The Kenosha Community Sailing Center (KCSC) is proud to announce that registration is now open for its 2026 youth, teen, adult, and family sailing programs. For nearly two decades, KCSC has been teaching the art and joy of sailing in the beautiful Kenosha Harbor — helping generations build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the water.
Kenosha is a harbor town on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the largest and most important freshwater resources in the world. Learning to sail here is more than just a summer activity — it’s an opportunity to develop a lifelong skill while fostering a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary body of freshwater we are fortunate to live beside.
“Sailing is fun, empowering, and truly a skill for life,” said Jim Buck, President of KCSC. “When you learn to harness the wind and safely navigate our harbor, you gain confidence that carries far beyond the water.”
Programs for Every Age & Experience Level
Youth Sailing
Youth classes once again operate out of Great Lakes Yacht Sales, a full-service marina offering boat sales, service, slips, and storage. KCSC extends sincere gratitude to Great Lakes Yacht Sales for their continued partnership and demonstrated commitment to growing the next generation of water lovers by allowing programs to operate from their beautiful dock. Their support plays a critical role in making youth sailing accessible in Kenosha. The youth courses are offered as morning classes for grades 3-5 and all-day classes for youth ages seven and up.
Teen & Adult Sailing
Teen and adult classes are taught from Southport Marina, also a full-service marina known for its vibrant boating community. KCSC is proud to partner with Southport Marina and appreciates their ongoing support in fostering a welcoming and dynamic environment for sailors of all experience levels. The teen and adult courses are taught throughout the season and KCSC offers significant discounts to veterans.
Family Sailing
Families can learn together, build practical water skills, and create lasting memories on Lake Michigan.
Private Lessons
Flexible scheduling is available for individuals or small groups seeking personalized instruction tailored to their goals and experience level.
New for 2026
High School & College Racing Development – KCSC is launching a new initiative for high school and college students interested in learning to race aboard the Center’s C420 sailboats. This program is ideal for students looking to sharpen their competitive sailing skills or explore collegiate racing pathways.
Evening Sailing Clubs – In addition to the day and afternoon courses taught to kids, preteens and teens, KCSC will be offering weekly evening Club meetings where like-minded student sailors can get more practice on the water and deepen friendships.
Sailing Made Affordable
As a nonprofit organization, the Kenosha Community Sailing Center is dedicated to providing a low-cost, community-based pathway into sailing — eliminating the financial barriers of boat ownership. Learning to sail through a community sailing center offers all the benefits of boating — skill development, camaraderie, confidence, and time on the water — without the significant upfront investment of purchasing and maintaining a boat.
After nearly 20 years of serving the Kenosha Harbor community, KCSC remains committed to connecting people of all ages to the water through education, recreation, and stewardship. Scholarships for youth are made available through the Hartley Family Youth Sailing Scholarship and families who may need financial assistance are encouraged to contact KCSC.
Registration and additional information are available at www.kenoshasailing.org or by calling 262-997-9343.
Come catch the wind, explore the harbor, and discover why sailing — and recreating — on Lake Michigan is a joy that lasts a lifetime.