Sailing 1: Introduction to Sailing

NOTICE: Sailing 1 classes are starting in July.

Sailing 1 is a group class for beginning sailors taught on 14-ft. single-sail Sunfish dinghies and 14-ft two-sail Holder dinghies.  Each class has 4 sessions that are 3 hours in duration.  This class covers the basic concepts of sailing including safety, rigging, knots, points of sail and boat handling.  Each session will have a brief lecture followed by on-the-water sailing practice. (Limited to 10 students per session)

• Prerequisites: No prior experience required.  Open to all adults (18 and older) and Juniors (ages 12 to 17).
• Cost: 
  • Adults $150, Juniors $75 (Cost includes US Sailing instruction manual.)
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here. NOTICE: You can register without paying at this time.
• How to Register: Each session is limited to 6 students.
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Randy Greer at randy.greer@sailmanawa.com

Sailing 2: Intermediate Sailing

Sailing 2 is group class taught on 14-ft two-sail Holder dinghies or similar boats.  Each class has 4 sessions that are 3 hours in duration.  This class builds on the basics of Sailing 1 with a focus on improving boat handling and gaining more sailing experience.  Each session will have a brief lecture followed by on-the-water sailing practice.

• Prerequisites: Sailing 1 or equivalent experience required.  Open to all adults (18 and older) and Juniors (ages 12 to 17).
• Cost: 
  • Adults $150, Juniors $75
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: Each Session is limited to 6 students.
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Teresa Silence at tsilence@sailmanawa.com

Sailing 3: Intermediate to Advanced Snipe Sailing and Racing Instruction

We also offer an advanced class to sail a 2-sail sloop (Snipes mainly). This class teaches more advanced sailing techniques, including jib and main sail trimming for better performance. Each student is often paired with an instructor for one-on-one on the water practice.

• Prerequisites: This class is open to any student who has completed Sailing 1, including basic boat handling, and docking. Not necessary to have Sailing 2, but encouraged, unless student has similar experience. Open to Adults (18 and older) and Juniors (ages 12 to 17).
• Cost: 
  • Adults $150, Juniors $75
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: Each session is limited to 5 students.
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Patrick Leahy at patrick@sailmanawa.com or 402-682-2500.

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Sailing 4: Introduction to Keel Boats

This course is intended for those who are interested in learning more about keel boats.  Keel boats are often popular with those looking for a more relaxed sailing experience since they are more comfortable and more stable than dinghies.  Topics covered will include different types of keel boats; launching and retrieving a keel boat from a trailer; rigging and de-rigging; departing and returning to dock under sail;  helming (steering); crewing; communicating and safety.  Students will have the opportunity to get practice in a keel boat (3 students and one instructor per boat).

• Prerequisites: This class is open to students who have completed either the Sailing 1 or Sailing 2 classes or have equivalent sailing experience. Must be 18 or older.
• Cost: 
  • Adults $150
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: Each session is limited to 3 students. 
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Teresa Silence at tsilence@sailmanawa.com

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Racing 1: Beginning Sailboat Racing

This class is taught by the Eastern Nebraska Sailing Association (ENSA) which promotes sailboat racing at LMSA. Find out more about sailboat racing and get hands-on/on the water experience with the fundamentals.  This class is intended for those who have never raced sailboats or have minimal experience racing. You will lean racing rules and participate in races using club dinghies. Students are welcome to use his or her own boat.  Click here to find out more

• Prerequisites: This class is open to any club member who has completed the Sailing 1 or has equivalent sailing experience. Open to Adults (18 and older) and Juniors (ages 12 to 17).
• This class requires a minimum of 4 students. If less than 4 register, your registration fee will be refunded.
• Cost: 
  • $50 (club members only)
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: Each Session is limited to 10 students.
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Teresa Silence at tsilence@sailmanawa.com

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Racing 2: Intermediate Racing

This class is taught by the Eastern Nebraska Sailing Association (ENSA) which promotes sailboat racing at LMSA. This class is intended for those who have completed Racing 1 and are interested in getting additional experience racing. Lectures will include starting tactics, upwind tactics and downwind tactics. You may race using club boats or you are welcome to use your own boat.

• Prerequisites: This class is open to any club member who has completed Racing 1 or has equivalent racing experience. Open to Adults (18 and older) and Juniors (ages 12 to 17).
• This class requires a minimum of 4 students. If less than 4 register, your registration fee will be refunded.
• Cost: 
  • Adults/Juniors $50 – LMSA Members Only
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: Each Session is limited to 10 students.
  1. Click on the Session link and complete your purchase.
  2. Each registered student must complete the on-line Adult Waiver Form or Junior Waiver Form prior to class.
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Teresa Silence at tsilence@sailmanawa.com

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Racing 3: Introduction Keel Boat Racing

This class is taught by the Manawa Match Race League which promotes keel boat and match racing at LMSA. This course is intended for those who are interested in keel boat racing and/or match racing on keel boats. Keel boat racing a great way to build your sailing skills. This course is taught on Capri 22’s and Santana 20’s. Each boat will have 3 students and one instructor. In this class you will learn how to rig/de-rig the boats as well as cover a variety of sail controls.  Students will learn the proper procedures for setting, trimming and dousing a spinnaker sail. Students will practice working and communicating as a team by participating in practice races. Both fleet racing and match racing will be covered.

• Prerequisites: This class is open to any club member who is 18 or older.
• This class requires a minimum of 4 students. If less than 4 register, your registration fee will be refunded.
• Cost: 
  • Adults $75 – LMSA Members Only
  • The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.
• How to Register: TBD
• Questions: If you have any questions, contact Teresa Silence a tsilence@sailmanawa.com

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Private Lessons (Adults and Juniors)

Private lessons are tailored to the skill level of the student and may be taught on dinghys, keel boats and/or catamarans. If you have never sailed before, we recommend four three hours sessions (12 hours) of instruction. Prices will vary depending on the instructor and type of instruction. If you are interested in private lessons, contact one of the instructors below and he/she will discuss your needs and provide an estimate.

The Iowa State Parks require non-Iowa vehicles to pay a $5/day parking fee or have a annual Lake Manawa permit ($40). Find out details here.