Interscholastic Sailing Introduction

Our Interscholastic sailing program runs during the school year, over fall and spring seasons. New Sailors are eligible to learn and practice, but must be enrolled in High School to race in the Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (MISSA) tier 1 & 2 regattas. Newer sailors, and middle school, (Bronze and Silver) practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, sailors who are MISSA eligible (Gold and Platinum) practice on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Tier 1 & 2 regattas are by qualification/invitation based on the team’s racing success. Tier 3 Regattas are inexpensive all-ages events, and sailors are not required to sail with their school. We encourage all sailors to attend our local Tier 3 regattas to develop their personal and team competitiveness.

Our program is divided into 4 skill levels for sailors, parents and coaches.

For Sailors the learning focus is;

• Bronze – SAIL safely
• Silver – RACE safely
• Gold – Race COMPETITIVELY
• Platinum – LEAD your team

For Parents, the focus is to follow their child’s development in the sport via abridged versions of the sailor’s course. As a non-for-profit, we rely on parent volunteers to support their sailor’s development, and we provide accessible lessons to support them. The focus of parent participation is;

• Bronze – Meet the community via a post-practice meal
• Silver – Volunteer at a home regatta/post-practice meal
• Gold – Volunteer at a travel regatta/post-practice meal
• Platinum – Become a Team Manager

Coaches are also encouraged to get their US sailing certifications to be able to teach skills at each of these levels. In 2024 we are taking many of these lessons online and translating learning drills and leadership skills into materials for the coach to use, and to refer to sailors.