Minnows (Ages 5-7)

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. Swim check NOT required.

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 double-handed, 14 ft. Club 420s. Learn to sail in two person, 14-foot C420 dinghies. 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.

Youth Camps (Ages 8-11)

Kids will 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 passing a 50-foot swim check 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.

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 corporate events. Get in touch if you’d like to schedule a private event or class.

Teen Camps (Ages 12-18)

Teens will 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-foot C420 dinghies. All sailors will be expected to complete a 50-foot swim check and capsize drill WITH a lifejacket.

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).