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For more than 90 years, the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School has been a leader in teaching children and adults how to sail at our premiere facility in Belmont Harbor. Courses provide the opportunity for new sailors to develop skills and confidence. The school runs year-round, providing an array of Learn-to-Sail classes along with racing teams in the summer and advanced Opti, Laser, and High School teams in the fall and spring. In the winter, teams travel to compete in warmer climates.

Summer Sailing School

Creating Lifelong Sailors

Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School runs an extensive summer sailing program from June to mid-August through our Sailing School at Belmont Station. We have courses designed for all ages and experience levels to get out on the water and learn to sail through teamwork, dedication and fun.

The 2024 Sailing School schedule is now live! Sessions fill up fast, so don't wait to register your sailor for the best summer yet!

 Register Here  Summer Sailing FAQ
 Summer Sailing 2024 Calendar

Summer Classes

Chicago Yacht Club's Sailing School offers Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Classes and Specialty Courses for youth at our Belmont Harbor location. Our classes run throughout the summer for ages 7-17, with special programming the final week of the summer to introduce 5-7 year olds to sailing and prepare them to join the Sailing School once they are of age. 

*Full and Associate Members receive a 15-percent discount. Discount is applied with membership number at registration checkout. Member discount is only available to children and grandchildren of members.

  • Sea Monkeys (Ages 7-9)

    • Students registered for Sea Monkeys must have completed 1st grade and be between 7 - 9 years old. Sailors are paired with one another and learn the basics of steering, trimming the sail, and balancing the boat in an exciting, hands-on way. This class sails in Sailcubes, small dinghies that easily accommodate several young sailors. With 35 square feet of sail area, these boats are not overpowered and give young sailors a sense of confidence and control. They also prepare sailors for the Optimist dinghy but are designed to be more durable and comfortable for beginning sailors.

      Sea Monkeys goals include:

      • Learning the parts of the boat and sail
      • Rigging and de-rigging a Sail Cube properly
      • Being able to recover from a capsize
      • Tying a stopper knot
      • Learning about wind direction and the points of sail
      • Stowing the equipment in the correct manner and place
      • Tacking and gybing
  • Level 1 (Ages 8-11)

    • Students sail in pairs under the close supervision of coaches and participate daily in classroom lessons and land-based activities. The Level 1 curriculum emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, boat handling (maneuvering, sail trim, capsize recovery), and the enjoyment of sailing. Students are encouraged to work together as a team during practice drills and cooperative activities and exhibit sportsmanship in all areas of the class.  For the first time sailor to our program, please contact the sailing school at 312-861-7777 x5564 to determine this is the correct program for your sailor before you register. 

      Level 1 goals include:

      • Learning more advanced terminology e.g. windward, leeward, outhaul, halyard
      • Being able to identify the points of sail
      • Mastering capsize recovery
      • Leaving and returning to the dock properly
      • Practicing the proper hand position on the tiller
      • Securing a line to a cleat with a cleat hitch
      • Proper technique for tacking and gybing
      • Correctly sailing on close-hauled, reach and downwind angles
  • Level 2 (Ages 8-11)

    • The Level 2 class is for young sailors who have shown rapid progress and great improvement. All sailors must have completed Level 1 before enrolling in Level 2. The course is for sailors who are ready to sail a dinghy by themselves. Emphasis is placed on proper boat-handling skills, including sail trim, body positioning, weight placement, tiller use, tacking and jibing, and capsize recovery. The Level 2 course is specifically focused on developing the skills necessary for sailors to begin thinking about the racing program.

      Level 2 goals include:

      • Learning to sail on all points of sailing
      • Learning the basic racing rules of sailing
      • Controlling speed and learning how to stop and accelerate
      • Getting out of irons
      • Starting in a sailboat race
      • Sailing a basic course
      • Tying a bowline
  • Level 3 (Ages 8-11)

    • This is the next step on the way to the Race Teams. In Level 3 sailors practice starting a sailboat race and sailing a course. Daily drills and frequent scrimmages help them consolidate their skills. More advanced terminology, more refined boat-handling skills, and rudimentary racing rules are introduced in this course.

      Level 3 goals include:

      • Knowing the parts of an Optimist
      • Rigging and de-rigging an Optimist
      • Hiking out
      • Demonstrating mastery of all knots learned in previous classes
      • Understanding windward boat and leeward boat
      • Learning basic racing rules
  • Beginner 420 Class (Ages 12-17)

    • The Beginner 420 class provides an entry-level class for older and/or more physically mature students interested in learning the basics of sailing. Those who participate in this course are, generally, 12 or older and/or weigh at least 90 lbs. Using the double-handed 420e dinghies, students learn rigging, basic boat handling, powering/depowering the boat, and capsize recovery. The course is designed as a way for newer sailors to learn at a comfortable pace in a team-oriented environment. The skills covered in the program provide the foundation for students to be able to learn to sail with confidence. Students often take Beginner 420 multiple summers until they understand how to sail upwind safely and with ease.

      Beginner 420 goals include:

      • Learning parts of a 420 and it's sails
      • Understanding wind direction
      • Learning to tie basic knots
      • Rigging and de-rigging a 420e properly
      • Leaving and returning to the dock safely
      • Tacking and jibing to avoid the boom
      • Sailing on all points of sail
      • Safe Capsize recovery
      • Fun!
  • Learn To Race 420 Class (Ages 12-17)

    • The Learn to Race 420 course provides a class for sailors who have had experience sailing E420s but are ready to build upon that skill set. These students are usually 12 or older and/or weigh at least 100 lbs. Using the double-handed 420e dinghies, students learn rigging and boat handling, seamanship, and rules. The course is designed as a way for sailors to continue to learn to sail the 420 at a comfortable pace with emphasis on seamless movement within the boat. The skills covered in the program further layer the foundation developed in Beginner 420 as well as to start focusing on racing. A student may join Learn to Race 420 if he or she is able to rig and de-rig proficiently and confidently sail upwind.

      Learn to Race 420 goals include:

      • Demonstrating mastery of rigging and relevant knots
      • Leaving and returning to the dock properly in all conditions
      • Roll tacking and jibing
      • Basic spinnaker and trapeze use
      • Sailing fast at all points of sail
      • Competing on a basic course racing
      • FUN!

  • Adventure Boating (Ages 7-10 & 11-15)

    • Our Adventure Boating camp is a great way for students to be involved with Lake Michigan! A day in Adventure Boating consists of several of the following fun activities: kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, fishing, sailing on our 23' Sonar Keelboats, and marine-based STEM education lessons (Buoyancy, Marine Debris, Simple Machines on Sailboats, Learning how to measure Wind Speed and Direction). This is a great option for youth who may not be interested in the competitive aspect of sailing, but still want to have a great time on the water with friends!

      Adventure Boating is only available July 15 - 19, 2024.

  • Dinghy Demons (Ages 5-7)

    • Our Dinghy Demons class is a one week, half-day course, designed for 5-7 year old students to have a fun and memorable introduction to sailing. Students will learn basic boat parts, points of sail, how to steer the boat and trim the sail properly, and how to recover a capsized boat in a safe and controlled environment. Students will sail in our SailCubes with 1-2 other students. This class is a great starting point to move into Sea Monkeys and the season-long Sailing School the following year. 

      Dinghy Demons has one morning session from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and one afternoon session from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. The curriculum for the two sessions are identical. 

  • Keelboat Kids (Ages 5-7)

    • This course is offered in the morning only half-day session (8:30am - 11:30am).  Our Keelboat Kids class is a one week, half-day course, designed for 5-7 year old students to have a fun and memorable introduction to sailing. Students will learn basic boat parts of our 23' Sonar Sailboat and learn points of sail, while heading out on the big lake to do some distance sails and develop a comfort around the water. This class will pair 5-6 students with 1 instructor on each Sonar. 




2024 Session Dates

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 Session 1  June 10 - 21  $1505
 Session 2  June 24 - July 5*  $1505
 Session 3  July 8 - 12  $765
 Mac Week: Adventure Boating Only  July 15 - 19  $765
 Session 4  July 22 - 26  $765
 Session 5  July 29 - August 9  $1505
 Special Programming  August 12 - 16  $560

Our Special Programming for the last week of summer is only half-day classes: Dinghy Demons, Keelboat Kids, High School Pipeline, and Cressy Pipeline. 

*No classes on July 4


Special Event Dates

Back to Sailing School Night - June 5
Family Fun Night - July 24
Sailing School Summer Banquet - August 7


Private Lessons

You can request a private lesson with one of our coaches through our Private Lesson Request Form. All lessons must take place outside of Sailing School hours. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Private lessons will resume again in mid-May and run through mid-September.


  • Safety Requirements

    • Safety is our number one priority. Students must demonstrate comfort in and around the water to participate. Please read our other Safety Measures:

      • Coast Guard Approved Life Vest.
      • Face Covering, we suggest a sun neck gaiter for safety around water.
      • Close-toed shoes that can get wet - no exceptions. Those who arrive without the appropriate foot wear will be sent home.
      • Temperature check PRIOR to leaving home. If your sailor feels ill, under the weather, or is running a temperature, she or he must stay home.
      • Report all absences to 312-861-7777 x 5564 before 8:30 a.m. Lunches must come from home. We employ a 'pack it in pack it out' policy.
      • Sailors will have minimal time indoors unless weather interferes, so please apply sunscreen before arriving and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Race Teams

Race Teams

For years, Chicago Yacht Club has provided junior sailors with one of the country's premier yacht club racing programs. The teams travel locally, regionally and nationally, racing in some of the most competitive regattas in North America.

Acceptance onto any of the racing teams is based on prior sailing experience and coach evaluation. All members of the Chicago Yacht Club Race Teams are expected to be active and productive members at all times, both in practice and at competitions.

Any travel relies heavily on parent involvement for transportation, chaperoning and team support. Regatta expenses such as travel, meals, entry fees and lodging are the responsibility of the individual sailor. These expenses are not covered by the program tuition.

2024 Youth Regatta Calendar
  • Our Mission and Vision

    • We strive to inspire our youth sailors by emphasizing skill development, competitive excellence, seamanship and confidence. This sailing program is designed to maximize time on the water. The program is based on key philosophies: Love for the sport and enjoyment of the journey, working together as a team and aiming to be the best. The fact that many sailors who learn to compete in youth classes go on to have successful careers is why we place so much emphasis on young sailors gaining experience. These programs are the foundation that allows our sailors to develop and test their ability, see where they stand in comparison to their peers at the national level and open their eyes to the areas they need to work on. The Race Team programs are structured to support our sailors as they learn skills to progress in club, national and international competition.

  • Safety Requirements

    • Safety is always our number one priority. Please read and follow our safety measures:

      • Coast Guard Approved Life Vest.
      • Face Covering, we suggest a sun neck gaiter for safety around water.
      • Close toed shoes - no exceptions - those who arrive without appropriate foot wear or walk anywhere barefoot will be sent home.
      • Temperature check PRIOR to leaving home. If your sailor feels ill, under the weather, has a cough, or is running a temperature, she or he must remain home.
      • Report all absences to 312-861-7777 x 5563 before 10 a.m. CYC On-the-Water team reserves the right to take a temperature should a sailor become ill.
      • Food must come from home and discarded at home. 'Pack it in... Pack it out'
      • Rigging takes place in specific locations with your posse. Stay within that designated area.
      • Foul Weather Day: you will receive immediate communication should the weather outlook require us to cancel sailing. We may cancel the morning or the entire day. If storms come in, we may need to cancel once the day begins. Zoom sessions may be scheduled in lieu of sailing.
      • All personal boats will be kept in the back of the Pad in a designated space. Must have zipped bags to contain all the sailor's belongings. There will be no changing areas and access to the club and sailing school is limited.
      • No one will be permitted to congregate around the sailors or boats. Drop off will take place outside the parking lot entrance unless you have a gate pass.
      • Handwashing stations will be available outside, but everyone should have a personal supply of hand sanitizer. Each sailor should have his or her own tool box complete with all necessary items to prepare the boat, including sail ties and electrical tape.

  • Cancellation Policy

    • Fall and spring sailing have limited space for Single-handed and Green fleets. No refunds will be granted for our fall and spring sailing programs. A portion of summer registration fees may be refunded before May 1, 2024.

Spring 2024 Race Teams

Registration is open for spring sailing at Belmont! Join the Opti or Laser Race Teams to build on your racing skills this season.

Opti Green and RWB practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 7pm and Saturdays 9am - 1pm. Charter boats are available for the season. Register for Opti Spring.

Laser Race practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 - 7pm. Charter ILCAs are available for the season. Register for Laser Spring.

Summer 2024 Race Teams

Summer is the best time to join our Opti, Laser or C420 Race Teams. Racers can register for the full summer: June 10 - August 9, or for a half summer: June 10 - July 5 or July 8 - August 9. *No classes will be held on July 4 or the Race to Mackinac week: July 15 - 19* though alternate programming may be available Mackinac week at the discretion of the designated Head Coach.

All sailors must have the permission of the respective Head Coach or Youth Program Manager before registering for a race team. The CYC coaches select summer teams to help them prepare and optimize their learning. The summer team training helps sailors deliver their top performances against the best youth sailors in the country.

Summer Sessions will be held Monday to Friday.

Sailors must bring sailing and fitness gear. Meals are not provided.

Register Here


  • Cressy Pipeline
    • This morning program is designed for Laser sailors or experienced skippers looking to step into the singlehanded dinghy. Sailors will focus on boat handling, set up and racing strategy. The course is a great opportunity to use your sailing skills to try a new boat or tune up your Laser skills ahead of the fall season. Sailors interested in racing Cressy this year, next year or another future regatta are encouraged to register. The program will run Monday-Friday, August 12 - 16 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register with a private boat or charter one of our Lasers for a week learning and racing this performance dinghy.

      Register Here
  • Laser Youth Team



    • We are excited to provide some excellent opportunities to get on the water this year with the CYC Laser Race Team!
      It's not necessary to own your own boat.  

      Laser Youth Spring and Fall Season will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 - 7 p.m.
      Laser Youth Summer Season will be held Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
       
      Skills required: Proven experience in Summer Sailing School classes such as Opti Race, Learn to Race 420, Cressy Pipeline, or C420 Race Team. 

      *Charter boats may only be used during the program schedule. Use outside the program schedule must be requested in advance. Approval will be subject to the availability of the boats and will have an extra cost associated with it.

  • Opti RWB Fleet



    • The Opti Red, White and Blue (RWB) Race Team is for experienced Opti sailors who are ready to compete at the highest level and are under 15 years of age. The Opti RWB Team competes in many local events, but also prepares sailors for National and International Optimist events, focusing on advanced boat-handling and tactics. The sailors become exposed to a strong team atmosphere, learning both fleet racing and team racing skills. Sailors who have advanced past the Green Team curriculum and have their own Opti are eligible for the Advanced Optimist Race Team. The RWB Opti Race Team places an emphasis on travel, participating in many local and national regattas, including Optimist Nationals, Junior Olympics, and various fall and winter regattas.
      We have several options available for you to choose from.

      OTHER NEWS

      For Regional, National, and International Optimist news, visit the official US Optimist website

  • Opti Green Fleet



    • A step up from our Opti Summer program. Our Green Fleet program has been designed for summer campers and sailors with previous experience who would like to pursue sailing as their year-round sport. This program’s curriculum teaches Summer camp Opti graduates all the different components of sailboat racing. During the season we encourage all our team sailors to travel to some of the local regattas. The Club provides the boats to sailors enrolled in the programs. The Green Fleet is a beginner and intermediate-level Optimist racing program, designed to build on basic sailing and racing skills. Green Fleet sailors are typically between 8-12 years old.
       
      Prerequisites: Sailors have advanced past the Level 3 summer curriculum and either own their own Optimist or charter a boat through CYC. Registrations are subject to the coaches' approval. Ask Kate O'Donnell if you are unsure if your sailor is ready for Green Fleet.
       

      OTHER NEWS

      For Regional, National, and International Optimist news, visit the official US Optimist website

  • Foiling Team



    • Foiling is the future of sailing. The technical advancements in foiling have been accelerating every year. The boats are getting lighter and faster. You are literally flying on water. It’s tremendously fun and exhilarating. CYC has taken the lead and joined one of the most important and avant-garde sailing events in the world, the SailGP circuit. The next step is to bring our members and our sailing community the possibility to access these new boats. Learn to fly over the water, enjoy sailing in a completely different and challenging way. CYC wants to open the doors to future generations so that they can be the ones to crew and compete in events like SailGP in the next years. For this reason, stay tuned as we will soon be announcing news about the CYC Foiling Team.

  • C420 Great Lakes Team

    • The C420 Great Lakes Team reinforces for its sailors the specific skills necessary for sailing in C420 racing dinghies. The C420 Great Lakes Team is one of the placement options for the more accomplished Optimist Race Team sailors who have aged out of or are too big for the Optimist class. Sailors entering the C420 Great Lakes Team must show competence in boat-handling and have knowledge of rules and tactics. The C420 Great Lakes Team places emphasis on the development of racing skills and teamwork in competition. The C420 Great Lakes Team focuses on learning how to compete while using a trapeze and spinnaker in fleet racing. Sailors also learn tactics and some basic rules of team racing. The sailors travel to local and regional regattas to gain valuable experience in larger fleets, and to prepare them for more advanced racing. (If participating in a half summer, the sailor will compete in the regattas which fall during the half session.) 

  • C420 Travel Team

    • The C420 Travel Team represents the most experienced youth sailors of the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School. Most Travel Team sailors have been a part of the program for years. Extensive knowledge of tactics and seamanship in addition to advanced boat-handling skills are requisite for Team members and are consistently improved upon throughout the summer. These sailors travel often and participate in high caliber events across North America, including the C420 Nationals, C420 North Americans, the Buzzard's Bay Regatta and US Sailing Championships in the summer. Additionally, the winter circuit brings them to the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta as well as the C420 Midwinter Championship. The sailors learn valuable skills both on and off the race course as they travel together throughout the country. 

      CONTACT

      For more information or questions please contact Head Coach Hector Guzman at [email protected]

High School Sailing

High School Sailing

Chicago Yacht Club is proud to host one of the largest high school sailing programs in the Midwest District. Between the Sailing School's facilities at Belmont Station and its full and part-time coaches, the program has been able to grow to more than 130 sailors. The program consists of seven established high school teams: New Trier High School, Walter Payton College Prep, St. Ignatius College Prep, Latin School of Chicago, DePaul College Prep, Lycée Français de Chicago, and Rickover Academy. 
            
  • Summer High School Pipeline
    • Our high-school pipeline is designed for 8th-12th graders who are planning on participating in the CYC High School Sailing Program on one of the following teams: Walter Payton, Latin, New Trier, DePaul, Lincoln Park, or St. Ignatius. The HS Pipeline is a preparation week for students planning on trying out for Varsity or JV teams for their respective schools. The focus will be on the specific skillsets required to be successful as a high school sailor - starting, boat speed, fleet and course management, and much more!

      Register Here
  • Fall Scholastic Sailing Information
    • Tryouts
      August 21 - 22, 2023 |   4 - 7 p.m. 
      Makeup Date
      August 23, 2023  |   4 - 7 p.m.

      Practice:

      Sonar & Junior Varsity: Monday & Wednesday
      Varsity: Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays (only on non-travel weekends)

      Dates:

      September - November, 2023

      Time:

      4 - 7 p.m.

      Price:

      Junior Varsity: $1,050 non-member
      Varsity: $1,150 non-member

      15% discount to members


      Register Here

  • Spring Scholastic Sailing Information

    • Practice:

      Sonar & Junior Varsity: Monday & Wednesday
      Varsity: Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays (only on non-travel weekends)

      Dates:

      March 12 - May 31, 2024

      Time:

      4 - 7 p.m.

      Price:

      Junior Varsity: $1,050 non-member
      Varsity: $1,150 non-member

      15% discount to members


      Register Here

  • Participant Responsibilities

    • Participant Responsibilities

      For more information on recommended Sailor, Coach, and Chaperone responsibilities for the high school sailing program.
      For more information on detailed Chaperone Guidelines.
      For more information on Midwest High School Sailing, including regatta information and results, visit the Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (MISSA) website
      For more information on national high school sailing, visit the Interscholastic Sailing Association website

      Missing Practice:
      In addition to notifying the coach via email ([email protected]), please also notify your team captains. If you have 3 unexcused absences you will be removed from the Varsity roster. If you are JV and have 3 unexcused absences, you will be excluded from regattas and may be moved to the Sonar Session or removed from the team.

      Regatta Fees:
      If rostered by the coach for a regatta, the student athlete must accept. Please note there are fees associated with attending regattas. Regatta fees include coach travel such as airline and hotel, mileage for towing to the regatta if applicable, a daily meal per diem, etc. Fees are based on the overall expense and are divided equally among all attending teams and players.