Sailing lessons on the Hudson.   (Photo: David Caporale)

PASTA MAKING
La Cucina Cooking School, 32 Poggio alla Farnia, Fauglia, Pisa, Italy; 301-432-7382 (in the U.S.)
You read that right: Italy. Marco Canora's mother runs a cooking school out of an ancient farmhouse (with lodging) in Tuscany, where the Hearth chef is hosting classes himself this summer. It's worth the flight just to tour Florentine food markets with one of New York's top chefs.
When: June 28–July 5 or July 5–12
Price: $3,600 includes a weeklong stay, food, and classes

SAILING
Manhattan Sailing School, North Cove Marina, 385 South End Ave., nr. Liberty St., 7G; 212-786-0400
Visiting friends in the Hamptons, the Vineyard, or some other Waspy vacation spot prefaced with "the"? You can learn to sail in a single, intensive weekend, in Battery Park to avoid an Owen Wilson–in–Wedding Crashers scene with the locals.
When: Through the summer; Fri., 6 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Price: $590

SCRATCHING
Dubspot, 348 W. 14th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 877-382-7768
If you splurge for a D.J. beginner package, you'll be scratching and mixing in time for that rooftop Fourth of July rager and have your rhythm completely down by Labor Day.
When: Tues., June 3–July 22, 6:30 p.m.–8:15 p.m. or Sat., June 7–Aug. 2, 2 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Price: $695

SKETCH-COMEDY WRITING
Administrative Office, Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, 145 W. 30th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth fl.; 212-366-9176
Eric Fogel, the creator of MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch and Anton & Crapbag, will explain proper formatting for preparing sketches, and most important, make you put your funny ideas on paper in class and out.
When: Mon., July 14–Sept. 15, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
Price: $325

TAILORING
Flirt Brooklyn, 303 Third Ave., nr. Carroll St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-783-0364
This clothing shop sells its own label and other local designers, but in its home-ec studio you can learn to alter your own clothes for a slim-fitting summer.
When: Thurs., June 12, 19, and 26, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Price: $125

WINE TASTING
Italian Wine Merchants, 108 E. 16th St., nr. Irving Pl.; 212-473-2323
The informal, weekly group discussions of Italian vintages at Studio Regionale come with antipasti or Batali-approved plates like rich, creamy black-truffle risotto, depending on the topic.
When: Sat., 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Price: $50–$125