Our US Sailing-approved educational program offers students ages 8-18 the opportunity to fall in love with the sport of sailing on Lake Michigan! We offer classes at the public Northport Harbor marina during five weeks from July to August each year, with both morning and afternoon sessions for your convenience.
After class, our community of sailors comes together twice a week in the summer to showcase what they’ve learned. On Wednesday evenings, we host races for all current and former Pico & Laser students (registration and/or consent required). On Friday nights, we welcome the NYSS community – parents and siblings included! – to watch our sailors demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Registered? Here’s what you need to know on day one. Where to go, when to be there & what to bring with you.
You can email us at any time. For general questions, click Contact, for registration questions, email northportsailing@gmail.com.
CLASS LEVELS
Little Puffs – Double-Handed Opti
8 and 9 year olds, join this class to be introduced to the fun of sailing! Parents, they’ll also learn comfort and safety in and around the water. Enrollment is limited to 6 sailors per session.
Beginner – Double-Handed Opti
If you’re a beginning sailor aged 10-18 or you have completed the Little Puffs class, sign up for Beginner for an emphasis on the basics of sailing.
Intermediate – Single-Handed Opti
Sailors aged 10-18 who have successfully completed the beginner class, take Intermediate to strengthen your basic skills by becoming proficient at all points of sail and even learn to sail single-handed!
Advanced Double-Hand – Pico
After completing the Intermediate class, register for Advanced Double-Hand to strengthen your skills.
Advanced Single-Hand – Laser
Interested in furthering your solo sailing skills? After completing the Double-Hand class, register for Advanced Single-Hand to focus on boat handling and racing.
NYSS Class Comparisons
Little Puff
Boat
Double-handed Opti
Age
8-9
Experience
Has no prior knowledge of sailing or unsuccessful completion of Little Puff
Racing Eligibility
Friday night free sail
Beginner
Boat
Double-handed Opti
Age
9+
Experience
May have some prior knowledge, has successfully completed Little Puff if applicable, or discretion of instructor based on age
Racing Eligibility
Friday night free sail
Intermediate
Boat
Single-handed Opti
Age
10+
Experience
Successful completion of Beginner class or has prior sailing experience
Racing Eligibility
Friday night free sail
Advanced
Boat
Double-handed Laser Pico
Age
11+
Experience
Successful completion of Intermediate class. Must weigh at least 70 lbs.
Racing Eligibility
Wednesday night races & Friday night free sail
Advanced
Boat
Single-handed Laser 4.7
Age
11+
Experience
Successful completion of Advanced Double-hand class. Must weigh at least 100 lbs.
Racing Eligibility
Wednesday night races & Friday night free sail
Why the weight restrictions? A person bigger than 120 pounds has difficulty moving around in the small boats used for beginner and intermediate classes. For the advanced sailors, it’s a matter of having enough weight to keep the boat upright and to right it if it capsizes. All classes beyond Little Puffs & Beginner require the recommendation of the instructor for enrollment.
2026 NYSS Sailing Season
| Week # | Week | Class: 9 am - 12 noon | Class: 1 pm - 4 pm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | June 29 - July 3 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Friday, July 3 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm |
| Week 2 | July 6 - July 10 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Friday, July 10 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm |
| Week 3 | July 13 - July 17 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Friday, July 17 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm |
| Week 4 | July 20 - July 24 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Friday, July 24 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm |
| Week 5 | July 27 - July 31 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Friday, July 31 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm |