Overview: Education at the Ephraim Yacht Club
The Sport of Sailing
Sailing is a lifetime sport that is athletic but does not require unusual coordination, size, or strength. Girls and boys participate in lessons and compete in races together. Sailing is social and at the same time rewards individual initiative and learning. Sailing is low-impact and is very safe. EYC students and parents consistently comment that the student completed lessons with a great feeling of accomplishment. Sailing is also tremendous fun! See what great things people have to say about our program.
Use the links below to find out about our sailing & boating programs, but feel free to contact the Education Committee at [email protected] with any questions.
Quick Links
- EYC Program Overview – Safety, history, pricing, membership requirements, scholarship opportunites and more.
- Lesson Schedules & Types – Group lessons and dates, Private lessons can be scheduled.
- Enrollment – requirements, how-to and the link to enroll.
- Sailing Classes & Requirements – all the levels and their descriptions.
- Powerboating – a handy addition to your boating skillset.
- Sailing Lesson Session Awards
- After-Sailing Fun – there are weekly Junior Activities to participate in.
EYC Program Overview
Safety
Safety is the EYC’s number one priority. All EYC instructors undergo safety training as part of their US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor course, and all EYC staff take part in annual pre-season, in-house safety training. The EYC strictly enforces its PFD rule for instructors and students in sailing lessons. Safety concepts and techniques are integrated at every EYC’s sailing instruction program level. All EYC students must know how to swim and pass a swim test in the lake.
History of Sailing at the EYC
The EYC proudly supports one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest youth sailing programs. The program has a US Sailing certified staff of 18+ instructors and over 225 unique students. Students and parents consistently comment that EYC lessons provide an incredible sense of accomplishment and community. Upon completing an EYC course, students will emerge with an enhanced understanding of self-reliance, knowledge of seamanship, and a solid foundation in sailing.
Lesson Summary
In its lesson program, EYC uses a fleet of 55 sailboats (including Flying Scots, 420s, Lasers, R.S. Teras, and Optimists). Lessons include on-shore and on-the-water instruction, nomenclature, sailing theory, safety, seamanship, boat handling, sail trim, and boat care. Our youth sailing classes are for children aged 7-17 of all skill levels, from those who have never been on the water to those who want to compete at the collegiate level. Each class is focused on safety, fun, and learning. Once a student reaches 18, adult sailing or private lessons are available.
Registration
Registration for the summer sailing lessons opens on February 1st. Classes tend to fill up quickly, so please register early. One-week and two-week sessions are offered throughout the summer, beginning the second week of June through the second week of August. Schedules here, Class Descriptions here. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Pricing
Course Prices: Two-week courses are $450, and one-week courses are $225. The course prices do not include the membership fee. Family memberships are $250/year (one-time initiation fee is $200). This fee is paid only once if dues are paid continually, year after year. Student Memberships are $85/ per student, and no initiation fee is required.
Membership Requirements
Family memberships are $250/year (one-time initiation fee is $200). This fee is paid only once if dues are paid continually, year after year. Student Memberships are $85/ per student, and no initiation fee is required. Each student must be an EYC member in good standing. Students must belong to the EYC under one of the following memberships: Family, Young Adult, Single, Senior/Senior Couple, or as a student member. Whether you attend one week, two weeks, or take a private lesson, a membership from the following categories is required without exception. All memberships must be current and paid in full when you purchase the lesson to participate in the classes. If a membership is not paid by the student’s lesson period, the student will not be able to participate in the class, and there will be no refunds. **Please note** Student memberships must be purchased through Club Express (https://eycwi.clubexpress.com/). If you have further questions, please contact Membership Volunteer Sara Knight at [email protected].
Scholarships
Scholarships funded by the Aaron R Moore Scholarship Fund are available to students ages 7-16 who are year-round residents of Door County and who would not be able to enroll but for this fund. Students granted scholarships can enroll in any EYC sailing session. The scholarship process is simple and confidential. Parents seeking scholarships should contact the EYC Scholarship Chair at [email protected] before membership and lesson enrollment. Application for a scholarship should be made as soon as possible and before July 1.
Lesson Schedules & Types
Group
Our youth sailing classes are for children aged 7-18 of all skill levels, from those who have never been on the water to those who want to compete internationally. Each class is focused on safety, fun and learning. Sailing Lesson Registration for the 2024 season is open! For any questions, please email education@eyc.org.
Session A: June 10-14
Session B1*: June 17-21
Session B2*: June 24-29
Session C1*: July 1-5
Session C2*: July 8-12
Session D1*: July 15-19
Session D2*: July 22-26
Session E: July 29-August 2
Session F: August 5-9
*2 week courses are available in sessions B, C & D.
Private
If you’re looking to hone your sailing skills in a smaller and more private setting, our Private Sailing Classes are just what you’re looking for! Our instructors will give you a one-on-one experience that will leave you wanting to learn even more.
Education In Depth
Enrollment
Advance online enrollment is required for group lessons. For private lessons, online enrollment is not available; instead, call the EYC at (920) 854-7107 during the summer, or stop by the EYC during open hours to make an appointment. **ATTENTION** In order to benefit from current season lesson pricing, registration must be completed by 2 pm on the Friday, two weeks before the start of the class. After that deadline passes, registration is still possible, but each class will cost an additional $25.00. If a student has registered for a class early but needs to change classes due to promotion inside the two-week limit, the $25.00 fee will be waived. We anticipate more classes than usual filling this summer. To secure your preferred session and current season pricing, please register early.
Sailing Classes & Requirements
Beginner 1: (first time sailors and returning Beginner 1 sailors)
An introductory course for students ages 7-17. Students will learn sailing theory, terminology, basic seamanship, helmsmanship, and sail trim. Students are divided into multiple class sections based on experience and age. The Beginner class is taught in Optimists and Flying Scots. After every session, instructors may recommend that the student be promoted to Beginner Two or take another session of Beginner 1 to gain more confidence and improve their skills. It is common for students to repeat Beginner 1, especially for younger students. Parents of seven-year-olds should consider the child’s size, maturity, and water experience before enrolling them in this class. Learn Sailing Right ( beginner sailing) textbook is required for the class. Textbooks can be purchased online when you register or can be purchased in the clubhouse.
Beginner 2: (prerequisite Beginner 1)
This course is for students who have taken several sessions of Beginner 1, demonstrated comfort on the water, and gained confidence in their sailing knowledge and skills. Level 2 is taught in the RS Tera sailboats. The Learn Sailing Right textbook is also used in this class.
Intermediate: (prerequisite Beginner 2)
Intermediate Students will learn double-handed dinghy sailing techniques using the EYC’s f leet of 420s. They will learn to rig and sail a 420, practice boat handling in various wind conditions, and work on their skills as both skippers and crew. This class includes an introduction to racing and teaches fundamental racing rules and techniques. It is open to students who have passed the Beginner 2 class and have instructor approval. (Please note: smaller sailors may have the skills to be in Intermediate but not be physically strong enough to sail 420s. The Intro to Racing class is a good option for smaller students to hone their racing skills) Students who pass the Intermediate Class are eligible for the Advanced and Advanced Racing Tactics Classes.
Advanced: (prerequisite Intermediate)
The Advanced Class is designed for students up to age 17 who have been promoted from the Intermediate class. This class, taught in the EYC’s fleet of Flying Scots, allows students to master all the skills necessary to obtain an EYC Skipper’s License. (Persons holding an EYC Skipper’s License can skipper an EYC-owned Flying Scot without staff supervision.) The class emphasizes correct rigging, seamanship, boat handling in all weather, and spinnaker handling. Some racing instruction and racing-derived drills may occur, but students who wish to emphasize racing should enroll in the Racing class instead.
Intro to Racing: (prerequisite Beginner2, Intermediate or Advanced)
Intro to Racing is ideal for students eager to learn and hone their competitive racing skills. Your EYC Instructor will guide students through the intricacies of effective racing strategy and tactics, offering insights beyond the basics. Unlike any other EYC course, this includes common starting techniques, cover vs. fleet splitting decision-making, and leveraging racing rules to your advantage.
Advanced Racing Tactics, or A.R.T. : (prerequisiteIntermediate or Advanced)
This class covers detailed competitive decision-making and drills students on the boat handling techniques essential for managing speed at the start and around the marks. In A.R.T., students will get the chance to put these skills to the test in our performance-oriented boats, such as the 420 or laser. This class is perfect for older students within the program to upgrade their abilities as they prepare for series races or the High School team back home.
Adventure Sailing : (open to all sailing levels)
Enjoy sailing in beautiful Eagle Harbor, with trips planned to Nicolet Bay, Horseshoe Island, and Ephraim Beach. The students get introductory exposure to sailing in Eagle Harbor with a US-certified Sailing Instructor as their guide to adventure. Basic skills will be covered in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. This class is an excellent option for siblings and friends of varying ages and skill levels who want to sail with an Instructor as a skipper. The class will mostly be held in Flying Scots, though other EYC fleets may be used. It is open to ages 7-17 in one-week sessions. No textbook or promotion to beginner 1, 2, intermediate, or advanced classes is required.
Powerboating
Learn the basics of operating a small outboard motorboat, emphasizing safety and maneuvering in tight spaces. Most class time will be spent on the water with plenty of hands-on practice in starting procedures, steering, and docking. The class is open to students aged 12 through adult and is a great parent/child class opportunity. We recommend that all students obtain a Wisconsin Boater Education card before beginning this class, but it is required for those born on or after January 1, 1989. The link for the Boater Education card course is https://www.boat-ed.com/wisconsin/. The Start Powerboating Right textbook is needed for the class and can be purchased at the time of registration or at the clubhouse.
Awarded in each lesson session to the most enthusiastic boy and girl at the Beginner level in the morning and afternoon classes. The award is determined by the beginner-level instructors and consists of gift certificates to local businesses.
Sportsmanship Awards
Awarded to the boys and girls who exhibit the most sportsmanlike attitude in each lesson. The EYC instructor staff determines the awards. The awards consist of gift certificates to local businesses.
The US Sailing Sportsmanship Award
Awarded to the EYC student who exhibits the best sportsmanship throughout the season. The EYC instructor staff determines the award. The winner’s name is engraved on a plaque kept at the EYC, and the winner also receives a keeper prize.
Please contact the Education Committee at [email protected] with any questions regarding the lesson program or class registration.
After-Sailing Fun
Open to all EYC student sailors enrolled in sailing lessons. All student sailors and parents are invited and encouraged to join the weekly junior activities from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. This is an excellent opportunity for the sailors to enjoy spending time with new sailing friends off the water. The activities range from a 4-square tournament to kickball, capture the flag, a talent show, and more. Instructors and parents volunteer to lead and organize the games and fun. Sign-ups for the weekly event will be posted in the clubhouse each week, or look for information in the weekly blog about signing up online.
For complete details, checkout the Junior Activities section of the website, listed on the Activities page alongside other fun things to do.