Willamette Sailing Club
Learn-to-Sail
2024 Registration is Open!
Youth Summer Camps
Adult Classes
Private Lessons
Youth Race Teams
Custom Events
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The Willamette Sailing Club is located on the banks of the Willamette River, approximately 5 minutes south of downtown Portland. It is the only small boat sailing club in Portland, and is dedicated to dinghy (non-keelboats under 20 feet) sailing and racing.
The club hosts Learn-to-Sail classes taught by US Sailing certified instructors during the spring, summer and fall, with over 500+ students coming through our program annually! We offer classes for every age and level of experience. Whatever your sailing interest is, WSC is a welcoming club that provides a great opportunity to get out on the river and enjoy some family fun in a safe, comfortable, and scenic environment.
Empowering all people to get out on the water and explore!
The Willamette Sailing Club (WSC) is committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, national origin, age, identity, education, disability, or other protected status. WSC is welcoming and proud of its diverse membership and guests.
We’re committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the sailing community and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
Minnows (Ages 5-7)
Young sailors spend the mornings sailing, swimming, and learning about the river in our protected harbor. The goal is to help young kids feel comfortable around the water in a safe and fun environment. Lifejackets required at all times. No swim check required.
Youth Classes (Ages 8-11)
Youth learn the basics of small boat sailing through hands on learning and fun games that are designed to practice boat handling and water safety. Ages 8-11 learn to sail in one person Optimists. All sailors are required to demonstrate their ability to swim by completing a 50-foot swim check and capsize drill WITH a lifejacket.
Teen Classes (Ages 12-18)
Teens learn the basics of small boat sailing while doing drills and fun games designed to practice boat handling skills. A great introduction to sailing! Ages 12-18 learn to sail in two person, 14 ft. Club 420s. All sailors will be expected to complete a 50-foot swim check and capsize drill WITH a lifejacket.
Adult Classes
Using US Sailing’s Beginner Curriculum, students learn the basics of rigging, sailing theory, safety, knots, docking and right of way rules in our two person, 14 ft. Club 420s. Classes concentrate on teaching the basics of sailing, while spending as much time as possible on the water. Participants must know how to swim and will be asked to complete a 50-foot swim test and capsize drill WITH a lifejacket.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great way to learn or advance your skills while sailing individually, with a friend or with the whole family. Private lessons allow coaches to give personalized feedback and teach to your particular skill level. During private lessons, your coach will be alongside you in a powerboat. Lessons last three hours and can be taught in your privately owned boat, or one of the club’s C420s, Lasers, Lidos, Daysailers, or Optis.
Team Willamette (Ages 8-18)
If your sailor has completed a learn-to-sail class with us, or has prior sailing experience in another program, they are eligible to join one of our summer intermediate or advanced teams. Ages 8-12 can choose between the intermediate Green Team (Optimists), or the advanced Race Team (Optimists & FJs). Ages 12-18 choose between the intermediate Blue Team (C420s & Lasers), or the advanced Red Team (C420s & Lasers).
Custom Events & Classes
Our sailing club hosts a number of different special events throughout the year: everything from elementary school field trips to public family boat builds to private sailing events. Get in touch if you’d like to schedule a private event, or class, and check back for public events as they develop.
