No experience necessary.

Course Description

Learning to sail could not be easier at Chicago Sailing. Within a few short days you will be a sailor, with skills that will support a lifetime of adventure.

Basic Sailing 101 is the perfect course for those with no prior experience or for those looking to formalize prior sailing experiences.

As a US SAILING certified facility we teach to the professional standards of their graduated learning system. You can rest assured that there are no higher credentials for sailing instruction.

With over 15 years of experience, we are convinced that the most effective learning is kinetic. So, at Chicago Sailing, your introduction to the world of sails, boats, wind, and water takes place entirely on the boats and on the water.

Your instruction begins with a solid foundation in sailing terminology, sailboat rigging, boating safety and rope work. Under the guidance of your professional instructor you will quickly and seamlessly integrate these skills with the principals of sailing. Before you know it, you will have the tools and the abilities to master a sailing keelboat. You will also qualify to rent our J22 keelboats for personal use.

Objectives to be covered are:

• The physics of sailing
• Boat handling under sail
• Motor operation and docking.
• Safety afloat.
• Basic boating rules.
• Man overboard procedures.
• Sail shape, trim and handling.
• Sail reefing, dousing, stowing
• Rope work and knots.
• Correct winch operation.
  

Our instructional vessels:
Unquestionably, the fastest and most effective way to learn sailing is aboard a fast, responsive and safe sailboat. Because the J22 exceeds these criteria in every way, it is the world’s most popular adult training vessel and Chicago Sailing’s obvious choice. All our vessels are equipped with motors.

Course Details:

• 15-16 hours of on-water training
• maximum of 4 students per boat
• US SAILING text and curriculum
• First step toward Certification
• New classes start every week
• choose weekday, evening, or weekend courses.
  
• Mornings (M-F) 9-noon
• Afternoon (M-F) 1:00-4:00
• Evenings M, W, F and the following M, W. 5:30 - 8:30pm*

*(Apr, May, Sept, Oct. 5:00 - 8:00)

Basic Sailing 101 - Weekday: $445

Two consecutive Saturdays and Sundays, mornings or afternoons.

• Sat & Sun Mornings: 8:30- 12:30pm
• Sat & Sun Afternoons: 1:00pm-5:00pm

Basic Sailing 101 - Weekend: $525

Basic Sailing 101 is our most popular course. We recommend early registration in order to insure your first choice of dates.

Special schedules and prices are available for groups and families.