Last week, my wife daughter and I signed up for a sailing lesson. We went out with Eric Cunningham, co-owner of Chatham Sailboat Rentals. We had the time of our lives! Eric, who is extremely knowledgeable and patient, easily adjusted his teaching based on the experience of the student (which varied from my daughter who has been a Sea Scout for 5 years to my wife who never rode in a sailboat before).
In addition, we ended up playing Hide and Seek with a Humpback Whale, which was the highlight of our trip to Cape Cod.
CAVEAT: Eric told us this was only the third time he'd seen a whale in this area, so don't rent a sailboat or take a sailing lesson if you want to whale watch. Rather, check out Chatham Sailboat Rentals if you enjoy sailing or want to learn. If you do see a whale, consider it icing on the cake!
Be sure to wear swimsuits when you go sailing as the boats they use are low - you sit inches above the water - and you will get wet!
Chatham Sailboat Rentals also has what I am told is one of the best snack bars in the area, specializing in things like fried fish sandwiches. I can't confirm this because lessons are scheduled for 3:30 pm (to get the best wind) and when we returned from our lesson, they were closed for the day! Thus, if you want to try the snack bar, arrive early and eat before your lesson!
Chatham Sailboat Rentals is located at the end of Ridgevale Road, next to a Town of Chatham Parking Lot. When you get there, tell the attendant you're going to rent a sailboat and he will direct you to Chatham Sailboat Rentals parking lot, so you avoid the Town Parking Fee! read more