Programs and Classes

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:

$295  –  Youth Campers also need a DSSA Youth Membership ($40) or be apart of a DSSA Family Membership ($195).

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 

DSSA Youth Camp registration will open March 1st 2024

Starting March 1st 2024 please contact the Waterfront Director for camp registration and waitlist options.

Email: sailingforall@gmail.com             Phone: 218-260-0961

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

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.

FRIDAY RACING

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. 

2024 Friday night race schedule 

Race and Race Clinic schedule will come out Mid May 2024 

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.

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.