Our "Introduction to Sailing" course, for ages 12+, is held each month, June through September at SYC, 3724 SE Yacht Court, Topeka, Kansas. Each month-long course includes four lessons of about two hours each, typically on Wednesday evenings, although other arrangements may be made due to weather, etc. Sign up for lessons through Shawnee County Parks & Recreation HERE. Lessons are also included with a new club membership at the Active level.

Students will be paired up with an experienced skipper who will explain sailboat parts, terminology and what makes them go. They'll take you out on the water in a boat and demonstrate, then will let you try your hand at it. After several lessons the student should be able to rig a boat, launch a boat, make their way around the lake on all points of sail in light to moderate winds, and recover from a capsize.

If you have a sailboat, we can use it, otherwise we use ours. These are centerboard class boats that can capsize. Lifejackets are available or bring your own. Wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Consider bringing a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't bring anything out on the boat that might be subject to water damage or doesn't float and you'd like to keep (car remote, wallet, cell phone, etc.).

For instruction, we use the booklet "Learning to Sail, Small Boat Sailing from the UCLA Marine Aquatic Center."

Click here for our Student Skills Checklist.

At your first session, we will ask you to sign the "Shawnee Yacht Club Waiver and Release of Liability."

Questions? Contact Us