YOUTH PROGRAMS
For many years, Columbia Sailing School has been a highly regarded, diverse, and optimally located program teaching children and adults how to sail. With year-round opportunities to learn, the Sailing School seeks to impart a love for sailing as a lifelong sport while providing students the fundamental skills necessary to advance in the sport as far as their desire, skill, and work ethic take them. Alums from our programs have utilized the skills and friendships they gained to pursue opportunities in high school, college, and sometimes even Olympic-level competitions. Our experienced coaches provide curriculums with current and practical techniques to create skilled and confident youths, who respect others, care for the equipment, and uphold the principles of good sportsmanship on and off the water.
Spring and Fall Program
Columbia Sailing School is proud to host one of the largest high school sailing programs in the Midwest district (MISSA). Over the years, the Sailing School’s program had grown to host over 80 sailors with both a Varsity and Junior Varsity division. The Fall Season begins in September and runs through November; the Spring Season runs from March through May. The program consists of the following established teams: U of C Lab School, Lane Tech College Prep, Whitney Young, Lyons Township, Jones College Prep, and Lincoln Park High School.
Summer Sailing School
Our dynamic Summer Sailing Program runs from mid-June through mid-August, ten weeks. Our day camps provide the perfect chance to get young sailors comfortable with the water and eager to continue developing their skills and confidence. Courses are carefully constructed for specific age levels to maximize learning and growth opportunities.
COLSS Race Teams
For years, Columbia Sailing School has provided opportunities to get involved with racing. We offer Optimist and High School Programs during the spring and fall seasons. We offer the Optimist Race Team and C420 Race Team during the summer, competing in local, regional, and national events.
US Sailing STEM Education
Columbia Sailing School is proud to provide free Marine-based STEM Education Field Trips to 4th and 5th graders throughout the greater Chicago Area. We also offer free field trips to schools from under-resourced areas of Chicago.