Northwestern University Sailing Center

Waited 1 hr for kayaks after staff told us it would be 15 minutes. Did not get kayaks even after an hour, so we left. Operation seemed disorganized. We saw several extra kayaks on the beach. Several groups came in after us but got kayaks. Certainly some of these people had reservations for kayaks or were on the kayak wait list. But probably not the guy who inquired about using various boats/​boards for him and his kids before settling on getting a kayak. Next time we’ll try Dempster.

Greatest staff ever! Beautiful facility. I rented a Hobie here and after being cleared to go they quickly rigged it an we were on our way. Super relaxed beach to hang out on afterwards. We will defiantly go back!

This is probably the cheapest sailing school in the area, and price matches the service. You are sailing on your own, without any help from instructor. You are given 10 minutes guidelines at the beginning of the each class an from then you are on your own. Why bother even paying for the instructions. We were guaranteed to have 7 out of 8 classes, but we ended having only 6, due to the weather. Nobody in the school even bothered to offer us make-​up class. Stay away from this place, it is a waste of money.

great place to learn to sail (or brush up on long forgotten skills) — they have a really comprehensive program that will give you a fantastic introduction to the sport. The boats are beach launched so make sure you take a class that runs late summer (August would be best since the water will be warmer) — you will get wet, it’s pretty much a guarantee … but that’s also half the fun. They use 420’s and Lasers (dingy sailing) which is a really good format to learn the fundamentals in. The staff is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. They also have kayaking and windsurfing.

This the best value you can get to learn to sail! I looked on line but couldn’t find a better place that gave this much instruction for a price between $ 200 — $ 300.
I took a sailing class here last month where we met for 2 and half hours, twice a week for 4 weeks. We have had 1 – 2 days which were cancelled b/​c of a lack of winds. Other days were light or slightly stronger winds. Ideally each class would have progressively stronger winds, but of course Man does not control the weather.
First day is all classroom instruction. You get learn the names of parts of the boat, equipment, and sailing language. Then each day you’ll get some classroom instruction for about 15 – 30 min before going out in the water for the rest of time.
By the 3 week of class you’ll learn how to rig and de-​rig a boat pretty well. And by the end of 4 weeks, you’ll have no problem rigging and de-​rigging. It’s a lot a first, but everyone can do it.
The lessons come with 1 month membership so you can come practice your sailing. I highly recommend you do that so that you get better at it. I didn’t come to the boathouse very often during days between classes, but after we learned the Lasers, I’d come as often as I can and then i had an epiphany on how sailing worked. Too bad it didn’t happen to me during the 4 weeks of class.
Folks at the boat house are really friendly! My instructor, Peter, was brillant! Yes, many staffed at the boat house are in their 20s, but don’t be mislead by their age. All them have extensive sailing experience. My instructor was incredibly engaging and great teacher!
So there you have it! Just b/​c it’s the Northwestern Univ Sailing center doesn’t mean it’s restricted to the students or staff there. Their lessons and memberships are open to the public.
Just like with learning and new hobby, it takes practices. You can’t learn in 3 hours. I know there are places that offer lessons, but only for 3 hours and for a couple hundred dollars. Don’t buy into it b/​c quite frankly you can’t learn sailing in 3 hours.

Just got done with an intro sailing class here. We sailed 420’s for three weeks, then finished out on a mix of lasers and back on the 420’s. Fortunately the weather was cooperative every weekend we had classes with the last weekend being fairly windy. The class style is definitely trial by fire with the first class being some «classroom» time and the next class being out on the water sailing a simple course in the 2-​person boats. You also get a free membership to the center for the month you’re taking the class which many took advantage of to hone their skills (which I should have done.) Coming out of the class, I feel like I know the basics but like anything you really need to practice to become proficient in various wind conditions. If you’re a bit older (i.e. older than 30) don’t get turned off by the 23 year olds teaching class and the other still in college instructors. They may seem a bit laid back, but they absolutely know what they’re doing and always have an eye on you. Would definitely do it again and wished they had a «Level II» class to continue on to.

Great place to sail, windsurf, kayak, and BBQ. The NU sailing center offers many sailing and windsurfing instruction courses that are friendly and a lot of fun. The staff is solid as well.
I’ve sailed for many years and got my start here in the month sailing class. Now I sail competitively and teach sailing at the center! There are a number of boats (420s, Hobies, Lasers, Vago, Bug, etc) and plenty of windsurfers. You can’t beat this place on a windy summer day!