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 2pm-9pm, although it may be closed some days due to weather or special events. You can check our current open hours on our pier calendar.
2025 Open Sailing Starts June 12th! Saturdays and Week Days 2pm-9pm, Weeks Days during youth camp sessions 4:30pm-9pm.
Members with cruise boat experience and training can reserve our auxiliary powered cruise boats outside of opens sailing hours or during open sailing. 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 2025, see calendar for dates.
Ages:
7-11 or 12-17 depending on the week (see calendar).
14 person maximum per camp week.
Camps:
We host Novice, Basic, and Advanced sailing camps.
Tuition:
$340 – Youth Campers also need a DSSA Youth Membership ($45) or be apart of a DSSA Family Membership ($220).
The DSSA offers scolorships for youth camp tuitions through the Scott Anderson Memorial Fund. Contact the Waterfront Director for questions and to apply.
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.
- Communicating with the Duluth Arial Life Bridge and understanding VHF radio calls and channels.
- Navigating the Duluth and Superior entries and sailing on Lake Superior.
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.
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
One Student
$35
Per Hour
Multiple Students
$25
Per Person
Per Hour
Types Of Lesson
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- 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
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.
Thursday night race series and clinic’s will be in August 2024. Sailors of all skill levels are welcome to participate as crew. Members that will be helming/operating DSSA vessels need to prove competency in that chosen vessel before racing it. You may come early to go over the basics of the racing rules and tactics at 5pm. The basics of racing sailboats: right of way rules, start sequence/starting a race, basic tactics, rounding racing marks, and different racing courses will be taught through out the August Series. The race clinic is free for all DSSA members. DSSA day memberships count to participate in the basic racing clinic’s and the Thursday night race series. Races will start at 6:30pm.
Thursday Night Race Series Schedule
Schedule will come out April 2025
Friday Night Youth Race Clinic and Laser Series!
Friday night youth race clinics are open to all youth interested free of charge! Race Clinic’s will be from 5:30pm-6:30pm topics will be intro to racing sailboats: right of way rules, start sequence/starting a race, basic tactics, rounding racing marks, different racing courses, and more! Youth that have experience sailing lasers are welcome to sign up for the race series that follows the clinic. Youth sailors will need a DSSA youth, family, or day membership ($10) to participate on the water. Racing will be from 7pm-9pm. Youth that are interested that don’t have laser experience can take lessons or sign up for DSSA youth camps before the series! This clinic and race series will be hosted by the DSSA along with DYC members. Please contact the DSSA with more questions!
Friday Night Youth Race Clinic and Laser Series Schedule
Schedule will come out April 2025
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.
