Boating Skills & Marine Ecology Program -- 6/28 - 7/3 at Southern Shore Yacht Club

Boating Skills & Maritime Ecology Program at Southern Shore Yacht Club for up to 12 participants ages 11-15 years old. Join us for this one-week program on small boat & on-the-water safety, navigating rowboats, kayaks, and sailing dinghies, maritime ecology, and learn about the importance of taking care of Chicago's rivers and Lake.

Program Schedule:

Jun 28 - July 2 (1-week) from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday with Lunches provided at Southern Shore Yacht Club, 6401 S Richard Dr, Chicago, IL 60649

Plus - Boat Launch Day on Saturday, June 3, 9:30 am-Noon.  Family and friends are encouraged to join us for the teens to show off their new skills.

Program Details:

The Chicago Maritime Arts Center will provide all the materials, tools, and instruction, and lunches are included.  Participants should wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty and comfortable shoes.  Participants will have the chance to learn boating and water safety to successfully get in and out of small boats, dock, row, and paddle a variety of small watercraft and sailing dinghies in the well-protected Jackson Park Inner Harbor. The program teaches knot tying, naming parts of a boat, weather & the environment, use of throwing buoys, 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 sailboat and a 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. CMAC is following all bridge phase restrictions.

Covid Protocol

We are following the Chicago Bridge Phase protocols for COVID Protection.

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 1848 W. Waveland Ave. Unit 3W, Chicago, IL 60613 or brought on the first day of the program.

-OR- paid ONLINE via Paypal to email address: support@ChicagoMaritime.org

ALTERNATIVELY, after the $50 Registration Fee participants may request a partial scholarship, or if the registration fee is a burden request a full scholarship, prior to the program start.  Applicants must submit a short essay requesting a scholarship (full or partial) and explain why they would like to take the program.  Essays should be sent to Patrick@ChicagoMaritime.org.  Please note the participant’s name, age, program, dates, and location.

Return to Events page to download the required participation Waiver form and the Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocol.