Summer 2023 Boating Skills/Marine Ecology Program at Southern Shore Yacht Club

Boating Skills & Maritime Ecology Program at Southern Shore Yacht Club for up to 16 participants ages 11-15 years-old. Join us for this one-week program on small boat and on-the-water safety navigating rowboats, kayaks, sailing dinghies and maritime ecology and the importance of taking care of Chicago's rivers and Lake Michigan.

The 1-week Boating Skills & Maritime Ecology will be held:

June 19 - 24 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday - Friday with Lunches provided.

At the Southern Shores Yacht Club, 6401 S. Richard Drive, Chicago, IL 60649

Program Cost: $250/participant

The Registration Fee of $50 will be applied to the program cost. The balance is due on or before the first day of the program: 

CHECKS should be made out to Chicago Maritime Arts Center and mailed to 2114 W 22nd Pl, Chicago, IL 60608-4004. Please note the participant’s name, age, program dates and location. 

-OR-

ONLINE via Paypal to support@ChicagoMaritime.org email address

Alternatively, once the $50 Registration Fee is paid participants may request a scholarship prior to the start of the program for the balance of the program cost. To qualify the participant must submit a short essay requesting financial assistance and explaining why they would like to take the program. Essays can be submitted HERE.

Participants will have the chance to learn boating and water saftey to successfully get in and out of small boats, dock, row, and paddle a variety of small watercraft and sailing dinghies in the protected harbors of Jackson Park.  The program will include knot tying, learning the parts of boats, use of throwing buoys, weather & the environment, and basic navigation.  The program begins with initial instruction on the fitting and wearing of lifejackets, and dock and boating safety.  Highlights of the program include a sail on a captained 45' cruising sailboat and the rowing and kayaking course race.  Participants will not be swimming but should wear comfortable clothes for activities on the water.  Life jackets, equipment and safety boats are provided.