Programs and Classes
OPEN SAILING HOURS
Members of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association have free access to our Day Sailer fleet during open sailing hours from June through September. They may captain any boat on which they have demonstrated competency, or may sail as crew with another member. The dock is normally open from noon til dusk, although it may be closed some days due to weather or special events. You can check our current open hours on our pier calendar.
Members with cruise boat experience and training can access and reserve our auxiliary powered keel boats. Learn more on our cruise boat page.
Youth sailing camps are held at the DSSA sailing pier on Park Point throughout the summer.
Schedule:
Weekly from 9am – 4pm beginning end of June 2024, see calendar for dates.
Ages:
7-11 or 12-16 depending on the week (see calendar).
13 person maximum per camp week.
Camps:
We host Novice, Basic, and Advanced sailing camps.
Tuition:
$325 – Youth Campers also need a DSSA Youth Membership ($45) or be apart of a DSSA Family Membership ($200).
Lesson Material and Activities:
Novice and Basic camps
Sailing knowledge
- Sailboat Parts, Parts of a sail, Identifying wind direction, Points of sail, Tacking and Jibing, proper sail trim, getting out of irons.
Sailing skills
- Rigging and de-rigging sailboats, Sailing knots, Sailing upwind and downwind, Docking sailboats, Capsizing drill, Man Overboard drill, Safety position/Heaving to.
General seamanship skills
- Weather awareness, on water safety, being a defensive driver, independent sailing, sailing with a crew, and right of way boating rules.
Advanced camps
Sailing skills
- In-depth on proper sail trim and shaping sails, back winding sails, sailing in no wind, sailing backwards, reefing and furling sails.
Racing
- Racing rules, starting a sailing race, race courses, basic race tactics, rounding race marks.
Spinnakers
- How to rig for a spinnaker set, hosting a dousing spinnakers, jibing with a spinnaker.
Swim Test Requirement:
All youth sailors must first pass a swim test. Swim tests are done at the start of each session, and include:
- Swimming 50 yards
- Treading water for two minutes
- Demonstrating the ability to float
In place of a swim test, you can provide any of the following certifications: Boy Scouts Swimming or Lifesaving Merit Badge, Red Cross Intermediate (Level 3+), YMCA Fish, or certified instructor’s statement on established swimming/pool organization letterhead.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather!
- Lunch & Water
- Closed toed shoes (not sandals)
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes (T-Shirt/Shorts and/or Long sleeve/Pants)
- Warm fleece and/or winter jacket
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Book
- Snacks (if desired)
- Dress for the weather. It can get cold on the lake, even in August.
- Life jacket if you prefer your own or else you can use ours.
2024 Youth Camp Registration Info
How to register your youth sailing camper(s) properly!
DSSA Youth Camp Registration Policy.
#1 Starting March 1st 2024 only by email can you register your youth camper(s). You will be emailing sailingforall@gmail.com to register.
#2 The youth camper(s) you are registering must reside in your household and/or you are legally responsible for them.
#3 Each youth camper is allowed to sign up for three sessions each.
Beginner camps are for novice and new sailors.
Basic camps are open to all no matter their skill level.
Advanced camps are for sailors with prior experience and can sail a dinghy independently.
#4 If you would like to be put on the waitlist for an extra session please indicate that in the email (waitlist will open June 3rd 2024).
#5 Information that needs to be in the registration email.
Subject: Parent/Guardian Full name and phone number.
Email: Campers Full name, age, and what session(s) you would like to sign up for. Please add any questions you have or indicate if you would like to be put on the waitlist for an extra session.
#6 You will receive a confirmation email within 3-4 business days with the next steps of registration (paperwork and payment).
#7 Please call, text, or email at anytime if you have questions about the Youth Camp Registration Policy, our youth sailing camps, or our sailing program!
Email: sailingforall@gmail.com Phone: 218-260-0961
2024 Youth Camp Dates and Tuition.
#1 (Open) June 24-28 (Ages 12-17) . . . Basic Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . . . . . . $325.00
#2 (Open) July 1-3 (Ages 7-17) . . . Beginner morning Camp 8:30am-12pm . . . $120.00
#3 (Open) July 1-3 (Ages 7-17) . . . Beginner afternoon Camp 1pm-4:30pm . . . $120.00
#4 (Open) July 8-12 (Ages 7-11) . . . Basic Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . . . . . . . . $325.00
#5 (Open) July 15-19 (Ages 12-17) . . . Basic Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . . . . . . $325.00
#6 (Open) July 22-26 (Ages 7-11) . . . Basic Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . . . . . . . $325.00
#7 (FULL) July 29-August 2 (Ages 7-17) . . . Beginner Sailing Camp 9am-4pm $325.00
#8 (Open) July 29-August 2 (Ages 7-17) . . . Advanced Sailing Camp 9am-4pm $325.00
#9 (Open) August 5-9 (Ages 7-11) . . . Basic Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . . . . . . . $325.00
#10 (FULL) August 12-16 (Ages 7-17) . . . Advanced Sailing Camp 9am-4pm . . $325.00
Private lessons with our certified instructors are available to members. Whether you are looking for a 2-hour refresher or a full blown “teach me to sail” course, we are happy to work with you to design individualized lessons. Lessons are scheduled by the hour and are available most days. Since lessons are based on staff availability, it is best to schedule early.
Cost:
$35/hour for one student.
$25/hour per person for 2-4 students.
Types of lessons we provide
- Beginner, Intermediate, and advanced Jib and Mainsail
- Laser lessons
- Keelboat lessons
- Cruise boat lessons
- Racing lessons
- Spinnaker lessons
- Sailing Lake Superior lessons
What to Bring:
- Closed toed shoes that can get wet
- Warm clothes
- Sunscreen
- Water
2024 Adult Group Beginner/Introduction to Sailing Lessons
Session #1 Sat. June 1st 9am-12pm and Sat. June 8th 9am-12pm.
$110 for DSSA annual members or $150 for non-annual members.
Session #2 Mon. June 10th 5pm-8pm and Mon. June 17th 5pm-8pm.
$110 for DSSA annual members or $150 for non-annual members.
Contact us for scheduling.
We partner with Northland Adaptive Recreation to provide sailing experiences and lessons for sailors with physical disabilities. We have proper equipment to handle most needs. For details on available programs and dates, contact Mr. Mark Hanna, Courage’s Sports and Recreation Coordinator, at 218-491-0585.
The DSSA will provide Friday races through out the season. Sailors of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Members who are new to racing may come early to go over the basics of the racing rules and tactics at 5pm. Races will be held on Friday nights with the first start at 6pm. See the pier calendar for racing schedule.
Friday Race Clinics
Come learn the basics of racing sailboats and basic crew skills before the Friday night races! Advanced racing will be taught through out the summer. The race clinic is free for all DSSA members. DSSA day memberships count to participate in the basic racing clinic and Friday night races.
2024 Friday Night Race Schedule
Race and Race Clinic schedule will be announced mid May 2024
COMMUNITY SAILING
Our programs are open to community organizations. If you are interested in providing a sailing experience for your youth, adult, or work group, contact us for scheduling and pricing. Reduced rates are available to organizations that serve individuals with financial need.
