ADAPTIVE SAILING PROGRAM
LEARN TO SAIL - CELEBRATE ABILITY - EMBRACE ADVENTURE
At Community Sailing School @ Pistakee, our Adaptive Sailing Program opens the door to the exhilaration of sailing for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you live with a physical, cognitive, developmental, or sensory challenge — or simply know someone who does — our program is built on the principle that the wind and water belong to everyone.
What you’ll experience
What you’ll experience
- Enjoy a multi-session course specially designed to teach fundamental sailing skills in an inclusive, supportive environment.
- Learn how to rig the sailboat, launch and land safely, steer, and trim the sails — all at your own pace, with expert instructors by your side.
- Sail across serene Pistakee Bay on the Chain O’Lakes, mastering wind and water while growing personal confidence and teamwork.
- Build skills on shore as well — including knot-tying, understanding wind and weather, and collaborating with crew members.
- Participate in a community where everyone is welcome. We tailor our lessons to meet your individual needs and help you succeed regardless of ability.
- Sailing isn’t just a sport — it’s a pathway to independence, connection, and empowerment.
- Our program addresses real barriers by providing an outdoor, hands-on experience many rarely access — helping to satisfy the need for inclusive recreation and learning opportunities in McHenry County and beyond.
- Through partnerships with organizations such as Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) and the Pioneer Center for Human Services, we ensure robust support and accessibility for students with diverse needs.
- Open to students of all abilities and backgrounds. No prior sailing experience is required.
- Designed to be fun, safe, and transformational — our instructors provide personalized attention, creating a caring atmosphere where learners thrive.
Adaptive Sailing Classes
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:30am (4 session in June, repeated in July)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (4 session in June, repeated in July)
Wednesdays, 10:30am - 1:00pm (4 sessions total, 2 in June, 2 in July)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:30am (4 session in June, repeated in July)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (4 session in June, repeated in July)
Wednesdays, 10:30am - 1:00pm (4 sessions total, 2 in June, 2 in July)
NEWS HEADLINES
Posted May 9, 2024
NORTHWEST HERALD FEATURES ADAPTIVE SAILING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
NORTHWEST HERALD FEATURES ADAPTIVE SAILING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
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Posted April 23, 2025
According to the US Sailing Association, the Community Sailing School @ Pistakee is "The Best Kept Secret in the US". |
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OUR PARTNERSHIPS
The Community Sailing School @ Pistakee has partnered with three nonprofit organizations that provide programs for individuals with disabilities. In an effort to be an all-inclusive sailing school, we continue to offer sailing lessons through the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), the Pioneer Center for Human Services, and Shriners Children's Hospitals.
We have also formed new partnerships in 2026, including a four session sailing class for individuals with mental and physical health disabilities being held in conjunction with the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC).
We also established a partnership with the Fox Lake Lions Club to offer a sailing program for blind and visually impaired individuals called Insight Sailing. We are also offering a sailing program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing called Interpretive Sailing in conjunction with Lake County Lions Club for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Lastly, we are very happy to be able to offer our Sunset Sailing class as a part of the SRACLC We Serve program. The sailing class is designed with veterans in mind, and the various mental and physical challenges they face.
The Community Sailing School @ Pistakee has partnered with three nonprofit organizations that provide programs for individuals with disabilities. In an effort to be an all-inclusive sailing school, we continue to offer sailing lessons through the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), the Pioneer Center for Human Services, and Shriners Children's Hospitals.
We have also formed new partnerships in 2026, including a four session sailing class for individuals with mental and physical health disabilities being held in conjunction with the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC).
We also established a partnership with the Fox Lake Lions Club to offer a sailing program for blind and visually impaired individuals called Insight Sailing. We are also offering a sailing program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing called Interpretive Sailing in conjunction with Lake County Lions Club for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Lastly, we are very happy to be able to offer our Sunset Sailing class as a part of the SRACLC We Serve program. The sailing class is designed with veterans in mind, and the various mental and physical challenges they face.
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Posted March 6, 2025
The Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association recognized the Community Sailing School @ Pistakee as the "Exceptional Community Partner 2024". |