Business Details
45 Years
experience
Learn to Sail in Milwaukee with MCSC
Founded in 1981, we are a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to making sailing on Lake Michigan accessible to all. Our mission focuses on community-driven education, offering sailing programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. With a shared fleet of nearly 100 boats, we provide affordable memberships that include unlimited sailing, skill-building courses, and social engagement opportunities. Our member-driven model emphasizes volunteerism, with thousands of hours contributed annually to instruction, maintenance, and community-building. We operate year-round through structured programming, including summer youth camps, adult mentorship programs, and winter educational workshops.Our facility in Milwaukee's Veterans Park serves as both a sailing hub and event venue, supporting local outreach initiatives like STEM education and adaptive sailing for special needs participants. Financial accessibility remains central to our values, with scholarships ensuring participation regardless of economic status. As a self-funded organization, we maintain operations through membership dues, class fees, and boat storage services while maintaining independence from county funding.
Services
Sailing Lessons
Boat Rentals
Community Events
Venue Rentals
Boat Storage
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 45 years of sailing education experience
- Our shared fleet includes 100+ boats for all skill levels
- Affordable memberships include unlimited sailing access
- We provide adaptive programs for special needs participants
- Our volunteer-driven model supports community stewardship
What people say
Inclusive programs
Affordable memberships
Community building
Youth development
Volunteer opportunities
Services
Sailing Lessons
We provide comprehensive sailing education for all skill levels. Beginners start with fundamental courses paired with mentors, while experienced sailors advance through performance sailing and racing programs. Our curriculum emphasizes safety, skill development, and community engagement through hands-on instruction on Lake Michigan.
Boat Rentals
Members enjoy unlimited sailing on our shared fleet of 100+ boats. The collection includes Ensigns, Solings, J-24s, cruisers, and centerboard sailboats. Members progress through certification levels to access different vessels and sailing conditions, with guest privileges available for visitors.
Community Events
Year-round programming connects sailors through social activities, educational workshops, and wellness programs. Summer features racing events and tall ship expeditions, while winter months host book clubs, certification courses, and off-site sailing trips to warmer climates.
Venue Rentals
Our modern, energy-efficient facility hosts weddings and special events with lakefront views. Partnering with Man on the Moon Events, we offer indoor and outdoor spaces including gardens for ceremonies, receptions, and corporate gatherings with sailing-themed ambiance.
Boat Storage
Private boat owners access year-round storage solutions including dock space, trailer storage, and winterization services. We provide mast stepping, boat launching, and haul-out assistance with on-site expertise for seasonal preparation and maintenance needs.
Questions
What sailing experience do I need to join?
No experience is required. We offer beginner courses with mentorship programs to start sailing immediately, progressing to advanced skills through structured training.
Are there family sailing options?
Our Kids and Crew program allows families to sail together, with youth aged 8-18 participating in age-specific instruction and special family sailing events.
How much does membership cost?
Membership dues are comparable to a monthly cell phone plan, providing unlimited sailing access, community benefits, and discounted programming fees.
Do you offer adaptive sailing programs?
Yes, we provide specialized programs for adults with special needs and financial assistance through scholarships to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Can I rent boats without membership?
Boat access requires membership, which includes safety training and certification. Non-members may join through our structured membership application process.
What happens during winter months?
We operate year-round with winter programming including workshops, social events, and indoor educational sessions while maintaining seasonal boat storage services.
