Welcome to Bayfield Rec Sailing

What began as North Coast Sailing School in 2001 has evolved into Bayfield Rec Sailing in 2026. While our organization has taken many shapes over the years we've remained committed to teaching youth to sail year after year. For over 2 decades this program has been putting little kids in big boats and building their skills ever bigger. We love to watch our young sailors develop independence, self reliance, and confidence in addition to their sailing skills. Last year we didn't stop just at youth! Through a partnership with "All Hands Sailing" we've been able to offer lessons for adults on big boats, and have expanded our adult sailing offerings. No matter your age, we hope to see you this summer! 

2026 Sailing Registration is OPEN!

Explore our offerings with the tabs Below!

• Opti Courses
• 420 Courses
• Adult Sailing
• Private Groups

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Youth Opti (Ages 8-12)

​Youth Opti Courses


Looking for some summer fun? Our five day Opti courses are perfect for new and experienced youth sailors looking to learn how to sail and explore Lake Superior. Using our fleet of Optimist dinghies students will learn the fundamentals of sailing and build comfort on the water in a controlled, encouraging, and educational setting with certified sailing instructors. 


With three different Opti levels to choose from, young sailors can find the appropriate course for their ability level. Our Opti 1, Opti 2, and Opti 3 courses offer a progression that sailors can follow throughout the summer, year after year. This summer, sailors will find themselves exploring points of interest in the Chequamegon Bay, playing sailing games, and developing their skills on the water. Find the right course for you by reading through our course descriptions. Follow the link here- OPTI Courses Descriptions.

Teen 420 Courses

Optis feeling a little small? Join Bayfield Rec Sailing in one of our 420 classes! Designed for sailors aged 13-18, our 420's add a fun way for teens to get out on the water and learn to sail a double-handed boat. Work with a sailing partner to rig, push off, and explore the Chequamegon Bay. With a larger sail area than our Opti's these boats can zoom and are perfectly suited for higher winds, exploration, and racing. 

Sailors of all ability are welcomed in our 420 classes! Whether you are a seasoned Opti sailor or brand new to sailing, our instructors ensure that you are supported in developing your sailing skills in an environment you feel comfortable. 

Youth 420 (Ages 13-18)

Adult Learn to Sail (Ages 19+)

Adult Learn to Sail
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​For the second summer in a row, Bayfield Rec Sailing and All Hands Sailing are partnering to offer sailing classes for adults. This year we've added an intermediate course option to help our sailing community progress their sailing skills even further! Sign-up for one class, or sign up for multiple. Each course is taught by USGS certified captains, and adapted to sailor experience and weather conditions. Each course offers different learning opportunities and possibilities. These courses have you learning sailing basics on one of 4 beautiful boats owned by All Hands Sailing- A Catalina 36 named "Raptor", a Pearson 38.5 named "Dragonfly", a Tartan 37 named "Vahevala", and a Beneteau 36.7 named "Jalapeno"! Check out their fleet here- Meet the Fleet.

All registration fees are collected as a donation from "All Hands Sailing" to the Bayfield Rec Sailing Program.

Have a group looking to set sail? Contact the Sailing Director at [email protected] to inquire!

We can provide programming for: 

-Camps
-Schools
-Troops
-Families

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Thank you to our Sailing Sponsors and supporters!

Contact Bayfield Rec Sailing

[email protected]
715-779-5408
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Waterfront:
Washburn's Thompson's West End Park

Mailing address:
PO Box 1146 
Bayfield, WI  54814

Office address:
Bayfield Rec Center
140 S. Broad St.
Bayfield, WI  54814

Waterfront Alerts

We keep our fleet onshore during any severe weather or Small Craft Advisories.