Summer Camps (Ages 5–7) An introduction to the water built on confidence, fun, and foundational skills.
Junior Sailing Programs (Ages 8–18) Progressive instruction and racing pathways that develop both seamanship and character.
Adult Sailing Programs Sailing is not just for the young.
Our adult offerings continue to expand and now include:
- Keelboat Learn to Sail — structured, on-the-water instruction for beginners and returning sailors looking to build confidence and competence.
- J/70 Racing Program — an opportunity to sail in a fast-growing and highly competitive North Shore fleet. Designed for sailors eager to train, race, and refine their skills in one of the most dynamic keelboats in the sport.
Whether stepping into a boat for the first time or lining up on a starting line, adults in our community now have meaningful pathways to learn, improve, and compete.
Photos: Curt Kalousek (C) 2024
Spring:
For generations, Lake Forest Sailing has been an important part of our community, with a proud tradition of developing confident, capable sailors who compete at the highest levels of scholastic sailing.
Our Spring season supports that tradition.
Sailors prepare for two distinct disciplines — Team Racing and Fleet Racing — each culminating in national championship regattas.
High School 420 sailors train throughout the spring, building the foundation for interscholastic competition. Our Optimist sailors begin on the water later in the warmer months, allowing younger sailors to develop in comfortable, supportive conditions.
Spring on Lake Michigan can be brisk and changeable. While experienced sailors benefit from the challenge, families new to sailing may prefer to begin with our Summer programs — and we would be delighted to welcome you then.
SUMMER & Camps:
- LFS Summer Sailing camps are our prized programming, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to gain an affinity and confidence for being on the water, meeting new friends, and sharing the fun!
- We typically teach around 300 children every summer, and our core programs are for youth ages 5-12. To meet this demand, we are frequently adding new programs or revising schedules to best match the desires of the community.
- Little Luffers for ages 5-7 is the starting point and the fun goes on from there!
Click the link below to view all of our summer programs and camps. See you on the water!
FALL:
The weather in Lake Forest allows us to extend our sailing opportunities through the beginning of November.
During the fall season, we focus on our Optimist, Scholastic 420, and Laser teams, providing sailors with continued opportunities to train and compete.
Training takes place two to three afternoons per week after school.
Fall is also a great time for sailors who discovered a love of sailing over the summer to transition into scholastic sailing, build skills, and become part of a team environment.
In addition to regular practices, our teams travel to regattas throughout the Midwest and across the country, giving sailors valuable racing experience at a variety of competitive levels.
