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 Lesson Schedule 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.

New for 2010!
Advanced Sail/Race Coaching

Youth who have completed our basic sailing course can receive coaching support in small boat sailing and racing techniques from our certified sailing instructors weekday afternoons during the regular season (subject to staff and equipment availability) plus racing opportunities throughout the summer.

Program registration fee is $100 for the season.
Click here for registration information.

Adult Lessons

Adult lessons are offered evenings and weekends, with specific dates throughout the summer (see our Lesson Schedule for session dates). Classes cover basic sailing techniques, as well as rigging, launching, and landing.

10 person maximum per class. Ages 18+

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

Racing Teams

Fleet racing on the bay starts in June, Sunday afternoons on the bay. Watch our Calendar page for details.

We frequently hold Laser races, as well as community and "Anything Goes" Races.

Summer 2010:
The DSSA has been asked to host the D21 Laser Regatta, August 7-8, 2010. Stay tuned for details.

Open Sailing

Any member properly checked out can sail any of the boats in our fleet any time we are open. Availability is subject to other programs' schedules.

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

We offer a range of classes for youth and adult members, from first time sailing experiences to training in the handling, navigation, and other skills required to safely handle auxiliary sailboats. Private lessons are taught by our US SAILING LEVEL I certified staff. Advance registration is required.

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 Lesson Schedule 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: programs@sailingforall.org