On-the-water classes consist of a maximum of 4 students. We offer three levels of classes:
1. Crew
2. First Mate
3. Skipper Prep:
CREW
If you’ve just become interested in sailing, our Crew course is for you. Crew students will learn the fundamentals of sailing on the water with a Sail Chicago instructor. The course teaches sailing principles, boating safety, crew work and beginning sailing maneuvers. If you're a Sail Chicago member, you can practice what you’re learning with access to our Tiller Times, which give free access to boats while being accompanied by experienced Sail Chicago skippers.
Classes are conducted on our fleet of Colgate 26 sailboats and are held at Chicago’s Monroe Harbor in downtown Chicago. Class size is limited to four (4) students per boat.
Member cost: $240
FIRST MATE
If you’ve sailed before, but want to further hone your skills as a skipper, Sail Chicago’s First Mate course is for you. Students will learn effective sail trim, harbor sailing, man-overboard drills, using an anchor and fine-tuning your boat handling on the water with a Sail Chicago instructor. Practice what you’re learning with access to our Tiller Times, where Sail Chicago members can sail and practice techniques for free, accompanied by experienced Sail Chicago skippers.
Member cost: $240
SKIPPER PREP
Sail Chicago’s Skipper Prep course will teach advanced-level students everything they need to know to skipper a sailboat. Students will learn rescue maneuvers, docking and mooring procedures under sail and under power, important knots, simple navigation, boat tuning and how to get out of bad sailing conditions. Passing this course and a skills evaluation grants members access to Sail Chicago sailboats for private use. In addition, you will qualify to take the examination for US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.
Classes are conducted on our fleet of Colgate 26 sailboats and are held at Chicago’s Monroe Harbor in downtown Chicago. Class size is limited to four (4) students per boat.
Those who pass our Skipper Training course can take the U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat test and pay a fee in order to gain U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification which includes a 1-year membership in U.S. Sailing.
Member cost: $240
In addition, we offer more advanced classes in single-handed sailing, spinnaker, racing, and cruising. For more information, please visit the Instruction page on sailchicago.org.