What is Free Sailing Sunday?

Free Sailing Sunday is an opportunity for MSC to share our passion for sailing with the community. MSC staff and volunteers take groups on free 30-minute sailboat rides on Bde Maka Ska. Participants do not need any sailing experience to enjoy this offering. No signup or reservation is required to participate. 

When is Free Sailing Sunday? 

Every third Sunday of the month, June through September, Noon to 5:00 pm (last rides start at 4:30 PM)

2025 Free Sailing Sunday dates: 

  • June 15 

  • July 20 

  • August 17 

  • September 21

How do I get on a boat?

To participate in Free Sailing Sunday, head down to the Boathouse (3010 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55408) to check in and fill out the Medical and Liability Waiver. You can complete the waiver ahead of time by clicking the link below.  After you have checked in, you will be fitted for a life jacket. MSC has life jackets for all ages and sizes. Once you have found the perfect fit, sit back and enjoy the view until an MSC staff member calls your name and the boat number you will sail on. Smaller groups will be paired with other groups to fill up the boats. 

What to Expect

Participants can expect a safe and comfortable ride aboard the 23-foot Pearson Ensign Keelboat (pictured below). The Ensign is a very stable boat and great for first-time sailors to experience sailing. To start your journey, your captain will show you the ropes and give you an overview of how sailboats use the wind to move. If you are feeling up for it, there will be a chance for you to practice steering the boat and adjusting the sails. Sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery is also an option.

Interested in Volunteering? 

Are you an experienced sailor who can confidently captain a 23-foot sailboat with a full keel? MSC is always looking for volunteer skippers to help us share these sailing experiences with the community. To sign up today, click here. If you have questions or are unsure if you are qualified, send an email to collin@sailmpls.org.

frequently asked questions

  • Reservations are not accepted. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Just show up between Noon and 4:30 PM to sign up.

  • Each boat can hold up to six participants, not including the captain. Groups of two or three will be paired together on the same boat.

  • You can wear normal attire appropriate for the weather. The Ensign keelboats ride high up in the water, so you will not get wet. There is space aboard the boat or in the boathouse to stow personal belongings.

  • We do not rent sailboats on a daily or hourly basis. Our Membership Program grants access to our fleet of sailboats for the whole year! We are not aware of any programs in the Twin Cities that rent sailboats on a short-term basis.

  • The best way to continue sailing after Free Sailing Sunday is to get certified for the Membership Program to take out boats on your own. To get started, you can sign up for a group class or private lessons.

  • You don’t need to know how to swim. You will always be wearing a properly fit PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

  • Yes, you can bring kids of any age. They need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate.

  • We have a limited amount of infant life jackets. We recommend you bring a life jacket to you feel comfortable with.

  • Wait time varies between 5 min and 30 min. If there is a long wait time, MSC staff will take down your phone number and text you when you are next in line.

  • Free parking is available on the residential streets southeast of the boat house. There is NO PARKING on Knox Ave between Lake St. and 31st St.