Class Descriptions
Explorers
WHO: Recommended Ages 5-8, still getting comfortable on the water
WHEN: Wednesdays & Fridays between June 25th to August 18th
TIMES: 10:15am - 11:00am
COST: $45/class
The Explorers class is for our youngest sailors or those who are still getting comfortable in the boat. The 45-min session is designed to introduce sailboats and the joy of sailing in a safe and fun environment where the instructor is either in control of the boat or co-skipping with our young sailors. It all depends on everyone’s comfort level.
Participants are introduced to water safety, basic sailing terminology, parts of the boat, basic sailing maneuvers, and sportsmanship. This class is more dependent on the weather than others so please keep an eye out for cancellations if the winds are too strong.
Sailors should wear closed toed shoes and bring a life jacket. Hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Beginner Sailors
WHO: Recommended for ages 7-11
WHEN: Tuesday through Friday for 90-minutes between June 25th to August 15th
TIMES: 9:30am - 11am
COST: $195/week
The beginner course is designed for young sailors who have no prior experience or those who are still apprehensive about sailing. All instruction will take place in our Optimist boats which are stable and nearly impossible to tip over.
This introductory course will teach the basic skills needed to be a successful sailor - how to be safe and comfortable around the water, how to rig and de-rig a sailboat, how to care for the boats and equipment, and how to make the boat move.
Sailors do not need their own boat to participate in this class.
Sailors should wear closed toed shoes and bring a life jacket. Hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Intermediate Sailors
WHO: Recommended Ages 7-13
WHEN: Tuesday through Friday between June 18th to August 9th
TIMES: 9:30am - 11:00am
COST: $195/week
The intermediate course is designed for those who have basic knowledge of sailing (e.g. completed the introductory course) or slightly older sailors who are very comfortable on the water.
This course will use our Bic sailboats. These are small boats that are a bit quicker than the Opti and are easy to right should they capsize.
Sailors will build upon the basics where they get more proficient at sailing upwind/downwind as well as getting an introduction to basic rules of racing and sportsmanship.
Sailors should wear closed toed shoes and bring a life jacket. Hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Boats will be provided for this course.
Race Team
WHO: Recommended Ages 7-16 (Skippers should be at least 10 years old)
WHEN: Tuesday through Friday between July 1st and July 31st
TIMES: 12:30pm - 2:00pm
COST: $895 for skippers // $395 for crew members
This program has been designed for sailors who have a working knowledge of how to navigate around buoys and a desire to learn how to race. In addition to rules, the course will focus on boat handling for speed, race strategies, starting tactics, and how to become a faster, more competitive racer.
For younger sailors who are interested in racing, but are not yet proficient enough to navigate a course, we offer the ability to join the Race Team as a crew member. Crew members will be paired with a skipper.
All Race Team participants will receive Torch Lake Race Team shirts and hats.
This class will happen regardless of wind conditions. If the wind is quite strong we may elect to take Bics out as they are easier to right should they capsize.
Please be mindful of the skipper vs. crew options when booking via the button below.
Private Lessons
WHO: Ideal for adults, teens, and families
WHEN: June 11th to August 9th
TIMES: Monday all day, Wednesday and Fridays starting at 3pm
COST: $65/hr
Private sessions occur in our larger boats – Butterflies or the Melges 15 – depending on what you’re looking to learn. Our instructors will meet you where you are and find the best use of water time to grow your skills whether that’s gaining the knowledge to sail upwind or learning how to fly the jib/spinnaker as a crew member.
This class is perfect for more mature sailors or families looking to learn something together. We can accommodate groups up to four.
EMAIL CASEY KELLER TO SCHEDULE by clicking the button below.
“I used to be nervous to sail. Last summer I finished top 20 at Nationals.”
— RYLAN, 12-year old Butterfly Sailor