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.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Information: Marlinespike B is part two of a three-part series. In this session, students will build on the skills practiced in the previous lesson by learning about various characteristics and types of line and splicing methods. 

Participants must abide by all Hoofer Sailing Club Covid-19 event protocols during this event.

Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Marlinespike. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Marlinspike" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page

Note that the event start time will appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the lesson does not appear on the TITU listing, please go to the Outdoor UW Office and speak with the staff to determine the event location.

Prerequisites: Marlinespike A Rating (earned from completing a Marlinespike A Lesson)

Prior to attending this class, students should visit www.animatedknots.com (an excellent resource for sailors of all skill levels) and review the following knots: 

• Eye Splice

• Back Splice

• Whipping

The purpose of the video review is to familiarize students with how each of these procedures look. Students will be instructed on how to tie them and given time to practice during the lesson. 

Also, please look at this video about Yachting Rope Types advantages and disadvantages.

If time allows and there is interest, we will also look at the Monkey's fist knot. Here is an Animated Knots video on the monkey's fist.

Each student will be provided a length of line to take home. 

Students who complete this lesson will receive a Marlinespike B Rating.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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. 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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.

Siege, Ratty 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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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. 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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.

Siege, Ratty 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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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, however sailing experience is desired. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.

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 rating, J24 Racing Crew, Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating, Light Keelboat Skipper rating, J-Spinnaker rating

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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, however sailing experience is desired. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.

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 rating, J24 Racing Crew, Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating, Light Keelboat Skipper rating, J-Spinnaker rating

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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, however sailing experience is desired. Over the course of a season you should cover the entire checklist for a J-spinnaker requirement. Season performance will be recorded by MYC.

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 rating, J24 Racing Crew, Heavy Keelboat Skipper rating, Light Keelboat Skipper rating, J-Spinnaker rating

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Offical MYC racing or practice of same team.

For any questions, contact Brian Schmeiser (608-628-9020)

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Information: This three-hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Windsurfing lesson as needed and focus on rigging and windsurfing skills. This lesson is also an opportunity for students who have previously taken windsurfing lessons to showcase their skills and abilities to the instructor. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Please arrive 'checked out' through Outdoor UW and with a life jacket. If students are attempting to gain a light rating during this lesson, they should be prepared to rig, launch, sail, and derig windsurfing equipment with only minimal assistance. 

Location: This lesson will meet at the entrance to the lake lab, near the yellow canopy. 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.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Information: Marlinespike A is part one of a three-part Marlinespike series which will introduce background information about lines and teach you how to tie many commonly used knots. Parts two and three are primarily about splicing different kinds of line.

Participants must abide by all Hoofer Sailing Club Covid-19 event protocols during this event.

Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Marlinespike.. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Sailing" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page

  Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but the lesson will begin at the time shown here.

Today in the Union

Prerequisites: No knot tying experience required. This event is intended for Hoofer Sailing Club members but is open to members of all Hoofer Clubs. If you are not a member of the Sailing Club but are a member of another Hoofer Club, please contact Outdoor UW or the instructor to secure a place in the lesson.

To make the class run smoothly, students should go to www.animatedknots.com and review the following before class: 
-    figure-8 knot (stopper), stevadore stopper knot * 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, and
-    cleat hitch (clove hitch on a cleat)
-    highwayman's hitch *

The purpose of the video review is so that you are exposed to what these knots look like. We do not expect you to learn to tie the knots by looking at the videos; we will be tying each of them during the lesson. 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. Students will also receive written handouts including a short book of knots.

Sailing Club members will receive a rating showing that they have been taught these knots and enabling them to take more advanced Marlinespike lessons..  

* Knots marked with an asterisk above are recommended but not required for one or more Sailing Club ratings; those not so marked are required knots.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Information: This three hour lesson will introduce you to the basics of windsurfing and the equipment you will use during your windsurfing lessons. Instructional topics will include safety, board terminology, wind theory, simulator work and rigging and derigging of equipment . Sailing experience is not necessary, but will be useful. Please be prepared to spend time on the water if time allows. 

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 gain an understanding of introductory windsurfing sailing.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting