Sail chicago

Sail Chicago is a nonprofit, community-run sailing organization that works to make sailing affordable and accessible across the Chicago area. Its cooperative model relies entirely on members and volunteers, who share responsibility for organizing, instruction, technology, and boat maintenance. The result is more than a sailing program: members can build skills, contribute to a shared community, and form lasting friendships.

The organization offers sailing instruction and boating safety education in an equitable, inclusive environment, along with opportunities to race and sail. Its activities also include community outreach, maintenance crews, social events, and member meetings. Sail Chicago serves more than 300 members and is accredited as a US Sailing school. Six standing committees oversee its programming, covering administration, finance, maintenance, the mariners’ community, on-the-water activities, and safety.

Sail Chicago welcomes a diverse membership and aims to extend affordable sailing opportunities to the broader Chicago community. It also invites people to support its mission through donations, volunteering, membership, and participation in events and classes.