Monday, May 17th 2010
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
By Katie D
I think people forget that we have one of the Great Lakes outside our back door. I suppose if you don’t see it everyday, it’s easily done, but
should not be forgotten about. We have one of the best resources to get out on the lake, that’s nationally acclaimed & provides lessons & boats to
amateurs & enthusiasts: the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. Have you ever seen the city from out in the middle of Lake Michigan? It’s pretty
rad and much more possible than you thought. Not to mention-how green can a sport get? You’re learning how to harness wind power for recreation. Sounds pretty cool to me!
Sailing doesn’t have to be a rich man’s sport. My family was never into boating, I didn’t have some uncle that took us out on his yacht, and I never thought I’d be able to learn how to sail unless I fell into some money or got myself a sugar daddy. Until, I joined MCSC. Looking at the lake dreaming about being out on the water was not as far out of my reach as I thought. Two weeks. That’s all it took to learn the basic ropes and to meet a community of people that were enthusiastic about teaching me to sail and
getting you out on the water. I did it after work from 5:30pm to sundown and was completely excited to be learning something new (my family in Florida was pretty jealous too.) Once you become a member and test for a light, medium or heavy air
rating, you can sail til your hearts content! They have a fleet of nearly 80 boats that you have access to as a member & check out like library books. No joke. You can even take
guests, free of charge, once you’re rated. Think about that guys-you get points just for taking a girl out on a date sailing. The ratings depend on
your skill. Light air is mandatory for anyone to take out a boat, but can only do so for wind under 10 knots (not very fast at all.) The more wind under your sail, the more enjoyable, and the classes are great practice. It truly is a community where I’ve met all kinds of sailors through MCSC events like the Moonlit Sail to watch
the moon come over Lake Michigan, or during races. If you aren’t rated for heavy air and really want to sail that day, just hang out at the dock & any friendly person will take you aboard. Almost every time I go, I meet someone
new & learn to become a better sailor. Besides, you gain a pretty cool title once you learn, you can now call me Skipper Kate.
The MCSC is not-for-profit organization that has a brand new state-of-
the-art building on Milwaukee’s Lakefront accompanied by a large fleet of boats, volunteers & instructors.Oh and as a member you get access to the lakefront & parking anytime of the year. You don’t have to be on the coast to sail, but right here in your city, Milwaukee. It’s a
great resource to take advantage of, they have kids classes (I wish my parents sent me to sailing lessons instead of violin-that’s for sure!) & accommodations for physically challenged
members as well. It’s affordable, unique & offers something most cities can’t. Check it out at Milwaukee Community Sailing Center.
