SailTime Chicago conducts ASA-certified sailing lessons in downtown Chicago and Winthrop Harbor, IL. Chicago’s Burnham Harbor provides a premier location for our downtown sailing lesson operations. It offers wonderful facilities and is easy to reach by bike, train, or car. North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor is the largest marina on the Great Lakes and offers world-class facilities. The marina is located in the Illinois Beach State Park and is easily reached by the Metra North Line.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Our approach to sailing lessons is different than most. Class size is restricted, and we train on cruising class boats; not on small, open-deck day sailors. If your dream is to sail a large boat, we believe you should learn on a large boat. Since all our boats are equipped with roller-furling jibs and mainsails, students will be trained on the modern rigs that are becoming common in the larger charter fleets around the world.
Our typical training day starts at 9:30 am and goes until 5:30 pm. It is completely hands-on work; no time is spent on classroom work except for a test at the end. Unlike most other schools, we spend class time teaching how to handle the boat under power in and around the harbor and slips.
We do not have a “one size fits all” approach to learning. Give us a call and let’s work together to design the correct class structure based on your schedule, experience, and educational needs and abilities. Specialty classes for events like corporate team-building can also be designed.
Combination Courses
It often makes sense for students to combine 2 or more ASA certifications into one extended class. We can save experienced sailors time and money by allowing you to “test-out” of lower certification levels. Or for those with limited time away from work, you can earn multiple certifications into a shorter period of time. Here are some of our most popular combinations:
ASA 101/103: A 3-day, 2-night course covering the material of ASA 101 Basic Keelboat and ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising. Recommended for experienced day-sailors who are interested in cruising, but need the 101 certification first. $900/student *CALL TO BOOK*
ASA 103/104: A 3-day, 3-night course covering the material of ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Charter. The course is built like a short charter vacation and is great for families or couples interested in chartering in the Caribbean. $1,150/student *CALL TO BOOK*