The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working to promote sailing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by providing the organization, equipment, infrastructure, instruction, and financing necessary to encourage recreational and competitive sailing.
Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. We encourage all our members to volunteer, to become instructors and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work ourselves, we can keep our membership dues as low as possible. Not only does our structure keep our costs low, but it also has tremendous social potential. When you teach others to sail or get involved in our periodic work parties and social events, you meet new people and create friendships. You also get a chance to learn a great deal about boat operations and maintenance-- a great thing if you dream of owning a boat someday.
Our club is open to any level of sailing experience from beginners just wanting to take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing, to our intercollegiate sailing team that often ranks in the top 20 in the nation.
See you on the lake....
News
A special winter seminar is being held on March 6th at 6:30 in the festival room. Members and racers from the MYC will be there for a meet-and-greet.
Agenda:
- Why race sailboats
- History of E Scows
- Why race and E Scow – A Love Letter
- Spinnaker work
- Mendota Yacht Club
- Racing terms and what to expect.
- Tips for crew
- How to get involved
Nominations for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will open February 21st and close the 27th. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates and anything else you might need to know
Applications for Sailing Instructors for the 2024 season are now opoen! Check out the details on the Teach Sailing page for info.
Thank you everyone for your help lifting out boats for this year! We only have a few boats left to get out so be sure to check the lessons page for any volunteer opportunities.
The famous Friday socials are starting up May 19th @ 6pm. Come down and enjoy the Nacho bar with your fellow sailors.
Upcoming Events
420 Work Party
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Time to wash, wax, and rig the 420s! We will meet by the yellow pavilion. Please wear closed-toed shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle.
T10 Work Party
We will be working on T10's - various tasks to get the boats ready for lift in. The boats are located at the farm in Arlington @ W7169 Ramsey Road.
Bottom Paint and Trailer Prep - J-Fleet
It's time to get the Light Keelboat Fleet ready for the water.!
We will meet at the farm in Arlington (winter storage).
Tasks: Paint anti-foul to the hulls of 8 boats, check tires and lights on trailers, and secure the boats for transport to the lake for early May lift-in. Wear work clothes as you may get dirty.
LOCATION: W7169 Ramsey Rd. Arlington. 43°17'41.3"N 89°21'30.8"W The farm is about 25 minutes from campus just north of DeForest. Please reach out if you would like share a ride or get a ride.
RAIN DATE: Sunday 4/28
Winch maintenance lesson (Light Keel Boats)
This will be a training lesson / work party for all aspects of winch maintenance on light keelboats. We will cover ( and perform):
- Winch removal
- Dissassembly
- Cleaning
- Greasing of gears
- Oiling of pawls
- Reassembly
- Winch installation
This event will take place at the boat winter storage area on the farm in Leeds WI. Take 51 towards Leeds, and then turn left on Ramsey Rd. Travel west for 1.5 miles. The farm with the boat storage is on the left at W7169 Ramsey Rd.
Scow Rigging Work Party
With the scows back on the lakefront, we're ready to get to rigging! We will be working on stepping the masts and slapping some booms on the C and E scows. This is a great way to help the fleet get up and running for the season, and to learn about the scows! Volunteer hours will be awarded :)
Scow Rigging Work Party
With the scows back on the lakefront, we're ready to get to rigging! We will be working on stepping the masts and slapping some booms on the C and E scows. This is a great way to help the fleet get up and running for the season, and to learn about the scows! Volunteer hours will be awarded :)
Virtual Ground School
Event Information: Want to learn to sail? Come join us! Our Ground School lesson is an introductory and informational course about the Hoofer Sailing Club and all it has to offer. No membership is required to sign up for this course, though one can be purchased afterwards for access to all lessons.
About the Club: The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing. Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. The Hoofer Sailing Club is an association of individuals working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing, and to offer a top-notch instruction program. More information can be found online here.
Location: This Lesson will occur virtually through the Zoom platform. Members signed up for this event will receive an email from the lessons site on the day of the presentation containing a link and password for joining the meeting. Please keep an eye out for it.
Using Zoom is free. You do not need to install the app or create a Zoom account, but doing so may result in a better user experience. Please visit the Zoom website for more information (https://zoom.us).
Students who attend this lesson will earn their Ground School Attendance rating, which opens access to other sailing lessons.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Scow Rigging Work Party
With the scows back on the lakefront, we're ready to get to rigging! We will be working on stepping the masts and slapping some booms on the C and E scows. This is a great way to help the fleet get up and running for the season, and to learn about the scows! Volunteer hours will be awarded :)
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Intro Expeditionary Canoeing
Have you ever wanted to take an overnight or multi day paddling trip, but not know what you need to do this successfully?
Join us for our new Outdoor Explorer Series: Intro to Expeditionary Canoeing and learn all about the thrilling world of expeditionary canoeing! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, where tranquil waters meet untamed landscapes, and discover the art of paddling through uncharted territories.
This class will:
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Guide you through the basics of canoeing, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for both beginners and seasoned paddlers
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Teach you essential skills so you can confidently embark on your own canoeing expeditions.
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Discuss safety and equip you with the knowledge to navigate waterways responsibly.
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Share tips to help you connect with nature while in a canoe and discover hidden coves, witness wildlife in their natural habitat, and experience the tranquility that only expeditionary canoeing can offer.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Join our Expeditionary Canoeing Class today and let the adventure begin!
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Security
Security is the process of stowing our equipment and locking up the Club for the evening. By signing up for this lesson, you will be awarded volunteer hours for the time you are there.
Security can start 30 minutes before Lake Rescue and Safety closes, and fifteen minutes before Outdoor UW closes.
Click here for the security checklist (short version).
Click here for the security checklist with pictures (with more details).
If you have any issues during your security shift or are unable to complete a task, please fill this form.
Reach out to the Head of Instruction with any questions or notes.
Note for Event Leaders: Once an instructor has signed up as event leader for a security event, the evening is their responsibility, and if they become unavailable they are expected to find someone to replace them.
Location: Meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Security
Security is the process of stowing our equipment and locking up the Club for the evening. By signing up for this lesson, you will be awarded volunteer hours for the time you are there.
Security can start 30 minutes before Lake Rescue and Safety closes, and fifteen minutes before Outdoor UW closes.
Click here for the security checklist (short version).
Click here for the security checklist with pictures (with more details).
If you have any issues during your security shift or are unable to complete a task, please fill this form.
Reach out to the Head of Instruction with any questions or notes.
Note for Event Leaders: Once an instructor has signed up as event leader for a security event, the evening is their responsibility, and if they become unavailable they are expected to find someone to replace them.
Location: Meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Security
Security is the process of stowing our equipment and locking up the Club for the evening. By signing up for this lesson, you will be awarded volunteer hours for the time you are there.
Security can start 30 minutes before Lake Rescue and Safety closes, and fifteen minutes before Outdoor UW closes.
Click here for the security checklist (short version).
Click here for the security checklist with pictures (with more details).
If you have any issues during your security shift or are unable to complete a task, please fill this form.
Reach out to the Head of Instruction with any questions or notes.
Note for Event Leaders: Once an instructor has signed up as event leader for a security event, the evening is their responsibility, and if they become unavailable they are expected to find someone to replace them.
Location: Meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Security
Security is the process of stowing our equipment and locking up the Club for the evening. By signing up for this lesson, you will be awarded volunteer hours for the time you are there.
Security can start 30 minutes before Lake Rescue and Safety closes, and fifteen minutes before Outdoor UW closes.
Click here for the security checklist (short version).
Click here for the security checklist with pictures (with more details).
If you have any issues during your security shift or are unable to complete a task, please fill this form.
Reach out to the Head of Instruction with any questions or notes.
Note for Event Leaders: Once an instructor has signed up as event leader for a security event, the evening is their responsibility, and if they become unavailable they are expected to find someone to replace them.
Location: Meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Interest Sign Up --- Marlinespike Seamanship D --- Dyneema®, Amsteel®, Spectra® Soft Shackles and Hollow Braided Line UHMWPE
Interest Sign Up – Marlinespike D Dyneema®, Amsteel®, Soft Shackles and Hollow Braided Line UHMWPE
This is not a lesson sign-up, it is an interest survey. Sign up below to get further information and to help us plan.
The club will be offering one or more Marlinespike lessons on using and splicing HMPE lines including work with Soft Shackles. Samson Ropes defines Amsteel® as a “high-modulus polyethylene” rope. The high-modulus part means that Amsteel® has “low elasticity elongation,” or in other words, it doesn’t stretch much. However, this also means that this type of rope doesn’t like to be shock-loaded! Safe working loads do not apply to shock loading.
This is an interest sign-up that does not obligate people to anything. If you are interested in such a lesson please sign up here. This will be used to notify people when such a lesson is offered. We have reserved room for Marlinespike lessons every month from December through April on Saturdays or Sundays.
Preference will be given to those who have the Marlinespike A rating but it likely will not be required.
Here are some links about UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethelene) rope and Soft Shackles in case you are curious.
- The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift a Car!
- What is Dyneema® and Why is it Awesome?
- Working With High-Tech Ropes – Practical Sailor
- On Deck: Soft Shackles: Sail Magazine
- Brummel LockSingle Splice - video
- Splice Hollow Braid 12-Strand Rope - Locking & Mobius Brummel Splice - Thimble Eye - video
- How to tie a Two-Strand Diamond Knot – paracord video
- How to tie a Lanyard Knot (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- Edwards Soft Shackle (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- High-Strength Soft Shackles Using the “Brion Toss Button” Knot- Cruisers Forum
- 10-Second Soft Shackles – video – Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though
- Soft Shackles Diamond Knot vs. Button Knot (video with some fun sailing pics)
- How Important Is It To Taper Your Splices (article with videos)
- Here is a link to my page on how to calculate the length of line needed for a Dyneema® soft shackle based on the diameter of the line used.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle that can substitute for a carabiner and progress to diamond knot and button knot soft shackles. Hollow-braid rope is much easier to splice than even three-strand line. People are replacing standing rigging on boats with it! It requires different knots or knot strategies than other line.
Please sign up if you want to be notified about these.
Chas Kenyon
Instructor
Interest survey/sign up -- Marlinespike Seamanship P - Paracord Bracelets and Other Projects
Interest Sign Up - Marlinespike Seamanship P – Paracord bracelets and other projects
This is not a lesson sign up, it is an interest feeler. Sign up below to get information when such a lesson is posted.
The club may be offering one or more Marlinespike lessons on Paracord for bracelets and other projects.
Sailors have a history of practical and decorative rope work and Paracord projects fit right in with that history.
This is an interest sign-up that does not obligate people to anything. If you are interested in such a lesson please sign up here. This will be used to notify people when such a lesson is offered. We have reserved room for Marlinespike lessons every month from December through April on Saturdays or Sundays.
When you sign up, you can leave comments. Let us know what kinds of projects would interest you.
Preference will be given to those who have the Marlinespike A rating but it likely will not be required.
Here are a few Paracord links to give you some ideas.
10-Second Soft Shackles Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though |
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Cobra and King Cobra Bracelet |
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Mad Max Paracord Cobra Stitch Bracelet |
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Trilobite Jawbone Bracelet |
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Use This Paracord Wrap on Hiking Staves and Canoe Paddle |
Here is a more complete list of links.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle that can substitute for a carabiner and progress bracelets and possibly other paracord projects. These can be fun and useful. Besides, the water is going to get very hard soon. We would cover in knots the Carrick Bend, the Ashley Stopper Knot, and the Diamond Knot, among others.
Please sign up if you want to be notified about these.
Chas Kenyon
Instructor
Lake Mendota Conditions
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
Head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You don't have to officially join the club yet, but this will be required to sign up for Ground School. You must be a Union Member to officially join the club. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Ground School!
Join us for Ground School, a FREE on-land presentation! This 90 minute guided tour and information session is required for all new Hoofer Sailing Club members. Ground School is available to Hoofer Sailing Club members, as well as to the broader campus community. Sign up here!
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Sailing Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofersailing.org
Contact Us
Hoofer Youth Program
The Hoofer Youth Program offers quality on-the-water instruction with a focus on fun and learning. Courses in sailing, windsurfing, and racing are open to youth ages 10-18 and range from beginner to advanced.
Programs are designed to teach outdoor recreation skills while encouraging youth to have fun and develop personally in the areas of communication, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and respect for others. Hoofers promotes a constant awareness of safety, emphasizes the importance of working together, and teaches students to adapt themselves to the forces of nature.