Madison Youth Sailing has existed in one form or another since the mid-1960s. It was founded by a group of parents at the Mendota Yacht Club who wanted to pass on their love of the outdoors, the water, and sailing to their children—and to the children of Dane County. Today, Madison Youth Sailing Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to those same goals and provides the only group sailing instruction in the Madison area for children as young as five years old.


While sailing can be learned quickly, it takes a lifetime to master. Endless variations in wind speed and direction, water depth, and weather ensure that no two days on the water are ever the same. Sailors must observe conditions, learn from what works and what doesn’t, and adapt—skills that mirror the challenges of everyday life.

We use sailing as a foundation for helping children grow both on and off the water. Through sailing, students learn to take on challenges with confidence, persevere when conditions change, and turn ideas into action. By following U.S. Sailing–recommended student-to-instructor ratios for each class level, we create an environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and empowered to explore, learn, and succeed at their own pace.


Madison Youth Sailing's racing program is part of the Inland Lakes Yachting Association.