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
Unfortunately due to the marina construction taking longer than expected Pirate's Day had to be post-poned until August 24th.
We are going to make lemonade out of these lemons by throwing a Beach Party on June 8th free for all our members!! We will have a steel drum band and food included along with some fun games and competitions. Come join the fun and see the progress on the lakefront!
If you are interested in getting in on Keelboat sailing this summer, just prior to our Life's a Beach Party the keelboat fleets are holding an Intro to Keelboats Clinic from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Signup on the lessons site https://lessons.hoofersailing.org/event/69694
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
Knotty Rascal
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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 cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, using wheel steering, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Spray
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Spray is a 30 ft classic cruising yacht that has sailed the great lakes before coming to Hoofers in 2003. Lessons on Spray focus on cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Badger Sloop A
Review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab.
J24 Lesson
Prerequisite: Badger Sloop light rating, any keelboat rating, ASA 101 or Intro to Keelboat Sailing. Read the J Manual prior to the lesson. Hardcopies are available for purchase in the Outdoor Programs Office for $3 a copy. This lesson will meet by the wooden deck next to the Lakelab.
Siege MYC Race Lesson Advanced
Pre-requisite: Racing Crew or Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Siege MYC Race Lesson Beginner
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Sassafras Race Lesson Beginner
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a windbreaker and extra layers to take along. Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.
Please bring your rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Sassafras Race Lesson- Advanced
Pre-requisite: Racing Crew or Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a windbreaker and extra layers to take along. Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.
Please bring your rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Ground School
Introduction to the Hoofer Sailing Club.
You do not need to be a member to attend! If you like what you see, you can join the Hoofer Sailing Club after this Ground School, as long as you join before your next class. Sign-up deadline is 10 minutes before the class begins. Location: Check TITU. Bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you on the water.
Rhubarb Race Lesson Advanced
Pre-requisite: Racing Crew or Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Rhubarb Race Lesson Beginner
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus primarily on performance racing, seamanship, and dynamics of a racing crew. Topics covered vary depending on conditions, but will generally include boat handling, flying a spinnaker, operating under motor, selecting sails and rigging, racing techniques, tactics, racing culture and rules, communication skills, and judgment.
Lessons will proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, the MYC race may be canceled for very light winds. Please dress appropriately and expect cooler temperatures on the lake. Dressing appropriately includes close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Knotty Rascal
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
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 cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, using wheel steering, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Marlinspike Seamanship A-Knots and Lines
Location: Check Today in the Union on the day of the lesson. Note that this may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will start at the time shown here.
Prereq: Available for any Hoofer Club Member including members of other Hoofer clubs. If you are a member of any of the Hoofer clubs, there is no charge for this class. If you are not a member of the Sailing Club but are a member of another Hoofer Club, please contact Outdoor UW or email the instructor to secure a place in the lesson.
This is part one of a three-part Marlinspike series will introduce background information about lines and knots and teach you how to tie many commonly used knots. Parts two and three are primarily about splicing different kinds of line.
To make the class run smoothly, students should go to www.animatedknots.com and review the following before class:
- figure-8 knot (stopper) *, and double overhand knot (stopper)
- square knot (reef knot)*,
- clove hitch*,
- round turn and two half-hitches*,
- sheet bend*,
- Carrick bend,
- taut-line hitch/midshipman's hitch,*
- bowline*,
- cleating (clove hitch on a cleat)*, and
- the monkey's fist.
The purpose of the video review is so that you are exposed to what these knots look like. We will be tying each of them during the lesson. (You may have a hard time getting the rating if you have not done the review.) Your looking at these videos will allow us to get through more material in the lesson.
Each student will be provided a length of line to practice with and take home. The night will end with learning to tie a Monkey's Fist!
Sailing Club members will receive a rating.
* Knots marked with an asterisk above are required for one or more Sailing Club ratings.
Ground School
Introduction to the Hoofer Sailing Club.
You do not need to be a member to attend! If you like what you see, you can join the Hoofer Sailing Club after this Ground School, as long as you join before your next class. Sign-up deadline is 10 minutes before the class begins. Location: Check TITU. Bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you on the water.
Badger Sloop A
Review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab.
Salam
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Salam is an Ericson 26 and her name comes from the Arabic word meaning "Peace." She is part of the club's cruising keelboat fleet and lessons will focus on cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Windsurfing A
Prerequisite: Ground School and s desire to begin learning one of the most fun things you might ever do in your life!
Earned from this class: Basic windsurfing knowledge and, ideally with decent weather, a Windsurfing Practice rating.
Class Overview: This is where we all began. A general introduction to windsurfing consisting of two, three hour classes. Sailing experience is not necessary, but will help. Topics covered include safety, stewardship of equipment, wind theory, brief terminology, simulator work, rigging, and on-the-water skill development.
In this class, students learn all the basics of understanding the wind, rigging sails and taking care of equipment, uphauling the sail, maneuvering the windsurfer in neutral position, sailing in a straight line, steering the board, getting upwind, and tacking. Students will be on the water both days provided the weather is good, using beginning windsurfing boards.
Preparing for Your Lesson:
· Be prepared to get wet! Bring suitable clothing (shorts and shirt to get wet, a windbreaker/sweatshirt on windier or cooler days).
· Meet under the Yellow Canopy at the Hoofer Lakefront unless otherwise instructed.
· The first day of a Windsurfing A class is always held regardless of weather conditions. · Before the lesson, please review the first six windsurfing instruction videos (which are about 15 minutes total), and look at the Windsurfing Manual (especially page 14-Uphauling Your Sail). You can view a video tutorial on rigging and uphauling by clicking on the link. For more information on Windsurfing, please see the Windsurfing Home Page.
Welcome to your windsurfing lesson.
J24 Women's Race Practice - Beginner
- Description
-
Pre-requisite: Minimum of 3 J24 or J22 lessons.
Don't have any racing experience but would like to race? Then this is the lesson for you. Beginners will learn about race progression, crew dynamics, boat handling and tactics.
If you do not have any J24 or J22 experience but have sailed other boats, please contact one of the instructors.
Badger Sloop A - Probably Land Only
Hello all,
Currently we cannot take out the Sloops and I have been told we will not likely be able to on Thursday. If you remember from ground school and the manual, Sloop ratings come in a few parts. This lesson will get you your Sloop rigging rating and I will try and get you as I can for prepared for Sloop B. I know this summer is going slow with the docks and boats gradually becoming available, but don't worry it will be awesome when it is in and we will make do until then.
So in summary we will proably be on land on Thursday and primarily focus on Sloop rigging, maintenance, and reading the winds. I am increasing the number of possible participants to get as many people through Sloop A as possible. If somehow we are allowed to sail I will only be able to take the first 5 people in the boat when it is time to sail due to boat capacity. The additional people will still get their rigging ratings and I will make sure they get into a Sloop B promptly. If you have questions message me.
- Nathan
Review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab.
Spray
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Spray is a 30 ft classic cruising yacht that has sailed the great lakes before coming to Hoofers in 2003. Lessons on Spray focus on cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
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.