I took introductory sailing lessons through Kenosha Community Sailing Center with my father. We spent 4 Monday evenings in late June and early July learning our way around a Rhodes 19 sailboat and ended the night trying a new restaurant every time. As someone from “west of the I” (I-94), I felt like I really got to know Kenosha better after spending hours with the Lake Michigan breeze and trying its local food spots.
6/17/24 – Boom Boom Out Like a Light
I always wanted to learn what the hype around sailing was all about. I grew up spending time on the lake with my dad, who is an avid fisherman and knows his way around motorboats, but he had only tried sailing once when he was a little kid on vacation. So, I invited him to take Introductory Sailing Lessons with me. We both love being on the water, and I figured it’d be a great way to spend time together.
When we got to the C Dock at Southport Marina, we met our instructor, Paul, and two other students. We suited up in lifejackets and immediately started learning how to get the boat ready and dock it safely. Paul explained how to tie up the boat using spring lines from the bow and stern and how to secure them with Figure 8 knots. We also learned how fenders protect the boat from hitting the dock, just like on a car.
Paul walked us through the parts of the boat, which we had previewed in our online pre-class videos. The boom, a large horizontal metal bar that connects to the mast, is the most dangerous part of the boat. It swings around fast when the sail changes sides, especially during maneuvers like tacking or jibing.
I found that out the hard way. During my first attempt at steering a tack, I called out “Ready to tack!” like I was supposed to. My crewmates responded, and everything seemed good…until I forgot to duck. The boom came swinging around and bonked me square in the head. I didn’t go flying or anything, and I definitely didn’t get a concussion, but I honestly don’t remember much else from the lesson after that…whoops! At least I went through a sailing “rite of passage”!
After sailing, we were hungry and decided to check out Slip 56. My dad thought the outdoor seating looked nice, and I definitely needed a handcrafted cocktail after my little head injury. He ordered a classic PBR, while I went for the Mediterranean Mule with fig vodka, lime, and ginger beer. It was light and refreshing with a great fig flavor. I paired it with the Caprese Pinza: fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and balsamic glaze on a crispy flatbread. My dad had a delicious burger. The breeze from the lake and the glow of string lights made it the perfect summer night.
6/24/24 – Water Safety is No Joke
This time, for our weekly dinner, we went to The Beach House on Simmons Island before lessons, since it would have been closed by the time we got back. It’s owned by KCSC board member Meryl Strichartz, so it was the perfect opportunity to check it out! We grabbed hot dogs, nachos, and drinks (Modelo for my dad, and a Ciderboys cider for me). The beautiful views, delicious food, and friendly service in the beer garden were certainly a nice way to start our evening before going sailing!
Back at the marina, we sailed with different instructors, Jim B. and Jim N., while our other classmates from last time went out with Paul on another boat. Rigging the sails felt much easier this time after everything we learned last week, and we helped with everything from tying off the cleats to powering up the motor.
We sailed north this time, past the pier and lighthouse and close to The Beach House, looping by a rock covered in seagulls. At one point, we got a little too close to the other boat and almost collided but trying to quickly steer away as a group made for a good learning experience.
As we passed the pier, Paul warned a group of teens not to jump off because it’s a $500 fine and extremely dangerous. They ignored him, called him “Grandpa” (how rude!) and jumped anyway. Later, Paul’s boat ran aground near the channel. The teens followed them down the pier yelling “That’s illegal!” but ended up helping push the boat free. Paul turned it into a teaching moment, explained that KCSC is on the Safety Around Water Coalition, and talked to them about the risks. They actually seemed to understand this time!
We spent most of the lesson practicing tacks and jibes in the harbor, following a loop around the Great Lakes Yacht Sales dock and the Wyndham Hotel. My dad and I took turns steering and working the lines. We even practiced a “man overboard” drill by circling around a buoy and sailing up close to retrieve it. I got to steer us out of the channel, which was nerve-wracking but fun. I remember seeing a cute little family of ducks that I really wanted to sail by for a photo, but I didn’t want to get too close and scare them.
The breeze picked up out in the lake, but the weather was perfect. On the way back in, the water was calm, and the sky was glowing. I was the one who steered us to the dock, and it went smoothly. My dad and I helped tie everything up and put the sails away. I felt much better about how this lesson went… I didn’t get hit in the head this time, so that’s a plus!
7/1/24 – Getting the Hang of It
Today, we sailed with a different group again. This time, a young couple who had just finished their own intro lessons were tagging along as they moved into the intermediate class. It was nice to have them in our crew, since they had prior sailing experience when they were younger. The intro lessons were just a refresher–they were naturals!
My dad picked up sailing even more quickly this time, even receiving compliments on his steering from our group. He remembered all the docking steps, especially tying up the sails and knots at the cleats. Occasionally, we passed some of the other students, who were now split up onto two other Rhodes boats.
The water was choppier than the past two weeks, which my dad estimated to be around 8 knots. Coming back toward the dock, the waves were rough enough to make me feel a little seasick. Once I got off the boat, I felt better. I was excited about meeting lots of new people through these lessons and felt a little more confident in my sailing abilities.
After class, we went to Captain Mike’s and ordered from their “Build Your Own” menu. I made mac and cheese with mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and gouda. My dad had a spicy burger with jalapeños and red peppers. We tried different fries: thin fries for me and hand-cut fresh fries for him. His fries were so good that I now get them every time I go back. For my drink, I had the cocktail of the week, a patriotic bomb pop dropped into a glass of prosecco and gin with simple syrup. My dad stuck with his tried-and-true PBR.
7/8/24 – Sailing Into the Finish
This was our final class, and it was just me, my dad, and Paul. The water was even rougher than last week, and I definitely felt it, but I didn’t let it ruin anything. It was a beautiful night with some really nice views of the sun reflecting on the water.
We sailed farther out into the lake than ever before, navigating to a buoy Paul uses for racing practice. My dad and I switched off steering and trimming the sails for longer stretches this time, and we both felt a lot more confident in our roles. We nearly docked the boat completely on our own, which felt like a win.
By the end, my dad was feeling confident and capable. He’s always been a quick learner with anything hands-on, especially on the water. I’m more right-brained and usually better on land, but I surprised myself. It took some effort to remember the terms and coordinate everything, but I got there.
Afterward, we met up with one of our classmates for appetizers and drinks at The Stella Hotel’s in-house restaurant, 1844 Table & Mash. I had my go-to espresso martini and shared some cheese curds and fries, both of which made my night! Plus, debriefing our sailing lessons with a classmate was a fun and unexpected bonus.
The Stella Hotel is also the start and stop point for KCSC’s partner Lakeshore Pedal Tours. Starting in summer 2025, Lakeshore Pedal Tours will be offering Pedals & Pints trolley rides every other Sunday. These rides include a behind-the-scenes tour of Public Brewing Co, plus plenty of time to enjoy cocktails and appetizers at 1844 Table & Mash before or after your ride. Since my dad is a beer person, I’m planning on buying him some tickets for his birthday…shh, it’s a surprise! It’ll be a fun way for us to spend more time together, and of course, to make it back to the Stella for more delicious eats. I’m always looking for experiences that my dad and I can share together.
Sailing lessons are a great way to spend time with family. It’s a unique bonding experience that gets you outside, learning something new together. The Kenosha Community Sailing Center also offers private family lessons by request, and will work with you to accommodate them to fit your schedule. When you purchase lessons or a gift certificate on KCSC’s website, the confirmation shows up immediately in your inbox or the recipient’s inbox.
Ready to sail? Head on over to their sailing lessons page (kenoshasailing.org/sailing-lessons) and reserve your spot in one of their programs!
