Our Motto – Safety, Fun, Learning.
- Learn how to sail a small boat, alone and with friends
- Enjoy summers on the water
- Be part of a group of young sailors
- Learn a lifelong sport
- Work on a team to develop leadership skills
- Learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math while enjoying the air, earth and water
- Learn from Nationally Certified Instructors
- Earn passes to evening and weekend open sailing sessions.
Class Details
Students learn to safely operate small sail boats. Each student is assessed on day one of the class and will be assigned in groups based on skill levels. Students start out learning to safely launch, control and dock a small sailboat in a harbor environment. Steps to remain safe and recover from a capsize are taught as part of the class on day one.
As students become more advanced, they learn to improve boat handling in various wind conditions. Use of more complex rigging for optimum sail performance is also taught. Practices emphasize precision, efficiency, and use of crew in boats with two or more sails. Knowledge and guidelines of weather and wave conditions are presented. Racing and semi-competitive sailing exercises will be introduced as part of this curriculum.
The most advanced students will focus on developing the knowledge and skills used in racing and cruising sailboats. Best speed, precision and course-direction based on the wind-direction will be taught. Safety and boat performance including sail trim, steering, navigation, and weather conditions. Racing and semi-competitive sailing exercises will continue as part of this curriculum.
Youth classes are scheduled on a weekly basis and they run Monday through Friday for 6 hours each day.
Students are encouraged to take multiple sessions throughout the summer to increase skills.
Scholarships & Sponsorships
Please see the Hartley Family Youth Sailing Scholarship page to learn more and apply.
More Information
- Our instructors are U.S. Sailing certified and a safety boat is used when children are actively sailing.
- Part of learning how to sail includes what to do should your boat capsize. During these exercises children will be in the water, so he/she should be comfortable in deep water wearing a life-jacket.
- Kenosha Community Sailing Center has life-jackets available for use in a wide range of youth sizes. All students are required to wear a life-jacket (PFD). However, it is recommended that you provide your child with their own personal life-jacket to ensure the best size and fit.
- Disregard for sailing instructor’s instructions and reckless behavior will not be tolerated. Students will be taken out of the water and will not be allowed to return. Refunds will not be given to families whose children are removed for reckless behavior.
- It can be cool on the water so please bring a jacket or sweatshirt.
- Closed toed, soft-soled shoes (white soles), are required.
- If there is no lightning, we will sail – bring a rain jacket or poncho.
- Youth must bring a brown bag lunch.
- Number of students per class is limited. If you find the class is closed contact the center to see how we can best accommodate your needs.