Middle & High school sailing
Madison Youth Sailing Foundation launched our Middle and High School Sailing Program through the Interscholastic Sailing Association in Spring 2026 for 7th through 12th graders. Students who are interested in learning to sail should explore our "Learn to Race 420s" summer camp and/or join our Middle and High School Sailing Fall Season. Regardless of experience, please reach out if you or your sailor is interested.
Tuition & Enrollment
Madison Youth Sailing Foundation will support local high school teams as they join the Interscholastic Sailing Association Midwest District that is currently comprised of 131 teams and 588 sailors. Practices will run on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from September 1 to October 28, 2026.
All 7th-12th graders in the Madison area are eligible to participate in practices. Regatta eligibility is dependent on the schools tier, see below.
All 7th-12th graders in the Madison area are eligible to participate in practices. Regatta eligibility is dependent on the schools tier, see below.
Tier 1: Four sailors in 9th-12th grade from the same high school. Eligible for the District Championship (Great Lakes Championship) and District qualifiers for the three ISSA National championships (Cressy, Mallory, and Baker).
Tier 2: Qualifiers for Tier 1 regattas such as, national invitational and other out-of-district regattas; and regattas designated as State Championships if open only to competitors in 9th-12th grade from the same High School.
Tier 3: All other MISSA regattas open to 8th-12th graders in mixed teams of 4 sailors form varying high schools.
7th graders are ineligible to participate in high school regattas through ISSA, but are encouraged to join practices and prepare for their 8th grade year when they can compete in Tier 3 regattas.
Tier 2: Qualifiers for Tier 1 regattas such as, national invitational and other out-of-district regattas; and regattas designated as State Championships if open only to competitors in 9th-12th grade from the same High School.
Tier 3: All other MISSA regattas open to 8th-12th graders in mixed teams of 4 sailors form varying high schools.
7th graders are ineligible to participate in high school regattas through ISSA, but are encouraged to join practices and prepare for their 8th grade year when they can compete in Tier 3 regattas.
Enrollment for the Fall 2026 season is $550 per sailor and includes coaching for both practices and regattas. Regatta participation is an additional cost that is paid directly to the sailing center that is hosting the regatta.
We offer a Wednesday only option for middle school students who are interested in preparing for the leap to high school. Middle school students are welcome and encouraged to join the full season offering of 2 practices per week. Enrollment for Wednesdays only for the Fall 2026 season is $350 per season.
We offer a Wednesday only option for middle school students who are interested in preparing for the leap to high school. Middle school students are welcome and encouraged to join the full season offering of 2 practices per week. Enrollment for Wednesdays only for the Fall 2026 season is $350 per season.
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Practice schedule
September 1 - October 28, 2026 Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4:00 - 7:30 PM Arrive between 4 - 4:30 PM to begin rigging. Practice briefing to begin at 4:30 PM. Return to shore at 7:00 PM to derig and debrief before practice ends at 7:30 PM. End times will be adjusted as we move towards the end of the season and shorter days.
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Anticipated Regatta Schedule
Supported by MYSF coaching All Madison Area High Schools
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Meet Our Head Coach - Doug Wake
Doug Wake grew up sailing Lightnings on Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. After childhood he came to Madison to attend university (UW ‘22) and hasn’t looked back. Doug has won five North American or National championships in a variety of classes, and currently races Melges 15’s locally. Aside from being on the water, Doug works for Vakaros, building race management technology for sailboat races. He’s looking forward to helping young sailors towards the next level in intercollegiate sailing.