Programs and Classes

Weekly Youth Lessons

We provide sailing classes of up to four days duration, beginning with simpler boats for students. The fundamentals of sailing are learned in these classes. Students should have basic competence upon completion. Our 3-hour classes run Monday through Thursday starting at 10 am with Friday as a make-up day (see our calendar for session dates). Depending on weather conditions, we may shift times to meet optimum wind conditions.

Ages 8+
To sail unaccompanied, all youth sailors must first pass a swim test, including: swimming 100 yards (75 front or side power stroke, 25 resting backstroke), tread water for two minutes, and demonstrate the ability to float. Swim tests are done at the start of each session for regular youth lessons, or you can provide any of the following certifications: Boy Scouts Swimming or Lifesaving Merit Badge, Red Cross Intermediate (Level 3+), YMCA Fish, or certified instructor’s statement on established swimming/pool organization letterhead.

10 person maximum per class.

Program registration fee is $90 per session.
Click here for registration information.

Advanced Sail/Race Coaching

5-Day Small Boat Intensive Race Clinic
July 10-14, 2011

Are you a small boat sailor that has been bitten by the racing bug? Feel that competitive urge every time you put your boat on the water? Well now is your chance to learn about small boat racing or to simply improve your racing skills. Click here for details.

OR ... ask about other opportunities to receive additional sail/race coaching from our certified instructors.

Adult Lessons

Our adult weekend lessons are a great way to fulfill that lifelong dream of becoming a sailor! Whether you are a complete novice or are wanting to improve your sailing skills we can help. Small class sizes ensure you receive plenty of attention and opportunities to take the helm! This is a 2 day, 9 hour course. Classes are scheduled  Saturdays from 11–3:30 and Sundays from 12:30-5 . Check our calendar or call for specific dates and class availability. If schedule times do not meet your schedule consider our affordable private lessons.

The cost for this course includes your annual membership:
       Adult - $200
       Student (Over 18 and full time student) - $140
or   Current member rate - $90
Click here for registration information.

Open Sailing

Already a sailor? Then become a member of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association and enjoy the use of our diverse fleet of trainers, racers and daysailers. You won’t find a better entertainment value anywhere! Our fleet is available to members from noon till dusk most days, from early June through September.  Fill out and mail the registration form on the back or simply stop at the pier during open sailing hours to find out more. Open sailing times and dock closings will be shown on program calendar. 
Click here for registration information.

Wanting to sail a particular boat? Send Tim an email (sailingforall@gmail.com)  at least a week prior and we will add it to the reservation list. Current reservations will be posted on this calendar. This DOES NOT included cruise boats.

Open Sailing Reservation Calendar

Cruise Boats

With membership, experienced cruisers have access to the DSSA’s  larger cruise boats,  including our flagship ketch Molly Brown III. These are available for day sailing in either the Duluth Harbor or on Lake Superior. Submit your sailing resumé along with your membership, then call the pier to arrange for certification as captain or crew aboard these exciting boats.

Cruise boats need to be reserved ahead of time. Please email Tim at sailingforall@gmail.com with reservation request (only certified captains can reserve). Current reservations can be viewed at the following calendar.

Cruise Boat Reservation Calendar

Physically Disabled Sailing Courses

We provide experiences and training for adaptive sailors in special boats in which they can control all aspects of their sail without fear. We have proper equipment to handle most needs.

Private Sailing Lessons

Private lessons are available with our certified instructors. Whether you are looking for a 2-hour refresher or a full blown “teach me to sail” course, we can help. Our instructors will discuss your needs and provide individualized lessons. Lessons are scheduled by the hour and are available most days. Since lessons are based on staff availability it is best to schedule early.

Member lesson rates per person are $20/hour. You do need to purchase an appropriate membership to take lessons. Bring fellow member and hourly rate drops to $15/hour!

Community Sailing

Our programs are open to community organizations. We also have open sailing opportunities where people can sail their own boats as part of a group.

Specialized Classes

We offer classes for all levels of sailing, including topics such as safety, knots, why boats sail, and navigation and weather. Periodic clinics covering special topics, such as racing techniques and handling the larger cruising boats, are offered throughout the season (see our calendar for session dates). We also promote classes offered by the US Coast Guard Auxilliary, US Power Squadron, and Lake Superior College.

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Whenever you come sailing with us, there are a few things you’ll want to bring along.
Click here for a list of what to bring to the pier.

For more information about any of these programs:

E-mail Tim at   sailingforall@gmail.com