With the URI Sailing Center just five miles from campus, there is an abundance of outdoor and water activities for students to partake in. The Sailing Center provides recreational sailing, a club team, and sailing courses for URI community members to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in learning to sail, or just looking for a fun water activity with your friends, the Sailing Center is sure to provide just what you’re looking for. 

Club Sailing

Joining the URI Club Sailing team is a great way to take advantage of the Sailing Center while being part of a competitive team. Our Club Sailing Team requires no prior sailing experience! This allows students to learn how to sail; and even prepares them to compete against other colleges. Olivia Anderson, a junior at URI, shared her experience on the team. Although she had no prior sailing experience, Olivia was taught and trained by her teammates and coaches, and now competes regularly. She explains that while the team is in season, the athletes are sent to different schools each weekend to compete in various regattas. 

“I like traveling to other schools and meeting different teams,” Olivia said. “It helped me integrate into the sport and meet new people.” With about 80 competitions each year, there are several opportunities for members of the team to compete. 

Olivia has been on the team for two years. With her time on the team, many opportunities have been presented to her. This semester, Olivia is doing an exchange semester and studying in Hawaii. 

“I am able to sail with the University of Hawaii sailing team because of my experience with URI sailing.”  The benefits of club sports venture all the way to the Pacific Ocean!

The Club Team meets all year round and allows a variety of students to participate. With arranged carpools to provide those without transportation a way to attend practices, the team is inclusive and receptive to all sailing experiences whether you are a freshman or a senior. One of the main things that Olivia enjoys about the club team are the athletes themselves. She highlights how supportive the team is, and the many connections she has made with her teammates, coaches, and other sailing programs. The Club Sailing Team is an amazing learning opportunity; and provides an outlet for being active and belonging to the URI community. 

The Sailing Center

The Sailing Program at URI is 80 years old and a unique aspect of our university. With the ocean and many lakes close by, URI students can take advantage of the resources and activities provided by the sailing center, as well as learn new skills. Recreational sailing, along with sailing classes for academic credit in the fall and spring semesters are provided for URI students. The classes range from beginner to intermediate. Learn how you can earn 2 credits by learning to sail here! 

Another advantage the sailing center offers to students and staff members is renting out kayaks and paddle boards free of charge! All you need to participate in kayaking and paddling boarding around the pond is a good attitude and your URI ID. With finals quickly approaching, and the weather getting warmer, take a study break and explore Point Judith Pond while getting in a fun workout! To learn more about the features of the sailing center, click here. 

For locals of Narragansett or URI students who may be staying local over the summer, there are several summer opportunities to learn how to sail through the Sailing Center. The summer program has a variety of classes and boats available that introduce new sailors to the sport. These classes allow individuals to learn at their own pace. The classes emphasize that size, gender, and age are all “equalized on the water.” With this, it is clear that anyone has the ability to learn to sail. Try something new this summer, read here how to join a summer program! 

The Sailing Center is an outlet for all URI community members to immerse themselves in the unique area that our school is located in. With a multitude of water opportunities available to students and staff, the URI Sailing Center makes it easy to be active, belong, and be well on Point Judith Pond. 

For questions about the URI Sailing Center, or to visit, please see below.
URI Sailing Center
236 Salt Pond Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
(401)783-0797