MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Minneapolis Sailing Center is excited to offer our Membership Program! To further our mission of fostering a vibrant sailing community in the City of Lakes, we are expanding access to our large fleet of sailboats through membership. 

WHAT IS IT?

The membership program is for anyone looking to share our love of sailing and an appreciation for Bde Maka Ska. Our goal for the membership program is to reduce barriers to sailing in the heart of Minneapolis. For new sailors and seasoned skippers, the membership program removes the stress of boat ownership and makes the joy and beauty of sailing in the City of Lakes a reality for everyone. 

As a member of Minneapolis Sailing Center, your benefits include:

  • Access to use our sailboats during open sailing hours

  • Bring family and friends out sailing free of charge during open sailing

  • Significant discounts (usually 30%) on our classes

  • Participation in weekly races

  • Social events at Bde Maka Ska and elsewhere

  • Opportunity to volunteer instruct and help organize events

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Individual Membership: $450

Family Membership: $625

The annual membership fee is valid for one calendar year (365 days) from the date of purchase. Members receive discounts on our classes: Family members receive discounted class prices for the whole family; Individuals only for themselves.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Members who seek to skipper a sailboat are evaluated according to the type of boat and wind conditions in which they can safely sail. New members are not required to take our instructional classes, but they are encouraged. During open sailing, members can access the boat and wind conditions for which they are rated. Before setting sail, members check in at the dockmaster station and get approval from the dockmaster.  

There are three wind speed levels:

  • Green Flag – 1 knot  - 12 knots 

  • Red Flag -13 knots - 20 knots

  • Black Flag – 21+ knots (no sailing)

Successful completion of our beginning classes earns a green flag rating. A red flag rating is earned by doing an evaluation in red flag wind conditions. If not taking a class, new members must sign up for individual evaluations that will be performed to determine the appropriate rating. These evaluations are included in your membership. 

Each member must complete an evaluation or class to access the fleet, regardless of their sailing experience. Instructors will consider the individual’s experience and adjust the evaluation as necessary. For example, if an experienced dinghy sailor earns a red flag rating on a laser, the instructor can also award a red flag rating on the C420. All sailors must take a keelboat evaluation or class before receiving access to the Ensign fleet. Even sailors with years of experience will need to take an evaluation. You will learn MSC-specific safety plans, member policies, and how we expect the ensigns to be cared for and rigged. 

To schedule an evaluation, sailors must complete a pre-test for the flag color of their evaluation. Sailors need to get 80% to schedule an evaluation. If unable to pass the written test, we recommend a Private Lesson to work on the terms and skills that were missed.

The dockmaster determines wind conditions. Please check the Weather and Updates page for the webcam of our current flag color.

A portion of the fleet of sailboats is reservable, with the rest being first-come, first-served. 

Open Sailing Hours

Open sailing for 2025 will begin May 10th, weather permitting. The season lasts until the second week of October, when the MPRB removes the mooring buoys and dock.

Every Day (Monday-Sunday): 10 AM to Sunset

member liability for damage

Each MSC member skipper is responsible for their actions and their guest’s actions and will be held liable for damage or collisions caused by their use of an MSC boat. MSC will invoice a member who is at fault for a collision where damage occurs at our shop rate of $75 /hr for the repair, along with the cost of materials.