![Fullsizeoutput 54](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_1920x690_crop_center-center_none/lakeFrontSunSet.jpeg)
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
Knots and Lines - Marlinespike Seamanship A
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.
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:
Salam Lesson
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:
Laser Lesson
Event Information: This three and a half 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 Laser. Emphasis is placed on learning the finer details associated with sailing dinghies as the Laser’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 Laser 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:
Catalina 22 Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to Chargeback or Carpe Diem, our Catalina 22 boats, 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 Charegback 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 Chargeback 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:
Zest 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 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:
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:
Spray Lesson
Event Information: Spray is a 30ft 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.Please bring your 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
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.
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.
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
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:
Windsurfing Short Board Clinic
Event Information: This lesson will introduce new types of windsurfing equipment to students who wish to gain more knowledge and skills in the windsurfing fleet. Shortboards are the next step in progressing to faster, smaller boards that will allow you to sail in more efficiently in higher wind conditions. Due to the nature of shortboards, students should be confident in upwind and downwind sailing and be proficient in light and heavy wind conditions.
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: Windsurfing Light, Windsurfing Heavy
Post-Lesson Resources:
Splicing Three-Strand Lines - Marlinespike Seamanship B
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:
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:
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:
Zest 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 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:
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:
Ratty lesson
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.
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 on basic seamanship as well as learning racing skills such as sailing under spinnaker, fine tuning sail trim, reading the wind and geometry of a course and timing a start.
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:
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
![](https://s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/hoofers.clubmanagercdn.com/sailing/_1920xAUTO_fit_center-center_none/Youth_Sailing2_190914_012407.jpg)
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.