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What a US Sailing Certificate Can Do for You



Unlock Freedom, Confidence, and Adventure on the Water with Great Lakes Sailing

When you step aboard a sailboat, you're not just learning to tack and jibe—you're gaining a lifelong skill that opens up a world of adventure, independence, and confidence. At Great Lakes Sailing, we’re proud to be a US Sailing Accredited School, offering high-quality instruction and nationally recognized certifications that help you go further—literally and figuratively.

Whether you're just testing the waters or ready to skipper your own boat, here’s what a US Sailing Certificate can do for you:


Establish Confidence and Credibility

The US Sailing Certification System is recognized nationwide—and respected worldwide—as the gold standard in sailing education. When you earn a certificate, you're proving to yourself and others that you have the knowledge, safety awareness, and seamanship to handle a boat responsibly and skillfully.

From boat rentals to bareboat charters, many programs and marinas require proof of training, and your certification does just that.


Start Smart with First Sail

If you're brand new to sailing, our First Sail experience is the perfect way to dip your toes in—literally. In just a few hours on the water with one of our certified instructors, you'll:

  • Get familiar with the parts of the boat

  • Learn how sails work

  • Try steering and trimming the sails

  • Understand how we harness the wind safely

It’s hands-on, fun, and low-pressure—a fantastic intro to the sport!


Go Deeper with Basic Keelboat Certification

Once you’ve fallen in love with sailing (and trust us, you will), the Basic Keelboat Certification course is your next step. This 3-day intensive course teaches you to:

  • Skipper a 20–27 foot keelboat during daylight hours in moderate winds and sea conditions

  • Read wind, weather, and tides

  • Navigate and plan short trips

  • Anchor, dock, and reef sails confidently

  • Operate safely with crew or solo

By the end, you'll be ready to sail independently—and take your skills anywhere in the world.


Open the Door to New Adventures

US Sailing certificates aren’t just for learning—they’re your passport to more. With the Basic Keelboat certification, you can:

  • Charter boats across the Great Lakes, coastal regions, and international sailing hubs

  • Join local sailing clubs and races

  • Continue on to advanced certifications, including Coastal, Bareboat Cruising, and more

  • Become eligible to teach or lead sails as you gain experience


Why Learn with Great Lakes Sailing?

Located in Chicago’s beautiful Montrose Harbor, our program combines world-class sailing conditions with hands-on, personalized instruction. As a US Sailing Accredited School, we:

✅ Follow a nationally standardized curriculum

✅ Employ certified, experienced instructors

✅Prioritize safety and seamanship

✅ Offer a supportive, inclusive learning environment

Whether you're here to learn, relax, race, or explore, we’re here to help you reach your sailing goals.


Ready to Get Certified?

Your sailing journey starts here. Sign up for a First Sail or Basic Keelboat course today and let Great Lakes Sailing help you unlock a whole new level of freedom on the water.



📍 Montrose Harbor, Chicago

📆 Courses offered weekly—spots fill fast!


Here’s to your sailing freedom. Let the wind carry you!



 
 
 

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