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 entire NYSS community – parents and siblings included! – to join in a potluck picnic at the marina. Bring a dish to pass and get a recap on the week’s events, including impromptu sailing and races.
Have you sailed with us in 2018 or 2019? Check the 2021 Placement List to find out what class you should sign up for. If you’ve sailed somewhere else, email the details (lessons/family sail, what boats you sailed, have you ever sailed alone?) to NorthportSailing@gmail.com along with your contact info & we’ll figure out the best placement.
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. Enrollment is limited to 6 students per session.
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! Enrollment is limited to 6 students per session.
Advanced Double-Hand – Pico
After completing the Intermediate class, register for Advanced Double-Hand to strengthen your skills and learn to be a great sailing teammate. Enrollment is limited to 8 sailors per session.
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. Enrollment is limited to 6 sailors per session.
NYSS Class Comparisons
Little Puff
Boat
Double-handed Opti
Age
8-9
Height
NA
Weight
70+
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+
Height
If taller than 5’, an accommodation will be made
Weight
If greater than 100lbs, an accommodation will be made
Experience
May have some prior knowledge, has successfully completed Little Puff if applicable, or discretion of instructor based on age
Racing Eligibility
Friday night regatta
Intermediate
Boat
Single-handed Opti
Age
10+
Height
If taller than 5’, an accommodation will be made
Weight
If greater than 100lbs, an accommodation will be made
Experience
Successful completion of Beginner class or has prior sailing experience
Racing Eligibility
Friday night regatta
Advanced
Boat
Double-handed Laser Pico
Age
11+
Height
NA
Weight
70+
Experience
Successful completion of Intermediate class
Racing Eligibility
Wednesday night races, Friday night regatta
Advanced
Boat
Single-handed Laser 4.7
Age
11+
Height
NA
Weight
100+
Experience
Successful completion of Advanced Double-hand class
Racing Eligibility
Wednesday night races, Friday night regatta
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.
2021 NYSS Sailing Season
Registration Opens: Registration date TBD.
Tuition: $175
Scholarships available for Leelanau Township residents. Details on the registration site.
Sessions: AM, 9 am – 12 noon // PM, 1 pm – 4 pm
Meeting Location: NYSS Boathouse, 105 Bay Street, Northport
Schedule: Includes Class Sessions, Wednesday Night Races, Friday Night Picnics
REMEMBER: We can add a 4th class to any session so put yourself on the waiting list if a class is closed. We won’t know that you want a spot if you don’t tell us.
| Week # | Week | Class: 9 am - 12 noon | Class: 1 pm - 4 pm | Event: 4:30 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | July 5 - July 9 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Race: July 8 Picnic: July 10 |
| Week 2 | July 12 - July 16 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Race: July 15 Picnic: July 17 |
| Week 3 | July 19 - July 23 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Race: July 22 Picnic: July 24 |
| Week 4 | July 26 - July 30 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Race: July 29 Picnic: July 31 |
| Week 5 | Aug. 2 - Aug. 6 | Little Puffs Beginner Intermediate | Beginner Advanced Double Advanced Single | Race: Aug. 5 Picnic: Aug. 7 |