Serving the Illinois Chain of Lakes Region

Community Sailing School @ Pistakee
Established to serve the Chain of Lakes Community

Welcome to the homepage for Community Sailing School@Pistakee.  We are so happy that you have found us and look forward to providing you and your family opportunities to get out on the water and discover all the fun and enjoyment sailing has to offer.  The Chain of Lakes is a great place to grow and learn new skills, regardless of age.  In this site you will find information about our mission, plans for the future, programming for the 2020 season and ways to support us by becoming a part of our Sailing Into the Future Campaign. 

Sailing for everyone

One of our primary aims at Community Sailing School @ Pistakee is to invite new people into the sport of sailing and break down barriers, either perceived or real. Our programs start with offerings for youth ages 4 and up. We also provide introductory classes for adults and families. 

Sailing is a sport that can be enjoyed for an entire lifetime and is a great way to make friends while enjoying the natural beauty of the Chain. 

Can you really learn to sail properly here in the Midwest?

The answer to that question is an overwhelming YES!!! The small lakes in this region consistently produce many of the country's best sailors. The protected waters of lakes like our own provide a perfect venue to learn the basics. Organized racing has been promoted for over a century in the region, providing a great network of facilities and clubs to visit and enjoy as you delve into all that the sport has to offer. Like so many other things we do here in the midwest, when sailing season comes around it's "Game On!". Don't let the best that summer has to offer pass you by, come out and join us.

Thank You!!!

The Covid Pandemic made us close for the 2020 season... A HUGE thank you to all who donated to our GoFund Me!! Every little bit helps us be able to continue from year to year.  We hope to be able to spread the love of sailing and the outdoors to many more children and adults in 2021beyond. 
What does a school that serves the community do during an epidemic which prevents the school from teaching?  The Community Sailing School @Pistakee faced this question as we approached our 8th summer of inspiring people to reach new heights of personal growth through sailing classes on picturesque Pistakee Bay in Johnsburg, IL.  
The CSS@P Board of Directors explored our options and decided to pivot our efforts to ensure the school emerges from COVID-19 even stronger than ever.  Like many students worldwide facing an uncertain year, the CSS@P Board has decided to stick to our “Safety First” mantra and make 2020 our “gap year!” Founded in 2011, CSS@P is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) community organization that transforms children and family lives through challenging learning experiences, including STEM, school partnership programs, sailing, and windsurfing.  CSS@P also serves the greater Chain O’ Lakes region by providing grants and scholarships for financially challenged families.  

Through a series of brainstorming sessions beginning in March, the CSS@P Board identified four strategic initiatives to focus on in 2020:
1. A comprehensive program to catch up on much-needed repairs for our fleet of 420, Topper, O’Pen Bic, Butterfly and Flying Scott sailboats,

2. Developing a formal marketing program to ensure our 2021 student enrollment is robust,

3. Creating virtual learning videos for people interested in sailing,

4. Developing our instructor staff’s leadership capabilities to carry CSS@P into the next decade.

For the past 7+ years, CSS@P has operated through the generosity of donors and the success of our once-a-year fundraiser, The Gatsby Gala in support of the Community Sailing School @Pistakee.  With Social Distancing, we will not be able to hold our Gatsby Gala in 2020.  This is a loss of $12,000 to our community school in 2020. We created this Go Fund Me campaign to raise $12,000 in support of these four 2020 strategic initiatives.  Our vision is to come out of the COVID-19 epidemic stronger than ever.  Our goal is that 2021 is the most rewarding year in the history of the school for our community.  We remain committed to transforming lives on our “floating classroom” on Pistakee Bay!  
Please consider making a donation to ensure that the Community Sailing School @Pistakee is positioned to carry on this mission in 2021 and beyond. We also recognize and empathize with many who are facing financial uncertainty due to the epidemic. 


More ways to help!
There are additional, powerful ways you can contribute to our campaign.  We need volunteers to assist with our boat maintenance, our curriculum development, and our marketing efforts.  If you have interest and/or experience in any of these areas, please send an email to CSS@P Board Member Cortney K at csspistakeefun@gmail.com

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