:  center of effort, center of gravity, aspect ratio, versatility and simplicity (both to maneuver and rig) are but a few.  I chose the cat ketch for a combination of these factors.  Carbon spars, which have come down in price in recent years, make this rig quite attractive, and a breeze to set up on the trailer.  150sq.ft. will bring the Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio to 24, somewhere between the Wayfarer and GIS, promising a fine ride to the thrill seeker.

Stability and weight are two overarching concepts of this design:  Together they strongly define safety and performance, but they are potentially conflicting so I took the approach of combining lead and water ballast.  A 100lb swing keel provides ultimate stability while 80lb of water in either of two wing tanks adds versatility.  The result is a range of positive stability in excess of 100° and the ability to accommodate various conditions:  In light-air or windless conditions, empty tanks will lighten the boat and reduce wetted surface.  For enhanced performance, the windward tank is filled, which will result in a significant increase in righting moment as well as ability to pound through chop.  Finally, beanbag sailing will benefit from filling both tanks (which in effect means 160lb of water ballast, bringing the overall ballast to a respectable 260lb): the boat will now behave like a 25footer.  Great for newbies, lazybones and exhausted raid-sailors.

Both the keel and rudder are high-aspect ratio foils that minimize wetted surface while providing performance to windward.  The rudder is balanced so will be light and responsive.

Comfort & Convenience

The devil is in the details and a lot of time went into this part of the design.  There is sitting headroom in the cabin and a forward table can be lowered in two separate halves, to make bunks on either side. Two big self-bailing cubicles (and 4 cup holders!) in the cockpit, two watertight lazarettes and ABYC-compliant dedicated gas locker, for grill/outboard tanks adds comfort and safety.  Full-length oars are stowed under deck and out of the way, accessible via a small watertight transom hatch.  The companionway is a hybrid kayak-coaming/sailboat-companionway hatch:  It is large enough that one can reach the bow anchor and main mast while standing in the cabin, yet can be covered with stretch canvas or wood panels for spray/rain/sun protection in various configurations.  Completely open in fair weather the cabin is closer to a dodger than an oven.

The boat is ABYC unsinkable, thanks to the use of flotation foam.  She is designed to recover dry from any but the most catastrophic capsize.  Indeed downflood angle is 108°, so no bailing for a tired crew.  Centerboard and rudder systems are accessible and repairable underway, including keel-lift mechanism and rudder bolts.  Both appendages will kick up undamaged upon grounding.

LOA:15.3ft,4.65m

Beam: 5.75ft,1.74m

Draft board up: 6in,15cm

Draft board down: 46in,118cm

Displacement: 975lb,443kg

Light ship: 450lb,205kg

Sail area:150sq.ft.,14sq.m.

Pointing ability: Fine sailplan balance and precise appendage shape allows RoG to point above 45° to the wind

Materials and BOM

We strongly recommend the carbon spars, but the sails do not have to be full-battens, nor do they absolutely need 2 reef points so there can be some savings there.  The BOM as below is comprehensive, with lines led aft, all the way to the hiking sticks.  Beware comparing this to your barebones-run-of-the-mill equipment list on most new boats.

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Windward and Leeward: What they are and how they differ

If you are as interested in sailing as we are, it is very important to know the terms windward and leeward , which are directly related to wind direction and must be mastered for sailing.   

What is windward?  

It is the part from where the wind reaches us on a boat or any type of ship. A term used by sailors when they travel in their boats, usually sailing, in order to know from where the wind originates. For example, on sailboats, it is the side of the boat on which the mainsail is located.   

Ultimately, when you know this concept, you know how your boat might progress at sea. In addition, a fleet generally always tries to reach the windward position in relation to the opposing vessel in order to be able to manoeuvre more freely. 

What is leeward?  

This term is used in a maritime context to designate the side opposite to where the wind is blowing, that is the side towards which the wind is blowing, or the side sheltered from the wind.  

Sailing to leeward affects the crossing and even more so, logically, in those boats that use sails to sail, as manoeuvrability is lost, which is why it is very important to know the difference between windward and leeward . 

In sailing competitions, this is when, by means of the gybing technique, the crews try to obtain the right of way over their opponents. For example, if we anchor in the following order:  

• 1st: wind   
• 2nd: boat   
• 3rd: coast   

In this case, we could find ourselves in a risky situation. Let's say the anchor has a problem and fails, our sailboat would drift towards the coast with the risk of grounding or impact. This would pose a serious risk to our boat and crew. 

 Who has leeward or windward preference? 

As a general rule the leeward boat has preference over the windward boat, i.e. the leeward boat has the right to maintain her course and speed, while the windward boat must avoid a collision by changing course or reducing her speed. This rule applies in situations where the two boats are approaching and cannot avoid a collision without action by either boat.

Differences between windward and leeward  

We can differentiate between the two concepts in three main characteristics:   

• Wind direction: Windward refers to the direction from which the wind blows, i.e. the point from which the breeze is projected. Leeward, on the other hand, is the point towards which the wind is blowing. 
• Wind strength: The wind is usually stronger and more constant on the windward side, while on the leeward side it is usually more variable and with weaker gusts of wind.  
• Fluidity and manoeuvrability: In one case, it is much easier to sail. The movement of one boat in relation to the other is very uneven. When a vessel is to windward, its movement is very fluid, they have just the right wind to manoeuvre and you can handle the vessel with much more control than when it is to leeward. In this case, the boat is not very fluid and cannot manoeuvre so easily, which is a clear disadvantage, so when they come up against another boat sailing to windward , they have priority. 

A thorough knowledge of the wind and all the concepts related to it, such as the meaning of windward and leeward , is essential when embarking on any type of sailing trip or competition.  Whether in sailing, boats, ships, anchorages... it is important to know these marine terms to practice sailing in the most complete and safe way, and thus not to suffer any kind of setback. 

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The Windward and Leeward Sailing Techniques

Maximizing boat speed and ensuring the safety of your crew and vessel are crucial when sailing. Understanding windward and leeward sailing techniques and proper sail trim can help achieve these goals.

Sailing is an art that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. One of the most important aspects of sailing is understanding how to harness the power of the wind to propel your boat forward. In this article, we will explore two essential sailing techniques: windward and leeward sailing. These techniques are crucial for maximizing boat speed and efficiency, as well as ensuring the safety of your crew and vessel.

Table of Contents

Understanding windward and leeward, the importance of sail trim, close-hauled sailing, broad reaching, running downwind, tips for improving boat speed.

Before diving into the techniques, it’s essential to understand the terms “windward” and “leeward.” Windward refers to the side of the boat that faces the wind, while leeward is the side facing away from the wind. When sailing, you’ll often hear these terms used to describe the direction you’re sailing relative to the wind.

Windward sailing, also known as “beating” or “sailing upwind,” involves sailing towards the wind. This is typically the most challenging point of sail, as you’re working against the wind’s force. On the other hand, leeward sailing, or “sailing downwind,” is when you’re sailing away from the wind. This point of sail is generally more comfortable and requires less effort from the crew.

Sail trim is the process of adjusting the sails to optimize their shape and angle relative to the wind. Proper sail trim is crucial for maximizing boat speed and efficiency, as well as ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. When sailing upwind or downwind, different sail trim techniques are required to harness the wind’s power effectively.

Windward Sailing Techniques

Close-hauled sailing is the point of sail where you’re sailing as close to the wind as possible, typically at an angle of around 45 degrees. This is the most efficient way to sail upwind, but it requires precise sail trim and constant attention to the wind’s direction.

To achieve optimal close-hauled sailing, follow these steps:

Set the sails : Start by setting your mainsail and headsail (jib or genoa) for the windward side of the boat. The sails should be pulled in tight, with the leading edge (luff) of the sail parallel to the wind.

Adjust the traveler : The traveler is a track that allows you to move the mainsail’s attachment point side-to-side. Position the traveler to windward to help flatten the mainsail and reduce heeling (the boat leaning over).

Trim the sails : Adjust the tension on the mainsheet and headsail sheets to create the optimal sail shape. The sails should be flat and tight, with the telltales (small pieces of yarn or ribbon attached to the sail) streaming horizontally.

Steer the boat : Steer the boat at an angle of around 45 degrees to the wind. Keep an eye on the telltales and adjust your course as needed to maintain optimal sail trim.

Tacking is the process of turning the boat through the wind to change the windward side. This maneuver is essential for sailing upwind, as it allows you to zigzag back and forth to make progress towards your destination.

To execute a successful tack, follow these steps:

Prepare the crew : Inform your crew that you’re about to tack and assign roles for adjusting the sails during the maneuver.

Turn the boat : Steer the boat towards the wind, allowing the bow to pass through the eye of the wind.

Release the headsail : As the bow crosses the wind, release the headsail sheet from the winch and pull in the new windward sheet.

Adjust the mainsail : As the boat completes the turn, adjust the mainsail’s traveler and sheet to maintain optimal sail trim on the new tack.

Settle on the new course : Once the sails are set, steer the boat on its new close-hauled course and continue sailing upwind.

Leeward Sailing Techniques

Broad reaching is a point of sail where the wind is coming from behind the boat at an angle, typically between 90 and 135 degrees. This is a fast and comfortable point of sail, as the boat is being pushed along by the wind.

To achieve optimal broad reaching, follow these steps:

Set the sails : Ease the mainsail and headsail out until they’re perpendicular to the wind. The sails should be full and rounded, capturing the wind’s power.

Adjust the traveler : Position the traveler to leeward to help maintain a balanced and stable boat.

Trim the sails : Adjust the tension on the mainsheet and headsail sheets to create the optimal sail shape. The telltales should be streaming horizontally.

Steer the boat : Steer the boat at an angle of around 90 to 135 degrees to the wind. Keep an eye on the telltales and adjust your course as needed to maintain optimal sail trim.

Running downwind is the point of sail where the wind is coming directly from behind the boat. This is the most comfortable and relaxing point of sail, as the boat is being pushed along by the wind with minimal heeling.

To achieve optimal downwind sailing, follow these steps:

Set the sails : Ease the mainsail and headsail out as far as they’ll go, creating a “wing-on-wing” configuration. The sails should be full and rounded, capturing the wind’s power.

Use a whisker pole : Attach a whisker pole to the clew of the headsail to help hold it out and maintain its shape.

Steer the boat : Steer the boat directly downwind, keeping an eye on the telltales and adjusting your course as needed to maintain optimal sail trim.

Gybing is the process of turning the boat through the wind when sailing downwind, allowing you to change the windward side. This maneuver can be more challenging than tacking, as the wind’s force can cause the boom to swing across the boat with significant force.

To execute a successful gybe, follow these steps:

Prepare the crew : Inform your crew that you’re about to gybe and assign roles for adjusting the sails during the maneuver.

Turn the boat : Steer the boat away from the wind, allowing the stern to pass through the eye of the wind.

Control the boom : As the boat turns, use the mainsheet to control the boom’s movement, preventing it from swinging across the boat with excessive force.

Adjust the sails : Once the boom has crossed over, adjust the mainsail and headsail for the new windward side.

Settle on the new course : Once the sails are set, steer the boat on its new downwind course and continue sailing.

Practice sail trim : Regularly practice adjusting your sails to achieve the optimal shape and angle for different points of sail.

Monitor the wind : Keep an eye on the wind’s direction and strength, adjusting your course and sail trim as needed to maintain boat speed.

Balance the boat : Ensure your boat is balanced by distributing weight evenly and adjusting the sails to minimize heeling.

Keep the hull clean : Regularly clean your boat’s hull to reduce drag and improve boat speed.

Mastering the windward and leeward sailing techniques is essential for any sailor looking to maximize their boat’s speed and efficiency. By understanding the principles of sail trim and practicing these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and confident sailor. So, hoist your sails, feel the wind on your face, and enjoy the freedom and adventure that comes with sailing the open seas.

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Identifying windward boat

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I sometimes find it difficult to determine which is the windward boat while sailing a beat along side another sailboat on the same tack. (To determine right of way) I think it is because the wind is blowing on the nose of each boat and one may even be a little ahead of the other, making it appear to be the "windward" boat, even though that may not be the case. But it dawned on me to just look at the sails. For instance, if you are both on a port tack, I believe the boat whose boom end is angled toward the other boat is the windward boat, regardless of which boat is ahead of the other on the line. Is this an accurate way to determine leeward/windward?  

I might not be understanding your question (or know the answer), but if you are on a port tack wouldn't anything you see off of the port side be windward of you? Doesn't matter if they are ahead or behind, they are still windward.  

I think that is my answer. I was just looking at it a little differently. So on that tack, anything to your port is windward?  

Yes but you were also right although the other explanation is easier to remember. BTW, years ago I was always trying to figure out which way the wind was shifting and whether that was backing or veering and would I be lifted or headed. I came up with this: "Backs Left Port Lifted". Easy to remember as Left and Port are together and Left and Lifted both start with L. Once you know that then you also know the opposite; Veers Right Starboard Lifted". And of course if you are not being lifted then you are being headed. The first one is the easier to remember and gives you the second.  

Yes, anyone to windward of you.  

When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the boat to windward (the boat closest to the wind) shall keep clear of a leeward boat (Rule 11). Click to expand...

" The windward boat also has room to tack, the leeward (overlapped) boat would hit the windward boat tacking, so their only escape is a gybe.[/QUOTE] The rule never made sense to me until you put it that way.  

Leeward and Windward A boat's leeward side is the side that is or, when she is head to wind, was away from the wind. However, when sailing by the lee or directly downwind, her leeward side is the side on which her mainsail lies. The other side is her windward side. When two boats on the same tack overlap, the one on the leeward side of the other is the leeward boat. The other is the windward boat. Click to expand...

MITBeta, that is correct, however, only for a precise run. Move the wind by one degree to either side and the rule is back to basics. Not too many boats are on a perfect run, let alone two. I imagine a line drawn down the center of the boat from fore to aft. Whichever side of that line the wind comes from, is windward. Easy really. If there is a boat on the windward side of the line, you are stand-on. If there is a boat on the other side, they are stand-on. The way I learned this rule, was the windward boat always had unobstructed access to the wind in order to maneuver. The leeward boat could be blocked by the windward boat and therefore is less maneuverable. Therefore, the windward boat had to move out of the way. For practical purposes, I've not seen the windward boat actually block much wind, but for a visual, I find it works.  

Minnewaska said: MITBeta, that is correct, however, only for a precise run. Move the wind by one degree to either side and the rule is back to basics. Click to expand...

w1651 said: As we all know don't trust the other boats skipper to know this rule. Click to expand...

There's a whole lot of over thinking going on with this stuff. Read through the rule book. It's not terribly difficult. For visuals, there are a lot of other resources. The racing rules are a free download, on youtube, and the latter two below are cash $$ downloads. Animated Handy Guide to the Racing Rules of Sailing - YouTube and: http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/RRS2009-2012- [5950].pdf UK Halsey sails has a rules program here: Sailing Rules - Rules Quiz - Racing Rules Of Sailing or this for your android or iphone: Welcome to You-Tack !  

I don't think the windward/leeward rule has any relevance in overtaking situations. It is only important when two boats are close and side by side. The whole idea of the rule is that the leeward boat may not have room to tack when there is another boat to windward. It may also be blanketed by the wake of the windward boat and hence may have more trouble maneuvering. Imagining two boats on a dead run and trying to apply to rule and see where it breaks is a moot point.  

Never mind. I was reading the "art" as caret being the boom, and both are reaching on starboard tack. Yeah, fully agree if the caret is the bow and the underbar is the boom.  

You're right, only one rule applies at a time: Same tack, different tack, overtaking, etc. The Same tack rule is where the leeward over windward rule comes in. The original questions was about how to identify the windward boat. What I found helpful in understanding this was to look at the 2nd part of the definition of Leeward and Windward which states that leeward is the side that the mainsail is on. The example of the running situation was only to illustrate the application of this in a somewhat non-intuitive situation. I'm trying to think of a situation where the leeward boat is NOT on the same side as the windward boat's mainsail. I can't think of one. Can anyone else? What I think this all boils down to is: if you look at another boat on the same tack and its mainsail is between you and it, then you're the leeward boat. If your mainsail is between you and it, you're the windward boat.  

MITBeta said: I'm trying to think of a situation where the leeward boat is NOT on the same side as the windward boat's mainsail. I can't think of one. Can anyone else? Click to expand...

I think everyone is over thinking this. The rule applies when tacking and when close to each other. The boat that is on a starboard tack has right of way. The boat on the port side of any boat whether tacking or not has to give right of way to the starboard side boat regardless of a tack or jibe. The rule is mainly to keep us from running into each other and wind is not as important in the whole scheme of things.  

w1651 said: The rule applies when tacking and when close to each other. Click to expand...

w1651 said: The boat on the port side of any boat whether tacking or not has to give right of way to the starboard side boat regardless of a tack or jibe. Click to expand...

"Puddinlegs: Everything you describe is correct, but irrelevant to the question. You described two situations with boats on opposite tacks. In these cases, trying to identify the windward boat is pointless." As I said in a post on the first or second page, when racing and approaching a crossing or other right of way situation, I ask myself two quick questions: First, who is on starboard? Second, who's windward? Ask them in that order. The situation I described that you say is pointless is one of the most confusing to beginning racers. I've had port tacked boats sailing upwind call "leeward! We have rights!" when we've been sailing downwind above them on starboard gybe. They seemed to think that windward/leeward was the hole show. Asking question #1 would have set them straight. Matter of fact, I think you've made the same error in your answer: "This is not true at all. This is sort of true when motoring, but if two boats are on starboard tack, the port boat will have the right of way (since it's leeward...)." This whole discussion is taking place because no one is bothering to download and simply read the rules, or download/view video and animations illustrating them. It really isn't hard, but can sometimes be confusing in the heat of a race or a crowded mark rounding. Practice and participation make it more second nature, but even after many years, most racers I know will re-read the rule book to make sure that what they think is true, in fact, is.  

puddinlegs said: First, who is on starboard? Second, who's windward? Ask them in that order. The situation I described that you say is pointless ... Click to expand...

puddinlegs said: This whole discussion is taking place because no one is bothering to download and simply read the rules, or download/view video and animations illustrating them. Click to expand...

This will be my last post for you Mike.. My question is 'whymike?' if you're interested, don't you go to UK Halsey's website, pay the fee, and download their excellent racing rules quiz software? Again, if you go out and do some racing, you'll find that everything is from the helmsman's point of view. This isn't nearly as hard as it appears, but it's understandable given that there are very few people with any race experience posting for you. Racing Rules Blog | Butch Ulmer's discussion of the new rules changes Sailing Rules - Rules Quiz - Racing Rules Of Sailing or these maybe: Amazon.com: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012 (9780979467769): Dave Perry, Brad Dellenbaugh: Books Amazon.com: Learn the Racing Rules: David Dellenbaugh, Chip Croft: Movies & TV  

That's just as well, Mr. Puddinlegs. I don't have a problem comprehending the rules. My understanding of them is complete without your presumptuous advice and gratuitous insults. I can't thank you for the links, as I have no need of them, but perhaps someone else might find them useful.  

It wasn't my intent to insult you Mike, but such is life. It isn't personal. I don't know anyone who races regularly, and that certainly includes myself, that isn't in need of reviewing the rules from time to time. The resources listed are good for any sailor from beginner to expert and weren't intended to be just for you.  

Here's the rules 10-12 according to the ISAF. Racing Rule 10 -- On Opposite Tacks Close Window When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat. Racing Rule 11 – On The Same Tack, Overlapped Close Window When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat. Racing Rule 12 – On The Same Tack, Not Overlapped Close Window When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead. If you need to know who is windward look at the wind vane at the top of your mast.  

w1651 said: If you need to know who is windward look at the wind vane at the top of your mast. Click to expand...

Do they actually differ on the definition of "windward", between racing rules and otherwise? The government regs are very clear on its definition ("leeward" is the boom side). A cursory reading of ISAF rules doesn't further define the terms "windward" or "leeward", but does refer to government rules in its general language.  

From Part II, page 9: WHEN BOATS MEET The rules of Part 2 apply between boats that are sailing in or near the racing area and intend to race, are racing, or have been racing. However, a boat not racing shall not be penalized for breaking one of these rules, except rule 23.1. When a boat sailing under these rules meets a vessel that is not, she shall comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCAS) or government right-of-way rules. If the sail- ing instructions so state, the rules of Part 2 are replaced by the rightof- way rules of the IRPCAS or by government right-of-way rules. This is why there are small difference between Colregs and ISAF race rules and might answer the question. There have been a number of complaints about ISAF as being too easily open to interpretation. One interesting case is related to your 'boom' question. If you are on starboard gybe, do not change course, there is no wind shift, and you throw the boom over to become the starboard boat, you can be tossed for not sailing one's proper course on mant types of boats, particularly sprit and assymetical spinnaker boats. On the other hand, lasers, finns, and other dingies sail by the lee routinely as their sail plan allows them to do so and be sailed effectively. The former contradicts the definition of windward/leeward in the strictest sense. The ambiguities and interpretations are what make some of the animated rules quizzes incredibly useful as they'll cover both the more usual scenarios, and the unusual as well. Leeward and Windward "A boat's leeward side is the side that is or, when she is head to wind, was away from the wind. However, when sailing by the lee or directly downwind, her leeward side is the side on which her mainsail lies. The other side is her windward side. When two boats on the same tackoverlap, the one on the leeward side of the other is the leeward boat. The other is the windward boat."  

leeward right of way Please correct me if I am wrong. It is my understanding that the boat who is closest to the no sail zone or fighting the wind more, thus being leeward, is the "stand on" vessel.(when on the same tack). Liam  

Rule 13 (d) (d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear. It is clear that the intent is that once a collision situation has arisen it is not possible for a burdened vessel to shift the burden to the other vessel without eliminating the threat. So it would be likely that any kind of skullduggery such as popping the engine into neutral at the last instant and saying "I'm a sail boat" Turning the helm hard at the last instant and saying "I'm not overtaking I'm crossing" And the one PL just explained which is throwing the boom over and saying. "Look at me I'm on starboard" would all fall under the category of "da judge dona like dat"  

David, it doesn't work that way when racing under the ISAF rule you quoted. No motors after the warning signal before the start. For most purposes, Jack's diagram explains things clearly.  

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Windward SeaVenture

15+ sailboats available for charter.

Chartering your own boat is the perfect way to experience a peaceful and luxurious day at sea. Enjoy all of the scenery the ocean has to offer in a serene setting surrounded only by you and your guests.

This option is available even to those with no sailing experience. You can still enjoy your ocean venture by going out with one of our experienced captains. Every charter boat captain we partner with is certified by the coast guard and fully licensed. A seasoned captain is available to keep you and your guests safe, starting at  only $30 per hour.

If you already have sailing experience, you may choose to take a bareboat charter and captain it yourself. All we ask is that you bring a logbook or other record of your sailing experience if you’ve never chartered through Windward SeaVenture before. A quick test sail may be required, but once you pass, we will keep your information on file for all future sailing charters.

We have 14 sailboats available for clients prepared to experience a day at sea, and please follow this short list of rules:

• All charterers will be required to sign a charter contract prior to departure from the dock
• Feel free to bring any food or drinks you wish to have with you on the boat.  We do ask that you avoid bringing glass bottles.
• Please bring your food & drinks in soft bottom coolers or bring plenty of extra towels to set your cooler on to prevent your cooler from scratching up the floor of the boat.
• Wear non-black soled shoes to prevent leaving shoe marks
• Arrive 15 minutes early to take care of your payment & paperwork

We have a wide selection of boats available for charter, and one of them is sure to be perfect for your needs! Shop our selection to see which of our offerings calls to you the most. We have you covered whether you’re looking for a small boat or one with room for ten or more guests. Most of our charters are for one of the following lengths:

• an eight hour day
• a four-hour stint with a captain
• an entire week

We even have one simple boat you can rent hourly! All prices vary depending on the boat’s size and features offered. If you have any questions about which option is right for you, call us at 281-467-2279.

Sailboat Chartering Near Houston Texas

We at Windward SeaVenture have been chartering boats and providing sailing lessons on Clear Lake for over 20 years. We know the waters around Kemah as well as anyone and have carefully cultivated our fleet to be geared for the conditions on Clear Lake. For your next bareboat charter, or to get a charter with a captain, contact us online . We’ll answer all your questions to make sure you’re completely ready to push off on your adventure. Check availability and reserve a boat for you and your crew today!

For a complete list of our boats & prices, click here!

Set your spirit free!

Fernandina beach getaway.

• (904) 441-9105
• 5 S Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Special Offer!

Learn to sail!  Book any ASA combo sailing course this Fall, mention this   add , and we’ll throw in a Windward Sailing T-shirt as an additional incentive for completing your course and receiving your certification. 

Private Charters

Want To Go Sailing? Sail on the beautiful waterways of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL to Cumberland Island and the Atlantic Ocean, with one of our USCG certified captains. Spot dolphins, wild horses, a variety of birds and more. Choose your time for your adventure, we are not limited by tides. Our charters are always private, only you and your guests with the captain.

Learn To Sail

Sailing classes.

Want to learn to sail? Our award winning sailing school  consistently receives outstanding  reviews from students. Our long-standing tradition of excellence is based on experienced instructors, bundle discounts and flexibility in scheduling to meet your needs.

Bareboat Charter

Sailing rentals.

Want To Go Sailing? We can tailor a bareboat charter package to suit your needs on our Hunter 34.

Private Charter Are Great For Romantic Getaways, Family Memories, Social Events, and even Corporate Team Building .