How to Sail Along on O.C. Waters

The Orange Coast College Sailing Center offers classes and lectures for beginners, intermediate and advanced sailors, as well as adventure sailing excursions for a vacation with a hands-on twist. For information on any of the classes, call (714) 645-9412.

* What: Beginning sailing class

* When: Weekend and weekday sessions run throughout summer. The next five-session weekend courses begin Saturday, July 13, or Sunday, July 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next weekday course runs from July 8-12. Weekday sessions run from 1:15-5:15 p.m. Evening classes (eight meetings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are available beginning Aug. 5, from 5:15-7:45 p.m.

* Details: Lectures and on-the-water practice in Lido 14s. Class size runs from 12 to 30 students, using up to 10 boats.

* Cost: $85

* What: Intermediate sailing class

* When: Next weekend course begins Saturday, July 13, or Sunday, July 14. Weekday course begins July 15. Evening classes available on Aug. 5.

* Details: For students who know the basics of tacking and jibing and other terminology.

* Cost: $90

* What: Introduction to Shields

* When: Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 10; Sundays, July 14 to Aug. 11; Monday through Friday, July 15-19.

* Details: Transition from small boats to keel boats of 27-30 feet. Courses in intermediate Shields and advanced Shields are also available.

* Cost: $95

* What: Introduction to Big Boats

* When: Sundays, July 14 to Aug. 11; Sundays, Aug. 17 to Sept. 21; Fridays, Aug. 23 to Sept. 27.

* Details: Basics of handling yachts 30 to 50 feet, for students with intermediate Shields skills.

* Cost: $98

* What: Adventure Sailing

* When: All summer. Adventures last seven to 33 days.

* Details: Complete ocean voyages take sailors with intermediate experience throughout the Pacific from Alaska to Antarctica. Destinations include Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta and Chile.

* Cost: $895-$3,500

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UC Irvine offers sailing classes at its intercollegiate rowing and sail base. Participants are required to pass a swim test. For information on any of the classes, call (714) 824-5346 or 824-7592.

* What: Beginning and intermediate Lido 14 classes.

* When: Daytime classes start July 15. They are offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:15-4:15 p.m. Evening classes start July 17 and are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-8 p.m. for two weeks.

* Details: Day classes are open to anyone 11 or older. Evening classes are for students at least 16 years old.

* Cost: $55

* What: Shields classes

* When: Beginning daytime classes are offered the weeks of July 29 and Aug. 5. Evening classes start July 17.

* Details: The next challenge after mastering Lido’s, Shields are 30 foot boats. Classes are open to those 15 and older (16 for evening classes).

* Cost: $55

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The city of Newport Beach offers a variety of classes. For more information, call (714) 644-3151.

* What: Intro to sailing

* When: Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. beginning July 10-17.

* Details: Classroom course prepares those interested for on-water training.

* Cost: $36

* What: Beginning Kayaking

* When: Weekends, July 7-28, Aug. 4-25 (four-week sessions); Weekdays, July 8-17 and 22-31 (two-week sessions).

* Details: Course stresses balance, correct blade handling and proper body mechanics. Instruction by Newport Aquatic Center staff.

* Cost: $80

* What: Beginning Rowing (Sculling or Sweep)

* When: Weekends, July 6-27, Aug. 3-24 or Aug. 31 to Sept. 21 (four-week sessions); weekdays (sculling only) July 9-18, July 23 to Aug. 1 or Aug. 6-15 (two-week sessions).

* Details: Olympic-style rowing techniques.

* Cost: $80

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What are your options after taking the classes if you don’t have a craft to pilot? Several Orange County locations offer sailboats, kayaks and other items for renting.

* Newport Beach

14-foot sailboats can be rented (no certification required) from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day for $15/hour, $45/half day and $75/full day.

Kayak rates are $15/hour, $38/half day and $53/full day. Windsurfer rates are $12/hour, $30/half day and $45/full day.

For information, (714) 729-3863.

* Balboa Peninsula

14-foot Hobey Holder, four-person dinghies can be rented from 10 a.m. until dusk from Balboa Boat Rentals, 510 E. Edgewater. Cost is $25 for the first hour, $15 each additional hour for sailing anywhere in Newport Harbor and the back bay. Prior sailing experience is required.

For information, (714) 673-7200.

14-, 19-, 20- and 22-foot sailboats can be rented from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Marina Sailing, 600 E. Bay Ave. Cost for 14- and 19-footers is $25 for first hour, $10 each additional hour. 20-footers are $35 per hour and 22-footers are $45 per hour.

For information, (714) 673-7763.

* Dana Point

Non-certified sailors can charter a boat for up to six people from Aventura Sailing in Dana Point Harbor.

Typical skipper fee is $25/hour. Boats, depending on size, range in cost between $150 and $500 for a four-hour period.

For information, (714) 493-9493.

Kayaks can be rented on Dana Point’s Baby Beach from South Wind Kayaking for $8-10 per hour and $30-35 per day. For reservations, (714) 661-7122.

Compiled by GEOFF BILAU