Learn to Sail and Race

Sailing School schedule to be announced in February of 2025. If you would to be added to our sailing school email list please let us know.

We are a 501c3 not for profit Sailing School that provides a value priced community sailing opportunity for youth, 2nd grade through age 13. 
Students sail the International Optimist Dinghy.  The “Opti,” is the perfect youth boat because it is simple in design for the new sailor, while at the same time it can be fine-tuned for the more advanced skipper. 
Our programs focus on racing and the enjoyment of sailing as a lifetime and community activity.  While on the water, students develop problem solving skills while incorporating STEM concepts into the decision making. 
Parents are urged to be hands off while classes are in session.    

CLASSES ARE FILLED ON A FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS AND HELD RAIN OR SHINE AT THE OYC HARBOR AND CLUB HOUSE AT
THE WATERS, 1393 WASHINGTON AVENUE, OSHKOSH

  Check out our videos to see what’s in store!

2024 Schedule below:

Learn to Sail Camp – Beginner     $100

This camp is for (age 8 - 11) newcomers and those who are returning to master basic skills before they move on to the Learn to Race camp. The main goal is to have fun, grow comfortable on the sailboat, and learn about water safety all while acquiring a lifetime skill and passion. 


For beginners and those wanting to enhance the beginner skill set


Classes Monday through Thursday 
June 3 – June 13       Session #1 12:30 - 2:30     Session #2 3:00 – 5:00
June 17 – June 27     Session #3 12:30 – 2:30    Session  #4 3:00 – 5:00
July 8 - July 18           Session #5 12:30 – 2:30    Session  #6 3:00 – 5:00

OYC membership is not required but encouraged. 

REGISTER HERE

Learn 2 Race Camp – Intermediate    

For sailors 9 to12 who have mastered basic sailing skills and are comfortable sailing alone. Sailors develop confidence while having fun managing their boat in a wide variety of wind situations and will start to build an understanding of racing strategy.  This class is held in conjunction with the Team Opti advanced class.  This will allow for a larger racing group during class and nimble opportunities for the Learn to Race student to advance.  
(By recommendation or conversation with coordinator or coach)

Classes Monday through Thursday

June 10 - June 27 (3 weeks)   $225     Session #7     8:30 - 11:30
July 8 - July 18 (2 weeks)       $150     Session #8     8:30 - 11:30   

Regattas - Included in the package is coaching at two off lake regattas
July 22 No Tears Regatta at Pine Lake in Nashotah and
August 1 Pram Power at North Lake in Hartland.
Both are no pressure fun regattas where friendships are made. Registration is not covered.

OYC membership is not required but encouraged.

REGISTER HERE

Team Oshkosh - Advanced Opti
Racing Traveling Team    $310
(includes on lake classes and coaching at the listed regattas)

This challenging class is for sailors ages 9-13 that focuses on racing skills and competitive sailing events both at home and nearby lakes. Advanced sailing drills, classroom debriefs, and video feedback give the student the tools needed to advance their racing performance. Students are encouraged to travel to regattas hosted by sailing clubs in our region.  

  • On Lake Opti Camp Classes
    8:30 – 11:30 on June 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 27, July 17, 18 
    These dates have no conflict with Opti or X Boat Regattas Team Oshkosh Regattas.  

    Off Lake Regattas
    Our coaches will coordinate Opti transportation and be on site for on the water coaching at the following off lake regattas:  
    June 24 Lake Beulah Sailing School Regatta on Lake Beulah REGISTER
    June 28 Training Regatta at Cedar on Cedar Lake REGISTER
    July 10-11 Geneva Lake Sailing School on Lake Geneva REGISTER

    July 22- No Tears  REGISTER
    July 28-30 Inland Lake Yachting Association Opti Championships on Cedar Lake- REGISTER

    Enrollees of this class are highly encouraged to participate in the Opti Monday evening fleet races. 

    REGISTER HERE

Opti OYC Fleet Racing

Opti fleet racing is another way to practice your skills. Open to all sailors participating in an OYC Opti sailing class.
Team Opti Races are scheduled for Monday evenings at 6:00 June 17 – August 12.

Race finish points will be cumulative throughout the season. The trophy will be awarded at Cup Night, our annual awards presentation, in late fall.  

This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to come watch your sailor and enjoy outdoor summer dining.    Learn more about membership of the OYC.

REGISTER HERE

Other Fun Facts

Those starting in beginner that have the skill set to move to Learn2Race will have the opportunity to do so mid-session.
Participants may sign up for multiple sessions. 
Sailors in our Learn To Race Sessions and Team Opti will have the opportunity to go for a ride on an X Boat, which is the next step up in the junior racing fleets. These boats have a skipper and crew and are privately owned by families. They race on Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evenings.  Learn more about the X Boat fleet here.

OPTI CLASS WEBSITE www.optiworld.com
 Parent Association Website www.ilya.org

Additional questions? 
Contact Beth at info@oshkoshyachtclub.org or
920-410-4843