Programs and Classes

Youth sailing camps are held at the DSSA sailing pier on Park Point throughout the summer from 9am – 4pm starting end of June 2025, see calendar for dates.

Schedule: 2025

Youth Camp #1 (FULL) June 23rd – 27th  (Basic Sailing Camp ages 12-17) – $340

Youth Camp #2 (FULL) June 30th – July 3rd  (Beginner Sailing Camp ages 7-17) – $275

Youth Camp #3 (FULL) July 14th – 18th  (Basic Sailing Camp ages 7-11) – $340

Youth Camp #4 (FULL) July 21st – 25th  (Basic Sailing Camp ages 12-17) – $340

Youth Camp #5 (FULL) July 28th – August 1st  (Beginner Sailing Camp ages 7-17) – $340

Youth Camp #6 (FULL) July 28th – August 1st  (Advanced Sailing Camp ages 7-17) – $340

Youth Camp #7 (FULL) August 4th – 8th  (Basic Sailing Camp ages 7-11) – $340

Youth Camp #8 (FULL) August 11th – 15th  (Advanced Sailing Camp 7-17) – $340

Camp Registration Policy 2025

#1 Starting March 3rd 2025 only by email can you register your youth camper(s).  You will be emailing sailingforall@gmail.com to register. 

#2 Please do not email to register for youth camps before March 3rd 2025.

#3 The youth camper(s) you are registering must reside in your household and/or you are legally responsible for them.

#4 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.

#5 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 2025).

#6 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.

#7 You will receive a confirmation email within 3-4 business days with the next steps of registration (paperwork and payment).

#8  Please call, text, or email at any time if you have questions about the Youth Camp Registration Policy, our youth sailing camps, or our sailing programs!

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

Ages and Camps

7-11 or 12-17 depending on the week (see calendar). 14 person maximum per camp week.

We host Novice, Basic, and Advanced sailing camps.

• 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.

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.