Our memberships are on sale!
Your chance to pick up a discounted annual membership end July 15th
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
2019 Commodore's Cup is finally here and we cannot be more excited!
Sign-up now online at https://lessons.hoofersailing.org/event/70635, Or stop into the Outdoor UW office in the Memorial Union Terrace.
Tonight we hold the opening ceremonies. Come join the fun as our previous Commodore passes the ceremonial torch and receives their traditional send off.
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
RS Zest
This lesson will cover procedures for rigging, launching, and sailing on the RS Zest.
This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab. The first day of a RS Zest class is always held regardless of adverse weather. Come prepared to sail!
Please watch this video and be ready to discuss the physics of sailing.
Tech A - All In One Long Day
You need to be a member of the Hoofer Sailing Club. Read the Tech Manual prior to this lesson. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab. The first couple of hours of this lesson will always be held regardless of adverse weather. Come prepared to sail!
Please watch this video and be ready to discuss the physics of sailing.
Windsurfing B
Prerequisite: Windsurfing A
Earned from this class: Windsurfing Practice or Windsurfing Light 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).
· Have a lifejacket and be checked out through Outdoor UW before class start.
· Meet at the Lakelab next to the Yellow Canopy at the Hoofer Lakefront.
· The Windsurfing B class is usually held in all weather conditions, except solid blue flag 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.
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.
Capri 22
Prerequisite: Badger Sloop light rating, any keelboat rating, ASA 101, or Intro to Keelboat Sailing. Read the J Manual prior to the lesson. Hardcopies of the J Manual are available for purchase in the Outdoor Programs Office for $3 a copy. This lesson will meet at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab.
420 Lesson
Prerequisite: Tech light rating and have taken Advanced Dinghy Classroom. Review the 420 Manual prior to this lesson. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab.
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 Lesson-What About Bob
Prerequisite: Badger Sloop light rating, any keelboat rating, ASA 101 or Intro to Keelboat Sailing. This lesson will meet by the wooden deck next to the Lakelab.
Windsurfing B
Prerequisite: Windsurfing A
Earned from this class: Windsurfing Practice or Windsurfing Light 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).
· Have a lifejacket and be checked out through Outdoor UW before class start.
· Meet at the Lakelab next to the Yellow Canopy at the Hoofer Lakefront.
· The Windsurfing B class is usually held in all weather conditions, except solid blue flag 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.
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.
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 9:00
- Monitor the attendee list of Friday Night Social participants
Tech B
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab. The Tech B lesson is geared for those looking for a Tech light rating. Oftentimes, more than one is required before a rating is achieved. This lesson will take place mostly on the water, so be sure to dress in appropriate clothing that can get wet. Wetsuits are available to be lent out during cold water/weather conditions. You must have taken a Tech A before taking this lesson. Click here to view some of the skills you will be practicing during the Tech B.
Windsurfing A
Prerequisite: A desire to begin learning the most fun thing you'll ever do in your life and Ground School.
Earned from class: Basic windsurfing knowledge
This is where we all began. A general introduction to windsurfing consisting of two three hour classes. Sailing experience not necessary, but will help greatly. Topics covered include safety, wind theory, board terminology, simulator work. In this class, students learn all the basics of understanding the wind, rigging and taking care of equipment, uphauling the sail, maneuvering the board in neutral position, sailing in a straight line, steering the board, getting upwind, and tacking. Students will be on the water provided good weather conditions, using Hi-Fly Motions and Mambo.
Read the Windsurfing Manual prior to this lesson. Be prepared to get wet and bring suitable clothing. The first part of a Windsurfing A class is always held regardless of adverse weather.
This lesson meets at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab. You can view a video tutorial on rigging and uphauling by clicking on the link.
For more information on the Windsurfing lesson track, please see the Windsurfing Home Page.
Badger Sloop B
Follow up lesson to Badger Sloop A. This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the Lakelab.
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
J24 Lesson-JagEd
Prerequisite: Badger Sloop light rating, any keelboat rating, ASA 101 or Intro to Keelboat Sailing. This lesson will meet by the wooden deck next to the Lakelab.
Capri 22
Prerequisite: Badger Sloop light rating, any keelboat rating, ASA 101, or Intro to Keelboat Sailing. Read the J Manual prior to the lesson. Hardcopies of the J Manual are available for purchase in the Outdoor Programs Office for $3 a copy. This lesson will meet at the wooden deck next to the Lakelab.
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.