Our memberships are on sale!
We are celebrating our new Marina with discounted Summer and Annual memberships.
Click here for more information
Hoofer Sailing Club
Set Sail
Tong Family Marina
The sailing club is getting an upgrade! This summer will mark our first year with our brand new piers.
Want to know more?
Hoofer Youth
Youth Sailing Summer Camp
UW Sailing Team
GO GO WISCO!
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.
We encourage all our members to volunteer, to become instructors (the best way to become a better sailor) and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work as possible ourselves, we can keep our membership dues incredibly low. Compare our dues to other yacht clubs, where you may have to pay up to $1,000 per month in dues just to maintain your membership and then pay hundreds of dollars more for lessons and the expense of private boat ownership.
Not only does our structure keep our costs low, it 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. Friendships made all the stronger by common interests and a shared sense of pride in a job well done. 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.
The majority of our membership is made up of individuals wanting to just take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing. Yet our intercollegiate sailing team often ranks in the top 20 in the nation. We also have a a committed group of long-time members to add to the great mix that is Hoofer Sailing Club.
News
We know many of you were planning on being at the new piers this Saturday to help with lift-in, but unfortunately the piers have experienced some delays. As you have probably read in the Captain's Log, the company providing the floating portion of the piers expects to start deliveries of pier sections in mid-May. Our back-up plan, the Alumni pier, has also experienced delays due to the weather, and expects to be up and running May 15th. This leaves us with nowhere to tie up a keelboat for a few weeks so we are pushing lift-in to May 18th with a back-up date of May 19th.
As the weather warms up, we know sailing season and the completion of our brand new Tong Family Marina is on everyone’s mind. Well, we’ve got good news for you!
Come join us for the first social on the lakefront Friday May 3rd at 6pm and see the progress for yourself.
• The concrete for the new lake shore path is currently being poured and should be finished soon.
• The lumber and composite decking for the permanent Sloop, Windsurfing and Scow decks are being installed this week.
If you’re still hungry for more information, then sign up to help with Keelboat lift in on Saturday, May 18th to get some boats out on the water.
If you want more information, but don't feel like getting your hands dirty, the Tong Family Marina page has more information and some pictures of the current state of construction.
With our new Marina opening soon, we have decided to celebrate by making it easier than ever to get on the water by offering discounts on our Summer and Annual memberships.
We are offering 10% off for those that want to join us for the summer and, for those that are ready to commit to a full year of fun, we are offering 5% off an annual membership that won't expire until the one year anniversary of our new piers being in operation.
Upcoming Events
Siege Race Lesson - Advanced
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Siege is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She will be one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes!
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Sassafras Memorial Day Race (Advanced)
MYC Memorial Day Race
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Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Sassafras is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She is one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes! See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Ten .
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions. Sailing skills include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, among others. Lessons cover racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, crewing and skippering, and judgment. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Sassafras Memorial Day Race (Beginner)
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Sassafras is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She is one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes! See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Ten .
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions. Sailing skills include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, among others. Lessons cover racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, crewing and skippering, and judgment. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Siege Race Lesson - Beginner
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Siege is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She will be one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes!
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Knotty Rascal
Prerequisite: Sailing Club Ground School, Intro to Sailing, & INTRO TO KEELBOAT SAILING, or Badger Sloop Light Rating.
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Knotty Rascal is a Precision 27� and is part of the Cruising Keelboat fleet. Lessons on Knotty Rascal will focus on various cruising skills such as boat handling, operating under diesel engine power, boat systems, parts of the boat, knots, navigation, seamanship. towing a keelboat, motor landings, anchoring, tying at the pier, spring lines, use of a winch, landing a motorboat at a moored keelboat, etc...
The lesson will meet at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab. Lessons proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please feel free to list the top 2 or 3 items from your Ratings Check List that you would like to work on in this lesson in the Additional Information section below. We will do our best to include your requests in our lesson plans for the evening to help you progress toward your eventual rating on this boat. Welcome Aboard!
The Boathouse closes at sunset; use the lockers in the tunnel!
Sassafras
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Sassafras is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She is one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes! See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Ten .
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions. Sailing skills include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, among others. Lessons cover racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, crewing and skippering, and judgment. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Siege Race Lesson - Advanced
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Siege is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She will be one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes!
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Siege Race Lesson - Beginner
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Siege is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She will be one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes!
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Intro to Keelboat Sailing
Location: meet under the yellow canopy.
The Intro to Keelboat Sailing lesson is intended to provide a beginner-friendly path to our keelboats including the J-fleet. This intensive lesson will cover the basics of sailing on a keelboat and will allow you to begin taking lessons on our keelboat fleets.
It is recommended that you at least review the following knots on the Animated Knots website:
· bowline
· round turn and two half-hitches
· cleating (clove hitch on a cleat)
Knotty Rascal
Prerequisite: Sailing Club Ground School, Intro to Sailing, & INTRO TO KEELBOAT SAILING, or Badger Sloop Light Rating.
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Knotty Rascal is a Precision 27� and is part of the Cruising Keelboat fleet. Lessons on Knotty Rascal will focus on various cruising skills such as boat handling, operating under diesel engine power, boat systems, parts of the boat, knots, navigation, seamanship. towing a keelboat, motor landings, anchoring, tying at the pier, spring lines, use of a winch, landing a motorboat at a moored keelboat, etc...
The lesson will meet at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab. Lessons proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please feel free to list the top 2 or 3 items from your Ratings Check List that you would like to work on in this lesson in the Additional Information section below. We will do our best to include your requests in our lesson plans for the evening to help you progress toward your eventual rating on this boat. Welcome Aboard!
The Boathouse closes at sunset; use the lockers in the tunnel!
Commodore Office Hours
Come swing by the Mendota Lounge to talk about all things sailing!
I'm holding (very informal) office hours for anyone and everyone to swing by and ask questions about the club in a more personal setting. If you cannot make it, e-mail me at commodore@hoofersailing.org to set up a different time.
Friday Night Social *Volunteer Hours*
Hoofers,
The Hoofer Sailing Club Social Chair, is looking for volunteers to assistance with tasks during the Friday Night Socials.
3 Volunteer Hours!!
Duties will include:
- Bring out Condiments, Plates, Napkins, Silverware
- Fill and Bring out Water Cooler Jug
- Work with Catering to set up Social Banquet Tables
- Contacting catering during the event, to refil ingrediants and swap out hot trays.
- Clean up canopy area after the social is over at 8:00
- Monitor the attendee list of Friday Night Social participants
Knotty Rascal
Prerequisite: Sailing Club Ground School, Intro to Sailing, & INTRO TO KEELBOAT SAILING, or Badger Sloop Light Rating.
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Knotty Rascal is a Precision 27� and is part of the Cruising Keelboat fleet. Lessons on Knotty Rascal will focus on various cruising skills such as boat handling, operating under diesel engine power, boat systems, parts of the boat, knots, navigation, seamanship. towing a keelboat, motor landings, anchoring, tying at the pier, spring lines, use of a winch, landing a motorboat at a moored keelboat, etc...
The lesson will meet at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab. Lessons proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please feel free to list the top 2 or 3 items from your Ratings Check List that you would like to work on in this lesson in the Additional Information section below. We will do our best to include your requests in our lesson plans for the evening to help you progress toward your eventual rating on this boat. Welcome Aboard!
The Boathouse closes at sunset; use the lockers in the tunnel!
Sassafras Race Lesson Advanced
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This an advanced lesson, you should be familiar with the setup of this boat and be able to work most positions.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Sassafras is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She is one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes! See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Ten .
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions. Sailing skills include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, among others. Lessons cover racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, crewing and skippering, and judgment. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Sassafras Race Lesson - Beginner
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Rating on any of: Badger Sloop, 4-20, C-Scow, any keelboat or ASA-101 or permission of instructor.
This lesson will participate in the official Mendota Yacht Club (MYC) races. Races with MYC can be fast-paced. No race experience is necessary, we rotate positions as possible. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.
Sassafras is a T-10, 33ft fractional rig sloop with diesel inboard. She is one of the largest boats in the fleet and comes with a storied history of offshore racing on the Great Lakes! See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Ten .
Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions. Sailing skills include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, among others. Lessons cover racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, crewing and skippering, and judgment. We will meet by the Memorial Union Boathouse. Lessons will proceed in all weather except thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
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.