Learn to sail on Northport Bay!

Click HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION!

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 [email protected].

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. 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

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.

2024 NYSS Sailing Season

Registration Opens: April 27th, 10 A.M EST

Tuition: $185

Class-Times:

Morning session: 9 AM – 12 PM

Afternoon session: 1PM – 4PM

Meeting Location: NYSS Boathouse, 105 Bay Street, Northport
Schedule: Includes Class Sessions, Wednesday Night Races for advanced sailors. On Friday evenings, families are welcomed to watch their sailors show off their skills.

REMEMBER: Put yourself on the waiting list if the session you want is closed. We often add extra classes.

Week #WeekClass: 9 am - 12 noonClass: 1 pm - 4 pm
Week 1July 1, 2, 3 & 5
(4 day week)
Little Puffs
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Advanced Double
Advanced Single
Friday, July 5 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm
Week 2July 8 - July 12Little Puffs
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Advanced Double
Advanced Single
Friday, July 12 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm
Week 3July 15 - July 19Little Puffs
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Advanced Double
Advanced Single
Friday, July 19 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm
Week 4July 22 - July 26Little Puffs
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Advanced Double
Advanced Single
Friday, July 26 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm
Week 5July 29 - Aug. 2Little Puffs
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Advanced Double
Advanced Single
Friday, August 2 sailing demo for families, 4:15 pm