Sailing Center
Open daily from late spring to early fall, the center affords users a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Lake Michigan. Use of sailing craft is available to facility members and class participants.
- View Schedule
- View Directions
- Visit our Sailing Center Status page for conditions & flag color or call 847-491-4142
- View and Print 2013 Brochure in pdf format
- Become a fan of the Northwestern University Sailing Center on Facebook
Sailing Center Equipment
- 8 - Laser-class sailboats (Capacity: 2 maximum)
- 12- 420-class sailboats main/jib (Capacity: 2 minimum, 3 maximum)
- 20-Windsurfing boards with rigs (Capacity: 1 maximum)
- 3-Hobie 16 Catamarans (Capacity: 3 maximum)
- 2-Hobie Wave Catamarans (Capacity: 3 maximum)
- 2-Hobie Getaway (Capacity: 5 maximum)
- 10-Stand up Paddleboards (Capacity: 1 maximum)
- 3-Double Kayaks (Capacity: 2 maximum)
- 6-Single Kayaks (Capacity: 1 maximum)
Instructional classes and Lessons
Group and private lessons are available for sailing, windsurfing, and catamaran craft. To register for classes before May 1, call 847 491-3999. After May 1 call 847 491-4142.
Wildcat Sailing Camp
Registration is now open for the 2013 Wildcat Sailing Camp. To register before May 1, contact 847 491-3999. After May 1 call 847 491-4142.
Wildcat Youth Windsurfing Camp
Registration is now open for the 2013 Wildcat Youth Windsurfing Camp. For questions and signup before May 1, contact 847 491-3999. After May 1 call 847 491-4142.
Sailing Center Membership
All Sailing Center memberships (except private memberships) include use of select sailboats and sailboards at no extra cost. In the interest of safety, everyone purchasing a membership is required to pass a proficiency test to earn an NU skippers rating. Additional ratings and/or fees are required for use of Club 420's, Hobie Cats, and high-end Windsurfing boards and sails.
If you earned an NU skippers rating in a previous year, you may be exempt from taking the proficiency exam. Weather conditions dictate which NU skippers rating is required to take out boats or windsurfing boards.
Private Seasonal Memberships
Private seasonal memberships entitle members to launch personal sailboats or windsurfing boards for the Sailing Center. A private membership does not include the use of Sailing Center equipment. An additional fee will be charged for the use of Sailing Center equipment. Personal sailboat outdoor storage is included in the private fee. Windsurfing boards must be carried for the adjacent parking lot. All Sailing Center policies apply.
| Membership Type | Student | Affiliate | Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Month | $199 | $229 | $289 |
| Two Months | $269 | $309 | $429 |
| Seasonal (April 30 - October 10) |
$369 | $459 | $529 |
| Private Windsurf (April 30 - October 10) |
$239 | $289 | $329 |
| Private Mono-Hull (April 30 - October 10) |
$369 | $419 | $459 |
| Private Catamaran (April 30 - October 10) |
$419 | $469 | $509 |
Catamaran Rentals
Challenge your skills and feel your adrenaline flow as you skim the surface in our club's catamarans. Choose between the Sailing Center's Hobie wave and 16' Hobie cats for your multi-hull adventure. Rentals can be reserved in advance and walk-ups are always welcome. Payment is on an hourly basis, cash or credit card only. Call 847-491-4142 for reservations
| Members | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Hobie Wave | $35/hr $50/2hr |
$50/hr $70/2hr |
| Hobie Getaway | $50/hr $60/2hr |
$70/hr $90/2hr |
| Hobie 16' | $50/hr $60/2hr |
$60/hr $80/2hr |
| Non-Members | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays |
| Hobie Wave | $45/hr $65/2hr |
$60/hr $80/2hr |
| Hobie Getaway | $60/hr $70/2hr |
$80/hr $100/2hr |
| Hobie 16' | $60/hr $70/2hr |
$70/hr $95/2hr |
Kayak Storage and Launch
The Sailing Center is a convenient location to easily launch one's kayak and enjoy Chicago's North Shore from Evanston's gorgeous perspective. NUSC provides storage space for kayaks on a first come, first serve basis. A seasonal launch pass must be purchased with storage space rental. In addition, patrons may purchase seasonal or daily launch passes for personal kayaks not stored in NUSC facilities.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily Launch Pass | $30 |
| Season Launch Pass | $150 |
| Season Launch Pass & Storage | $250 |
Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) Rentals and Classes
The sailing center has gone windless! We now offer kayak and SUP rentals and classes. Come out and surf or enjoy the tranquility of gliding over flat water. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a mix of surfing, kayaking and which has been said to give the feeling of walking on water. The classes meet for two hours, one hour of instruction and one hour of free rental. In this class you will learn the basics of kayaking and SUP, the proper technique and everything you need to know to be safe and comfortable paddling a kayak or SUP. Call us to schedule a class or to rent one of our kayaks or SUPs. Kayak and SUP classes are $60 for an hour of instruction and an additional hour and rental included in price. Classes can be scheduled anytime with 24 hour notice. A minimum of two people required per class. (Three or more people $50/person for group rate you must register by phone 847-491-4142).
| Rentals | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | |
| Kayak | $15 | $25 | $20 | $30 |
| SUP | $10 | $20 | $15 | $25 |
