Driven by the insatiable desire to sail across an ocean blue, ancient sailors labored for years to paint every square inch of seawater with a brilliant sapphire sheen. Appreciate the artistic talent of early seafarers with today’s Groupon: for $39, you get a three-hour introductory sailing lesson (a $100 value) at Indianapolis Sailing Club, located on the Geist Reservoir.

Indianapolis Sailing Club is a private sailing club housing a friendly fleet of fun-loving sailboats that provide entertainment for families, racers, and first-time sailors alike. Today’s “Your First Sail” class is specially designed for Groupon customers who want to break out their sailing wings and learn how to soar through the water like helicopters. During the class (most of which will be on the water), an experienced instructor will teach aquatic adventurers all the basics of sailing, from rigging, boarding, and launching the boat to learning the sail positions, maneuvering, steering, and tacking. Classes are semi-private: each instructor will work with two students at a time (each student needs a Groupon), so tell a friend about today's deal or let the club place you with a fellow solo learner.

Geist Reservoir was formed in 1943, when Fall Creek was dammed up to create a water source for Indianapolis. The reservoir also attracted sailing aficionados, and the Indianapolis Sailing Club was born in 1955. Since then, it has provided an excellent opportunity for landlocked humans to escape the earth-trodding everyday and see the scenery around the man-made lake. Call ahead to check availability and schedule a class that will transform clumsy landlubbers into brave, white-whale-chasing skippers.