Saint Croix Sailing School

sportsmanship. Croix River sailors starting talking about a sailing school for the youth of the area. As the word spread, the group expanded, demonstrating that support and enthusiasm for the school was broader and deeper than expected. Pieces began to fall in place, and volunteers stepped up to tackle the many tasks of launching such a venture. Benefactors volunteered support even before being asked. It became clear that the time was right to finally establish youth sailing as a permanent fixture of the St. Croix River. The group organized the school as a Wisconsin non-profit corporation and has filed for Federal 501(c)(3) status (all similar sailing schools have such status). The all-volunteer board has made affordable access a priority of the school; to that end, both initial and future equipment costs will be paid through donations. This approach, as opposed to building equipment costs into class fees, will keep costs for students as low as possible. Safety is the number one priority of the school. All instructors will follow US Sailing curriculum as well as complete Red Cross CPR/first aid training. A water-front director will man the school’s shore facility at all times while classes are underway, including monitoring real-time weather radar. If conditions become questionable, all kids and boats will be moved off the water and to a secure storm shelter if necessary. After safety, our next goal is fun. The school will utilize structured curriculum developed by US Sailing (the governing body of the sport of sailing in the US) that is designed to engage kids in fun and entertaining ways while delivering the lessons that will produce skilled sailors. Expect to find a very positive environment where everyone is respected, encouraged and challenged.