3rd Coast Cruising | Sailing Lessons

Chicago's #1 Learn to Sail Program

Discover the thrill of sailing with 3rd Coast Cruising - the premier Learn to Sail Program in Chicago! With almost two decades of experience and training thousands of Sailors & Skippers, we have completely transformed the way sailing is taught in the city.

Our program is unique compared to other sailing schools as we cater to sailors of all levels and backgrounds, offering flexible online scheduling that allows you to learn at your own pace, even with the busiest of schedules. Our program offers:

A wide variety of certifications including the highly sought-after International Cert. (SLC)
Unlimited seatime and hands-on practical experience with Memberships, giving you access to a diverse range of boats, including our impressive 380 Lagoon Catamaran
An emphasis on "Skipper Training" for those interested in bareboating or boat ownership.
Private and group lessons are offered out of Monroe Harbor, Chicago.
An unparalleled, fun learning experience that you'll never forget!

Our Trial Membership is the perfect way to sample what our program has to offer and is recommended for all new sailors.

Trial Membership

Buy One 3-hr. Sail, $300, get up to 3 Free

In the current age of digital technology, sailing is a skill that is becoming more and more uncommon, and mastering it is even rarer. Whether you are passionate about water sports or committed to mastering this skill, our Trial Membership offers an ideal starting point. It enables you to experience our teaching methods first and and "test the waters" to determine whether our program is right for you before committing to one of our Memberships.

Our Trial Membership offers the following:

Flexible online scheduling from May to October, 7 days a week
3-hour sails available at 6:30 pm M-F and 10 am, 1:30 pm, and 5 pm Sat & Sun
Lessons tailored to the experience level of both novice and experienced sailors
All Seatime will count towards your Certification
Options for singles or couples.

Get Started, Trial Membership Discount

By completing the following steps, you can qualify for a special discount on our membership:

Complete Trial Membership Survey (2 mins)
Take our Beginner Test

Once you complete these steps, we will send you your offer!

Alternatively, you can purchase our New Sailor Package, which includes one 3-hour sail for $300 and two additional sails for free.

Purchase New Sailor Package

Trial Membership Survey

What Will I Learn?

This program is suitable for all levels. Your study material and practical sailing experiences will include the following: Sailing Basics Weather and Sea Conditions Boat Systems Rigging and Sails River Trips & Locks Mast Stepping Boat Owner Prep Collision Prevention Slip Departures and Returns Communication Navigation: Charts and Marks Navigation: Calculations Navigation: Tides and Current Navigation: Plotting Navigation: Electronic Anchoring and Mooring Safety and Emergencies
What Qualifications Will I Get?

3rd Coast's training and assessment complies with On-Water Recreational Boating Skills, the American National Standard for on-water instruction in entry-level recreational sailboat operation. The American National Standard was funded by the United States Coast Guard in an effort to increase boating safety, and our courses utilize the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) approved Rubric Methodology. What does this mean? Our instructors use the ANSI 'rubric methodology' to objectively assess student performance in our courses. Upon successful completion, students will receive the ANS endorsement on their sailing certification, which signifies that their certification meets USCG practical competence standards. In a nut shell, qualify for your SLC and be able to sail anywhere! More info
What is 3rd Coast's SLC Program?

3rd Coast has teamed-up with NauticEd Sailing School to issue students an internationally recognized Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) allowing you to sail anywhere in the world including Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Greece. The SLC is based on international sailing standards, and is the world's most progressive, innovative, and advanced sail training and certification program approved by The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). 3rd Coast Cruising fulfills the pratical training requirement, and NauticEd's online classes offers you the theory- together you will receive the training you need to get your SLC. Give NauticEd Training a try for FREE More Info about our SLC Program PURCHASE SAILING FROM 3RD COAST SAILING