
Hoofer Sailing Club
Set Sail
Tong Family Marina
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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, but it also 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 committed group of long-time members to add to the great mix that is Hoofer Sailing Club.
News
Elections for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will be held between Tuesday, March 21 and Monday, March 27. Information about the canidates will be posted on the website. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates.

Our Winter Sailing Seminars are a great way to expand your horizons during the winter months. The seminars are open to the community and no prior sailing experience is required; you do not need to be a current member of the sailing club to attend. Feel free to invite your landlubber friends!
See more here!
Hello Hoofer Sailors,
Thanks for a great season of sailing with you all! Below are the dates for the end of season. If you are able, please volunteer for liftouts on Rechub.
- Light Keelboat fleet lift-out: 10/14
- Keelboat lift-out: 10/21(fri) & 29(sat)
- Last day for moorings: 10/30
- Pull Marina Docks: 10/31-11/7 *all hands*
- Last Day for Rentals: 10/23
- Last day for Sailing: 10/30
- Remove Moorings: Week of 10/31-11/4
- Move T-dock: week of 11/7

No Sailing Experience Required!
This year's Commodore's Cup is a 6-day activity taking place during the last full week of August and culminates with a formal ball at the end. This event celebrates both the sailing and social aspects of the club and stems from delightfully wacky traditions formed during the typical doldrums due to lack of wind we experience in July.

With a long winter and a wet start to the summer, the sailing season is finally here! Be sure to stop by the lake front to sail, be social, or hop on a lesson.
Upcoming Events
Marlinespike Seamanship A - Knots and Lines
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. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event 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: 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
Marlinespike Seamanship B - Types of Line and Splicing Techniques on Three-Strand Lines
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. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event 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:
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.
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
Marlinespike C - Splicing Double Braid
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Event Information: Marlinespike Seamanship C is the final part of a three part series. In this session, students will learn about double-braid splicing, and then perform a double-braid eye splice. If time allows we will also tie a soft shackle.
To see all the steps of tying a double-braid eye splice, please watch this video before class (33 min): Brion Toss on Double-Braid Splice The video includes an excellent overview of this confusing splice as well as tips and common pitfalls along the way. It demonstrates a special splicing tool, but we will adapt the process to any splicing tool. If you have your own tools or rope for a special project, bring them, but we will provide everything you need, including rope.
Here are the instructions from the video in printed format: http://www.briontoss.com/education/BTR_book.pdf
Here is a more traditional method video: Samson Ropes Splicing Instructions with Samson Ropes Splicing Instructions (pdf).
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. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event 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 and B Rating (earned from completing Marlinespike A and B Lessons)
Students who complete this lesson will receive a Marlinespike C Rating
The Personal Power of Qi: A Revolution in Sports Psychology | Winter Sailing Seminars
Event Information: **In-person event with virtual option** Andrew O. Jackson (symbioticpsychology.com) is giving a pictorial lecture using the sport of competitive sailing to revise modern academic erroneous understandings of the evolution of emotions and their role in in literature, sociology, psychology, medicine, philosophy, religion, and law, and to the sports psychology provided to UW’s athletes. A student or athlete's health, well-being, and successful decision-making prowess (and its actualization) are dependent on their skills and ability to re-process negative-feeling emotions, moods, attitudes, and feelings into a positive good-feeling cognitive-emotional dynamics.
Our Winter Sailing Seminars occur weekly and cover a variety of nautical topics. The seminars are open to the community and sailing club membership is not required.
This year we ask participants to bring at least one non-perishable item per seminar to be donated to the Lussier Community Education Center. Most needed items include: olive oil, vegetable oil, maple syrup, sugar, flour, jelly/jam, pancake mix, paper towels, toilet paper, & baby wipes. Get more ideas from their Food Pantry Donation Wish List.
Please see below for a detailed list of this season's dates and topics.
Location: This in-person event will take place at Memorial Union and will also be streamed via the following YouTube and Zoom links:
https://youtube.com/live/3RTNhUd1QAs?feature=share
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82465780934?pwd=TnVpa08xbHN5Y28zOUd0MkVzYUhTZz09
Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event does not appear on the TITU listing, please go to the Outdoor UW Office and speak with the staff to determine the event location.
2023 Winter Sailing Seminars:
January 12 (Thursday): Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Max Slesarev
January 18: Building Your First Boat with Jo Reis
January 25: Spray's New Panel and Marine Electronics with Michael Litzkow
January 27 (Friday): Bareboating in Croatia with Pete & Christine Keuler
February 1: Sail GP - The Greatest Show on Water with Philip Tietze
February 8: Weather in the Great Lakes region with Ian Beckley
February 15: Limnology of Lake Mendota with Mark Gahler
February 17 (Friday): Sailing to the Virgin Islands and back with kids and a dog with Daniel Rogge
February 20 (Monday): Bareboat Chartering: Cutting the tie that binds us to Lake Mendota with Mark Tusler
February 22: Nautical Communication with Mark Gillespie
March 1: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing with Dave Elsmo
March 8: Introduction to Marine Four-Stroke Engines with Mills Botham
March 15: Advanced Racing Tactics with Dave Elsmo
March 22: The Physics of Sailing with Sam Norrell
March 29: The Personal Power of Qi: A Revolution in Sports Psychology with Andrew O. Jackson
April 5: Advanced Racing Tactics (Rescheduled) with Dave Elsmo
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Backpacking on a Budget
Join Outdoor UW for their new Outdoor Explorer Series. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Intro to Backpacking
Have you ever been interested in learning about what backpacking is all about? Have you ever wondered why is it popular, how do people get into it, where do they go, what do they need, is it possible to backpack and still be comfortable out there? Come to this class and get these questions answered so you can get ready for your first backpacking trip of the season.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about what backpacking is and why it is a popular outdoor activity
- Learn about the gear and supplies needed to backpack effectively and comfortably while also creatively thinking of substitutions they have that can be used in place of high-end/expensive gear.
- Learn how to effectively pack a backpack
- Learn about local areas that will be good spots for your first backpacking trip and what time of year is the best to visit these location
- Get hands on practice with packing a backpack
Advanced Racing Tactics (Rescheduled) | Winter Sailing Seminars
Event Information: This event has been rescheduled from March 15. Now that you understand the racing rules of sailing, learn how to apply them and make tactical decisions on the racecourse.
Our Winter Sailing Seminars occur weekly and cover a variety of nautical topics. The seminars are open to the community and sailing club membership is not required.
This year we ask participants to bring at least one non-perishable item per seminar to be donated to the Lussier Community Education Center. Most needed items include: olive oil, vegetable oil, maple syrup, sugar, flour, jelly/jam, pancake mix, paper towels, toilet paper, & baby wipes. Get more ideas from their Food Pantry Donation Wish List.
Please see below for a detailed list of this season's dates and topics.
Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event does not appear on the TITU listing, please go to the Outdoor UW Office and speak with the staff to determine the event location.
2023 Winter Sailing Seminars:
January 12 (Thursday): Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Max Slesarev
January 18: Building Your First Boat with Jo Reis
January 25: Spray's New Panel and Marine Electronics with Michael Litzkow
January 27 (Friday): Bareboating in Croatia with Pete & Christine Keuler
February 1: Sail GP - The Greatest Show on Water with Philip Tietze
February 8: Weather in the Great Lakes region with Ian Beckley
February 15: Limnology of Lake Mendota with Mark Gahler
February 17 (Friday): Sailing to the Virgin Islands and back with kids and a dog with Daniel Rogge
February 22: Nautical Communication with Mark Gillespie
March 1: cancelled
March 8: Introduction to Marine Four-Stroke Engines with Mills Botham
March 15: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing with Dave Elsmo
March 22: The Physics of Sailing with Sam Norrell
March 29: The Personal Power of Qi: A Revolution in Sports Psychology with Andrew O. Jackson
April 5: Advanced Racing Tactics with Dave Elsmo
Adult-Only First Aid/CPR/AED
This American Red Cross class equips students with the knowledge necessary to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults. Upon successful completion, a valid 2-year digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.
Participants are not required to bring anything to class. However, it may be beneficial to wear clothes that are easy to move in, and you can bring a notebook and pencil if you'd like.
This class is perfect for any Hoofer wanting to recreate in the outdoors, and is a great supplement to your Wilderness First Aid course which does not include a CPR portion. (and might I mention it can be done at a reduced cost, 60% off regular price of the class!!)
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Aid 2-day Course (WFA) - 20451
Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFA) is a 16-hour certification course that will help you prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in wilderness settings. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. You will also leave the course with a certification that is valid for two years from the date of the course. The course is hosted by OutdoorUW and taught by seasoned NOLS instructors in a two-day format, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. To learn more about the curriculum please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/courses/
Should I take the WFA or the WFR? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR is a 10 -day long course that is the industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies..https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union in Madison-800 Langdon Street. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Register below, call, or stop in the office if there are any questions about this course. Office hours are posted at https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/outdoor-uw/. For additional information or questions about this certification course please contact Dan Dunne 608-262-7445 ddunne@wisc.edu
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
Adult-Only First Aid/CPR/AED
This American Red Cross class equips students with the knowledge necessary to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults. Upon successful completion, a valid 2-year digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.
Participants are not required to bring anything to class. However, it may be beneficial to wear clothes that are easy to move in, and a notebook and pencil if you would like!
This class is perfect for any Hoofer wanting to recreate in the outdoors, and is a great supplement to your Wilderness First Aid course which does not include a CPR portion. (and might I mention it can be done at a reduced cost, 60% off regular price of the class!!)
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Bike Packing and Maintenance
Join Outdoor UW for their new Outdoor Explorer Series. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Intro to Bikepacking
Get on your bike and ride… and adventure! Learn about the skills and equipment necessary to comfortably take your first bikepacking trip. Confidently travel under your own pedal power for an exhilarating adventure.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about what bikepacking is
- Be familiar with a few local bikepacking areas
- Understand what gear is needed and how to properly pack
- Know how to properly eat and drink on a bikepacking trip
Leave No Trace - Trainer Certificate Course
Have you ever wondered how you can travel and camp in the backcountry in the most harmless way possible?
Do you aspire to have those who follow your path have NO IDEA you were ever there?
Learn how to truly become a backcountry ninja by embracing the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace through this Leave No Trace Trainer Certificate course.
This is the way.
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This LNT Trainer Certificate Course requires all participants to “camp out” in tents overnight to demonstrate low-impact camping techniques. The focus is on the LNT principles and less on “how to camp”, therefore, it is recommended that participants have some knowledge of camping (even if this is classroom-based). As part of the course, participants will also be asked to teach, educate, and evaluate each other in one of the 7 LNT Principles. The cost of this course includes 3 simple “camp” meals, snacks, and LNT materials. This course is a combination of indoor and outdoor lecture/discussion, practical application, and reflection on your own developing ethic when it comes to the Leave No Trace curriculum. Please bring any basic camping equipment that you have and want to use as well as your own personal gear (clothing, toilettes, etc). We will provide all “group gear” (tents, stoves, etc). As we get closer to the course we will reach out and see what additional gear people may need to borrow for the overnight camp (such as sleeping bag, pads, etc). Topics covered on this course include:
- The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
- The history of land conservation and public wilderness protection in the U.S.
- Individual learning styles
- Outdoor teaching techniques
- The authority of the resource
- Reflections on your own personal LNT ethics.
A Leave No Trace Trainer Certificate will be issued to each participant at the end of this training which will allow you to utilize LNT online resources and teach LNT Awareness Courses in the future.
Prerequisites: N/A.
Previous participants of Outdoor Explorer Series classes are eligible for the discounted registration fee for this course.
Questions registering? Please email ddunne@wisc.edu, or call 608-262-7445
Trailer Training
If you anticipate using a FLEET/DOA VEHICLE to tow a Hoofer owned trailer at any point this fall or winter, then attend this class to get your trailer towing certification! This would include towing a sailboat for lift-out, towing the horse trailer, towing the alpine ski trailer or possibly towing the outing club canoe trailer. Please note that if there someone that cannot make this class, there will be other training offered in the future, however we do not have those dates/times available. FLEET AUTHORIZATION WITH WISCONSIN HOOFERS IS REQUIRED. Please visit hooferleaders.org if you are fleet authorized with another UW department and need authorization with Hoofers. There is no cost for the class.
We will meet virtually at the start of the course 11:30am to 12pm. We will be meeting at LOT 60 (by the UW Hospital) to perform the hands-on portion of the training from 1 to 3pm. Dress for being outside.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Backcountry Fire Building
Join Outdoor UW for their new Outdoor Explorer Series. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Intro to Backcountry Fire Building
The purpose of this class is to talk about strategies for building fires in the backcountry. This includes Leave No Trace considerations that focus on minimizing the impacts of backcountry campfire building. Students who participate in this class will walk away with new ideas and skills for fire-making and building. Once we have been able to practice building a fire we hope to have a conversation on equity and inclusion in the outdoors as we sit around a fire and enjoy some community-building time.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn how to build a backcountry campfire
- Learn LNT considerations that will help minimize campfire impacts
- Have conversations around what factors limit participation in outdoor activities for non-dominant and marginalized identities.
- Learn what they can do to promote equity diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
*** This class will begin in the Mendota lodge in Memorial Union and migrate to the Dejope fire circle to practice fire-building skills that we learned in class. Come prepared to be indoors and outdoors :)
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
Hours: 11am - 7pm daily
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.