Members of the Monmouth Boat Club make an irresistible “sails pitch” on Saturday for all who’d like to learn to sail. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

While the Navesink River has been known to occasionally make itself at home inside the historic Victorian-style structure at the foot of Wharf Avenue, it’s not every day that Red Bank’s Monmouth Boat Club throws open its doors to non-members. But on Saturday,  the 136-year-old clubhouse at the river’s edge welcomes all members of the public for a day of free sailboat rides, complimentary cookout fare, and tours of the landmark building.

Running between 10 am and 2 pm, the annual event also serves as an introduction to the MBC’s adult sailing program – a slate of four two-hour sailing sessions, during which student sailors ages 18 and older can learn the ropes out on the water, under the supervision of a U.S. Sailing Association certified instructor. Lessons take place on the fleet of three 19’ Flying Scots, which the club has dedicated to the program.

All ages are invited to enjoy a rare tour of the clubhouse, with hot dogs and hamburgers served up from the grille. Adult classes are held under appropriate weather conditions, and lessons are postponed and rescheduled for weather-related factors that range from lack of wind, to too much wind.

Additional details on the MBC adult sailing program can be obtained by calling Denis Farley at (732) 571-5142, or emailing sailinglessons@verizon.net.