Event Information: 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

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Pre-requisite: Racing Crew or Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating

Event Information: 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

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Pre-requisite: Racing Crew or Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating

Event Information: 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

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating

Event Description: 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

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Windsurfing lesson and focus on rigging and windsurfing skills. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Windsurfing Practical.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Windsurfing Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Windsurfing Light Rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This four hour lesson will review the topics of the Advanced Dinghy Classroom lesson and focus on the rigging, boat handling, landing, and capsizing procedures of the Byte. Emphasis is placed on learning the finer details associated with sailing dinghies as the Byte’s are a responsive, high performance boat. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Advanced Dinghy Practical.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Advanced Dinghy Classroom Attendance Rating and either a Tech or Zest Light Rating

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Byte Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are given at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

The following series of videos (about 10 min. each) will be a good preview of the information about sailing and sailing terms especially for newer sailors.
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 1)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 2)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 3)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 4)

Please watch this video and be ready to discuss the physics of sailing.

For more on how sailing and sails work, here are some videos:
- How Do Sailboats Sail Faster Than the Wind 
- Exploratorium: Science at the America’s Cup
- Vector Analysis of How Sailboats Sail Into the Wind 
- How Boats Sail Into Wind (faster than the wind itself)

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This lesson is an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and abilities in either a Tech or a Zest to an instructor. Students should come prepared to rig, launch, sail, and land either a Tech or a Zest without assistance. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance rating

Students who show proficiency in all criteria in this lesson will be issued either their Tech or Zest Light rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to the J24 and the knowledge gained in Intro to Keelboat. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Keelboat Attendance Rating

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their J24 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a J-Fleet sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a J-Fleet sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a J24 Light rating. It will take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor. 

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to the J24 and the knowledge gained in Intro to Keelboat. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Keelboat Attendance Rating

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their J24 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a J-Fleet sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a J-Fleet sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a J24 Light rating. It will take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor. 

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

The following series of videos (about 10 min. each) will be a good preview of the information about sailing and sailing terms especially for newer sailors.
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 1)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 2)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 3)
- Sailing Lessons - The Basics (part 4)

Please watch this video and be ready to discuss the physics of sailing.

For more on how sailing and sails work, here are some videos:
- How Do Sailboats Sail Faster Than the Wind 
- Exploratorium: Science at the America’s Cup
- Vector Analysis of How Sailboats Sail Into the Wind 
- How Boats Sail Into Wind (faster than the wind itself)

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills learned in the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing lesson. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Completion of the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing Lesson. Please review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson.   

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Sloop Light rating. The Sloop fleet uses a series of skill check-off ratings (Rigging, Crew Overboard, Landing, Boat Handling) to help keep track of proficiency. Once all of the check-off ratings have been earned by a student, they will be issued a Badger Sloop Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Advanced Dinghy Classroom lesson and focus on the rigging, boat handling, landing, capsizing and crew overboard procedures of the 420. Emphasis is placed on learning the finer details associated with sailing dinghies as the 420s are a responsive, two person, high performance boat. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Advanced Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Advanced Dinghy Classroom Attendance Rating and either a Tech or Zest Light Rating

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their 420 Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are given at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills learned in the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing lesson. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Completion of the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing Lesson. Please review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson.   

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Sloop Light rating. The Sloop fleet uses a series of skill check-off ratings (Rigging, Crew Overboard, Landing, Boat Handling) to help keep track of proficiency. Once all of the check-off ratings have been earned by a student, they will be issued a Badger Sloop Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills learned in the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing lesson. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Completion of the Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing Lesson. Please review the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson.   

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Sloop Light rating. The Sloop fleet uses a series of skill check-off ratings (Rigging, Crew Overboard, Landing, Boat Handling) to help keep track of proficiency. Once all of the check-off ratings have been earned by a student, they will be issued a Badger Sloop Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.

Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to the J24 and the knowledge gained in Intro to Keelboat. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Keelboat Attendance Rating

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their J24 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a J-Fleet sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a J-Fleet sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a J24 Light rating. It will take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor. 

Event Information: This two and a half hour on-land lesson will cover the basics of sailing and introduce you to two of the Hoofer Sailing Club’s introductory boats, the Badger Techs and RS Zests. Instructional topics will include boat vocabulary, basic sailing principles, knots, and rigging (setting up) both types of boat. Students will not be in boats during this lesson and are welcome to wear regular clothes instead of sailing clothes.

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Ground School Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be issued the Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating

Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical. 

Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.

Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.