Youth Sailing Program
The Oconomowoc Lake Club is excited to welcome young sailors back for another season of skill-building, fun, and adventure on the water. This year, we have expanded our sailing program to meet the sailor’s skill levels. There is a 1-week camp for new sailors or those with 1 season of prior experience. There is a 2-day 7-week Adventure Series for those who have completed the sailing camp or have prior sailing experience. Finally, there is a 2-day 7-week Racing series for those with determination to race this summer.
Learn to Sail
Opti Camp
Is your child new to sailing or looking to give it a try before committing to a full season? Join us for the 2026 Summer Opti Camp sailing program! Our signature week-long camp, designed for new sailors ages 7-12, introduces students to the fundamentals of sailing in a fun, supportive environment. Campers are grouped by skill level and guided by certified instructors.
Dates: June 15th - 19th
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $290 - Includes lunch on the Friday following camp
Adventure Series
This 7-week program is designed for sailors who are ready for more than camp but not yet racing full-time. This Explorer Series builds confidence, boat handling, and independence. Some students may be invited to participate in select Wednesday Night Races as they progress.
Dates: June 22nd - August 5th
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $685 with rental boat ($800 for non-members)
Prerequisite: Completion of Learn to Sail Camp or equivalent experience
Racing Series
This NEW program is designed for experienced sailors who are ready to compete. It includes advanced training with three Wednesday Night Races. Racers will also have the opportunity to compete in off-lake regattas such as BOP’N and Pram Power.
Dates: June 23rd - August 6th
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $685 with rental boat ($800 for non-members)
Regatta Participation: Expected
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Fee of $50 per regatta covering time and transportation of instructors and boats
Gear
Sailors should bring the following items to class each day:
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Lifejacket- to be worn and zipped shore to shore.
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Whistle- attached to lifejacket and only to be used for distress calls.
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Swimwear/Lake Clothes- sailors spend most of the day out on the water and are likely to get wet almost every day.
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Shoes- strongly advised to be worn at all times to walk across the gravel from the boat rack to the area where they will launch the boats. Old Tennis shoes and Chaco's tend to work well. Crocs and flip flops are NOT recommended as they are harder to keep on while swimming.
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Water Bottle- there will be an area to refill once they are here.
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Snacks- Sailing is in the afternoon after the lunch hour. Please make sure that your sailor(s) are fed prior to dropping them off. Finger foods are typically best and will help to reenergize your sailor(s) at the end of class when recapping the day.
Optional Gear
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Sailing Watch- no other jewelry can be worn
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Clothes that are easy to move in
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and/or visors
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Towel and a change of clothing (in case your sailor takes a dip in the lake)
Attendance
Please let us know in advance if your sailor will be missing a class so that our instructors don't waste time waiting for them on shore. Please email planned absences to olc@clubolc.com. If it is a last minute absence, please text Bergen, the lead instructor, at (262) 490-0161. Parents are responsible for getting your sailor(s) to class as well as picking them up afterwards on time. A $10 fee will be charged for pickups that occur later than 15 minutes after the completion of class.
Snacks
We ask that all sailors bring individual snacks to eat during snack time. However, if you are motivated to buy popsicles or other frozen treats for your sailor's class, we will graciously accept your generosity.
Regattas
As sailors reach certain skill levels, we encourage them to also experience sailing at selected regattas, but this is optional. If your child expresses an interest in racing, please reach out to their instructor.
Expectations
Please review the contents of this page with your sailor(s). Parents should encourage sportsman like behavior including adherence to class rules, respect for equipment, observance of proper sailing etiquette and being a gracious winner or loser by congratulating the competition and being respectful to fellow sailors.
Only registered OLC sailors will be able to participate in class. This is for insurance purposes. Please do not bring friends to class.
Only registered OLC Sailing School coach boats are allowed to tie up to the east pier during class. Please do not bring your boats and leave them tied up to the east pier for an extended period of time on class days.
It is OLC policy that no dogs are allowed on or around the pier area of the club.
Private Lessons
If your sailor, or you as a parent, are interested in time on the water in addition to your scheduled class time, please arrange a day with one of the instructors. The cost is based on an hourly rate. Please Click Here to email Julie for more information.