About Our Sailing School
At Detroit Lakes Sailing, we take pride in our team of experienced and passionate instructors. Each instructor comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise honed through years of navigating the open waters. Whether you're a novice sailor or seeking to refine your skills, our instructors are dedicated to providing top-notch guidance and instruction tailored to your needs.
We're Non-Profit
As a non-profit organization, our focus extends beyond teaching the art of sailing. We are committed to enriching our community by providing access to educational opportunities, promoting environmental stewardship, and instilling values of teamwork and leadership. Through the sport of sailing, we believe in fostering personal growth and building stronger bonds within our community.
Our Boats
We use Open Skiffs for preliminary training for younger students. They are a modern version of the Optimist that enable a wider age range of students to learn to sail. The Open Skiff is 9′ long, weighs about 105 pounds and has an ideal crew weight up to 120lbs, ideal for children ages 6 to 12.
Open Skiff
For secondary training, or middle to high schoolers, we use Club 420’s. The Club 420 is 13’ 9” long, 5’ 5” wide and weighs about 250 pounds. This is a 2 person boat that has become very popular in high school and college sailing programs.
Club 420
Our Classes
To accommodate as many students as possible, we offer classes for ages 6 to 18. This season we are also offering a new racing session! We offer private lessons for adults and those who want classes customized to their schedule and/or ability.
Session registration below.
All of our instructors are trained though the US Sailing instructor course. This program is designed to provide sailing instructors with information on how to teach more safely, and creatively. The goal of the program is to produce highly qualified instructors.
Located at Detroit Lakes, MN
What To Bring
Mandatory Items:
-
Life jacket
-
Bathing suit
-
Closed-toed shoes or water shoes, flip flops are not acceptable – we want to protect toes!
-
Sunscreen
-
Towel
Recommended Items:
-
Hat & sunglasses (sunglasses strap is recommended)
-
Light Jacket
-
Sweater (wool is better)
-
Long sleeve shirt / short sleeve shirt
-
Reusable water bottle
In the past, students have put their gear in bags or totes so as not to lose items. Belongings can be left inside or outside the yacht club when students are sailing.
Keep in mind that any and all items may get wet on any given day depending on the weather and or activities.
Disposable plastic water bottles can be handed out for students who don’t have a reusable water bottle.