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Hoofer Sailing Club
Set Sail![TFM September 2019](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_1920x690_crop_center-center_none/TFM-September-2019.jpg)
Tong Family Marina
Want to know more?![Group Youth Shot](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_1920x690_crop_center-center_none/group-youth-shot.jpg)
Hoofer Youth
Youth Sailing Summer Camp![55526926 2211070162282833 4792914259426148352 o](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_1920x690_crop_center-center_none/Sailing_Team_Spring_2019.jpeg)
UW Sailing Team
GO GO WISCO!The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working to promote sailing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by providing the organization, equipment, infrastructure, instruction, and financing necessary to encourage 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 and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work ourselves, we can keep our membership dues as low as possible. 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. 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.
Our club is open to any level of sailing experience from beginners just wanting to take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing, to our intercollegiate sailing team that often ranks in the top 20 in the nation.
See you on the lake....
News
![Youth Racing2](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_320x240_crop_center-center_none/Youth_Racing2.jpg)
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.
![IMG 0257](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/_320x240_crop_center-center_none/IMG_0257.jpg)
A special winter seminar is being held on March 6th at 6:30 in the festival room. Members and racers from the MYC will be there for a meet-and-greet.
Agenda:
- Why race sailboats
- History of E Scows
- Why race and E Scow – A Love Letter
- Spinnaker work
- Mendota Yacht Club
- Racing terms and what to expect.
- Tips for crew
- How to get involved
Nominations for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will open February 21st and close the 27th. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates and anything else you might need to know
![Youth Sailing1](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_320x240_crop_center-center_none/Youth_Sailing1.jpg)
Applications for Sailing Instructors for the 2024 season are now opoen! Check out the details on the Teach Sailing page for info.
![Tech Liftout 2023](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/_320x240_crop_center-center_none/20231021_151806.jpg)
Thank you everyone for your help lifting out boats for this year! We only have a few boats left to get out so be sure to check the lessons page for any volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming Events
MYC Sunday Racing - Ulla La team
Offical MYC racing or practice of same team.
For any questions, contact Brian Schmeiser (608-628-9020)
J24 MYC Racing Lesson - Sunday
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:
J24 MYC Racing Lesson - Jag Ed
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:
Tech Lesson
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 Badger Tech. 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 Tech 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:
Spray Heavy Cruising Keelboat Lesson
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.
Waiting list positions may board as helpers/passengers but likely will not have helm time. If people who are set to be on the lesson are not present when it starts, waiting list people can take their place.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Capri 22 Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to Cap, a Capri 22, 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 Capri 22 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a Capri 22 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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Spray Heavy Cruising Keelboat Lesson
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.
Waiting list positions may board as helpers/passengers but likely will not have helm time. If people who are set to be on the lesson are not present when it starts, waiting list people can take their place.
Post-Lesson Resources:
J24 Lesson
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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Security
Security is the process of stowing our equipment and locking up the Club for the evening. By signing up for this lesson, you will be awarded volunteer hours for the time you are there.
Security can start 30 minutes before Lake Rescue and Safety closes, and fifteen minutes before Outdoor UW closes.
Click here for the security checklist (short version).
Click here for the security checklist with pictures (with more details).
If you have any issues during your security shift or are unable to complete a task, please fill this form.
Reach out to the Head of Instruction with any questions or notes.
Note for Event Leaders: Once an instructor has signed up as event leader for a security event, the evening is their responsibility, and if they become unavailable they are expected to find someone to replace them.
Location: Meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Badger Sloop Lesson
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:
Badger Sloop Lesson
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:
J24 Lesson
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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
J24 Lesson
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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Safety Boat Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will cover the safe, effective operation of Hoofer Sailing Club Safety Boats.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab or in the Mendota Lounge. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: In accordance with Wisconsin State Law, any individuals born after January 1, 1989, must possess, while operating the boat, a valid DNR Boater Education Card. The DNR Boater Safety course can be found here. You must meet this requirement to be in the lesson.
A skipper or crew rating on a keelboat. (Waived for current instructors. )
(If you cannot sign up, please email the instructor or head of instruction.)
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Safety Boat rating.
Keelboat Instructors: If you have a non-instructor student that you want to have this lesson, please email me with details.
Materials for lesson:
Here are links to the two handouts for the lesson:
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pjt03t8oonlkmj7cqa0gy/Safety-Boat-Lesson-Handout-1-07.15.2023.pdf?rlkey=4io9c6iux51s4ziyvgpb15fus&dl=0
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pw6l4132th036n75mi7zu/Safety-Boat-Lesson-Handout-2-Illustrations.-2023-07-15.pdf?rlkey=nanlii2tjw38zlu0nqrott6cq&dl=0
Here are two links to Wisconsin Boating Regulations (two links to same thing):
- https://widnr.widen.net/s/0vw8hwrae3
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dwqwo0e6n5bmy0pyhx7vy/BoatRegulations.pdf?rlkey=z43jc6evh3dc20ltz20yfou9b&dl=0
Three links to the same article on what drowning looks like:
- https://patch.com/us/across-america/drowning-doesn-t-look-you-think-it-does-how-recognize-it
- https://slate.com/technology/2013/06/rescuing-drowning-children-how-to-know-when-someone-is-in-trouble-in-the-water.html
- https://www.army.mil/article/109852/drowning_doesnt_look_like_drowning
"Harvey" Lake Rescue
Here is a link to the Hoofer Sailing Guide to Weather:
Marine VHF Radio - the Basics
Post-Lesson Resources:
420 Lesson
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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Badger Sloop Racing Crew
If you have a Sloop Light rating, consider joining as skipper.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Badger Sloop Racing Skipper
Post-Lesson Resources:
Capri 22 Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to Cap, a Capri 22, 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 Capri 22 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a Capri 22 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.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Tech Lesson
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 Badger Tech. 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 Tech 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:
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
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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.