No experience necessary

Classes begin April 14, 2012 in Belmont Harbor and Waukegan Harbor.

Course Description

Chicago Sailing's Basic Sailing 101 is the perfect way to learn sailing and the lore of the sea. While comprehensive and challenging, this course is immensely fun. All classes are held on-the-water where you will be skippering a fast, responsive keelboat immediately. Our method of teaching is so effective that, in just a few short sessions, you will not only be a sailor, you will be an adventurer with a lifetime of new horizons.

Curriculum

Our certified instructors start you with a solid foundation in sailing terminology, sailboat rigging, boating safety and rope work. Under their guidance you will quickly and seamlessly integrate these skills with the practical sailboat handling and seamanship. The skills and confidence you develop will have you ready to captain a modern keelboat on your own.

Availability

Getting started is easy. Chicago Sailing has new Basic Sailing 101 classes start every Monday and Saturday throughout the season, April - September (see offerings below). Simply choose a session that fits your schedule and click to register. Then, let the fun begin!

Course Details

Basic Sailing 101 delivers 15 - 16 hours of on-the-water training with a professional instructor. Class sizes are limited to four student sailors with one instructor, insuring that you receive maximum individual attention. Our text, US Sailing's Basic Keelboat is included and can be picked up before the start of your classes from our office on B Dock in Belmont Harbor or by arrangement at A Dock in North Waukegan Harbor.

Our Instructional Vessels

The fastest and most effective way to learn sailing is aboard a modern responsive keelboat, like the J/22. Because this dynamic boat exceeds training and safety criteria in all ways, the J/22 has become one of the world's most popular adult training vessels, as well as Chicago Sailing's obvious choice. For your convenience, our vessels are equipped with auxiliary motors.

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.

Course Details - Weekday Options $510 Mornings (M-F) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Afternoons (M-F) 1:00 - 4:00 pm Evenings (M, W, F and the following M, W) 5:30 - 8:30 pm* *(Apr, May, Aug, Sept 5:00 - 8:00) Course Details - Weekend $580 Mornings (SS,SS) 8:30 am - 12:30 pm* Afternoons (SS,SS) 1:00 - 5:00 pm* * Saturday and Sunday of two consecutive weekends Class Cancellation Policy

Register for your 2011 lessons using our reservation service.

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 of 3 or 4 people and families. Call Chicago Sailing to arrange a custom schedule based on your calendar.