information AND POLICIES

Frequently asked questions

  • Do you have half-day or full-day options for my young sailor?  The beginning-level youth optimist camps (Opti Explorers) have both half-day and full-day options.  The half-day classes are 8:30am-11:30am or 12:30pm-3:30pm. The full-day classes are 8:30am-3:30pm. Both of these class lengths have one-week and two-week options.

  • Can we do only one week of two-week camp? We realize it can be hard to plan out your summer schedules so we allow kids to be signed up for just the first week of a two-week session at a discounted rate.  We do not allow kids to sign up for only the second week of a two-week session because they would be behind the other kids. Contact info@sailmpls.org to find out how to sign up for only one week. 

  • Do the kids swim in the lake, and is E. coli in the water? Most of our youth sailors will swim in the lake (always with their lifejackets on) as a part of their sailing camp. Whether to cool off on a hot day or have fun playing in the water, the kids swim often. The Minneapolis Park Board samples and tests the lake water near the three main beaches at Bde Maka Ska to look for elevated levels of E. coli. Sometimes, after a heavy rainstorm, the levels of E. coli will rise near stormwater drains located around the lake. If there are elevated levels of E. coli, the park board closes off the beach(es) in the affected area. If that happens, we do not swim at those beaches and try to avoid swimming near the shoreline. Generally, the water in the middle of the lake is more diluted and safer for swimming. 

  • What do you do when the air quality is bad due to wildfires?  Starting in 2024, we will cancel sailing camps and classes when the AQI is above 150 (Unhealthy for all groups). For AQI between 100 and 150, we will allow parents to decide to send their kids to camps. On days when the AQI is between 100-150, we will plan less strenuous activities and allow for lots of breaks for kids and staff. Visit airnow.gov for more information.

  • Can I rent a sailboat? We do not rent our sailboats, but we do offer a membership program that allows members nearly unlimited use of our fleet of sailboats during open sailing hours. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS?

  • Life Jacket: Every sailor must bring a Type III, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It must always be worn on the water or on the dock. We have spare life jackets you can borrow for free if you do not have one. If you have one of your own, please bring it.

  • Clothing: Check weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately. We recommend quick-drying clothing with UV protective properties. Long-sleeve swim shirts, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats all help to prevent sunburn and long-term skin and eye damage. For youth classes, bring a bag with a swimsuit, rain gear, extra clothes, a towel, etc. Put the sailor’s name and phone number on each item, including a backpack or bag. We are not responsible for lost items.

  • Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before leaving home. Sailors should have it with them at the lake as well.

  • Water: Provide a water bottle for each sailor. Sailors must drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration on hot days.

  • Footwear: Feet will get wet. Aqua socks, submersible sneakers, or sandals with a back strap (Teva, Chaco, Keen) are all acceptable. Flip-flops are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times.

  • Bicycle Lock: Sailors who ride bicycles to the lake should bring a heavy-duty lock and securely lock the bike to bike racks.

  • Food: Students attending full-day classes will have a lunch break and snack. Sailors should bring a bagged lunch and a snack. Refrigeration is not provided.


DROP-OFF AND PARKING

  • Location: Classes are held at the boathouse and sailing dock in the northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska. The Boathouse address is 3010 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

  • Drop Off and Pick Up: The car turnaround at the lake is now open.

    • Adult class participants should park nearby and walk down to the boathouse.

    • Youth Camps - Parents can drive next to our building if they need to do a quick pick-up and drop-off. The turnaround is only for quick pick-up & drop-off. There is NO PARKING in the turnaround for any time. Parents are welcome to walk with their children to meet their instructors. To do so, parents need to park their car in the neighborhood and walk down to the boathouse with their child for check-in; do not park in the turnaround. Similarly, for pick-up on the first day, you should park your vehicle on a nearby street and walk down to the boathouse to greet your kids and check out.

  • Check-In and Check-Out: For youth camps, make sure your child checks in and out with his or her instructor every day. If students leave without telling an instructor, we don’t know if they are safely on their way. Ask your child every day if they checked out with an instructor.

  • Parking: Parking is not allowed in the turnaround as it will be closed all summer. Parking is available on neighborhood streets. Do not park on Knox Ave between Lake St. and W 31st St—it is restricted to permits only.


BEHAVIOR POLICY

We expect students to follow certain rules that promote the emotional and physical safety of all. Bullying and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  Parents will be notified of persistent problems with their child’s behavior. Those students who continue to be disruptive will be asked to leave.


CANCELLATION POLICY

If you need to withdraw from a class, a full refund will be made until one week before the start of the class, a 50% refund until the day before class starts, and no refunds once the class has started.  All refunds are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. 


FOUL WEATHER POLICY

  • Youth Classes: We constantly monitor the weather throughout the day, and when unexpected bad weather develops, sailors are taken off the water and into the boathouse or the Bde Maka Ska Pavillion. Parents/Guardians are contacted through email and text and asked to pick up their sailors if there are severe weather warnings, such as tornados. If the weather is only an issue during half of the day, or there is just a short, not severe storm, sailors will stay at camp as scheduled. Instructors will continue with indoor activities and games while we wait out the weather. 

  • Adult Classes: In the event of hazardous weather, we may cancel and reschedule evening classes or postpone the starting time. We usually notify sailors at least one hour prior to the start of the class via email if we are canceling classes. If the weather is threatening, check your email for a cancellation notice, or call the boathouse at 612-822-8328. If bad weather develops after the start of class, we will get sailors off the lake and into the boathouse and continue on-land instruction and activities.


OTHER POLICIES

  • Swimming Skills: Sailors do not necessarily need to know how to swim, but they should be comfortable in the water and able to float and move around while wearing a life jacket.

  • Damage to Equipment: Students and/or parents are responsible for covering the costs of significant damage to sailboats, sails, and other equipment caused by the sailors' horseplay or inattentiveness.


SUPPORTING OUR SAILORS

Sometimes, sailing can be intimidating, especially for kids and beginners. It can be loud, windy, or fast, making one feel out of control. Although it may seem scary, your child is safe. We aim to empower your child with the skills they need to overcome their fears and show them how fun sailing can be. We will support your child on land and water, but if you become aware that your child is struggling, let us know, and we can talk about how best to help your child.