Chicago Sailing provides a number of exciting programs designed to whet your appetite, indulge your racing addiction and promote your need for speed. Racing is a dialed-up, exhilarating world. Save those cruising ambitions for another time and come on over to the wild side. We offer formal instruction, private lessons, and racing leagues to enhance your racing skills dramatically.

Racing and Crewing 221

Nothing in sailing gets the blood flowing like the chance to race against another boat. Without actually owning your own boat most sailors scratch the itch by crewing on someone else’s boat. Obtaining some basic racing skills is one sure way to join a competitive crew.

Our 12-hour Racing and Crewing course is the perfect way to acquire the skills and teamwork necessary to make you a valuable asset on any racing crew. While learning the basics of racing trim, rules, and strategy you will experience each crew position first hand. More, you will learn how each position contributes to team success. Click here for more information.

Spinnakers/Advanced Sailing 201 is intended to pick up where the Basic Sailing 101 course ends. This is a course designed for you to get more speed from your boat via technique. You will refine helmsmanship, sail trimming and boat handling in addition to learning the essentials of spinnakers.

The J/22 Racing 221 course will expose you to the tactical side of racing. You will practice starting line tactics, mark roundings, and crew coordination in actual racing situations. After each of the day's races, you will have an opportunity for immediate feedback and analysis from our professional instructors.

Private Instruction is available at any time to support your racing interests. Chicago Sailing is fortunate to have some of the finest racers in the Chicago area. They will provide professional training on a personal level, either in our club boats or aboard your own vessel.