Crew
If you have little or no sailing experience, our Crew program is for you.
All Crew students are required to attend the Pre Sail Orientation (PSO) where they begin to learn the basic concepts and principles of sailing and boat safety. They will also learn the importance of teamwork, knot tying and the terminology of sailing. This is done in a classroom setting before getting out on the water with a Sail Chicago Certified Instructor. On the water, the student gets to convert the classroom concepts into an actual sailing experience.
As a Sail Chicago student, you can practice what you’re learning by participating in Tiller Times, which give you free access to boats while being accompanied by an experienced Sail Chicago skipper.
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: $250
First Mate
If you have had some sailing experience or have successfully completed the Crew program, and want to further hone your skills as a sailor, Sail Chicago’s First Mate Course is for you (First Mate Students new to Sail Chicago must also attended a PSO class).
Students will begin to learn effective sail trim, harbor sailing, rescue maneuvers, departing and mooring under power and sail, using an anchor, knot tying and improving your boat handling on the water with a Sail Chicago Certified Instructor.
As a Sail Chicago student, you can practice what you’re learning by participating in Tiller Times, which give you free access to boats while being accompanied by an experienced Sail Chicago skipper.
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: $250
SKIPPER PREP
Sail Chicago’s Skipper Prep course is taught by US Sailing certified Basic Keelboat Instructors who teach advanced-level students the skills needed to safely skipper a sailboat. Students will refine their rescue maneuvers, master mooring procedures under sail and under power, practice simple navigation, and learn how to best respond to adverse sailing conditions.
A student must pass a practical on the water a skills evaluation and a written exam to qualify as a Sail Chicago Skipper. This qualification is necessary to have access to Sail Chicago sailboats for private use.
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 have the option to take the U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat test and pay an additional fee in order to gain the U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification which includes a 1-year membership in U.S. Sailing.
Member cost: $250