Sailing lessons in Madison, Wisconsin

Learn to sail on a lake that changes its mind

The boat and the guy sailing it

I am Thomas Moody. I have been sailing these two lakes since I was fourteen and teaching on them since 2009, which means I have watched the same water do the same tricks for long enough to stop being surprised by them. ASA certified, 101 through 103. The boat is a 24 foot keelboat on the Mendota side, and it holds four people comfortably, five if two of you are friendly.

Mendota is a good teacher because it is honest. Wind comes off the isthmus in shifts, gusts funnel between Picnic Point and the shore, and you end up reading water instead of trusting a forecast. That is most of the skill.

Three ways to get on the water

Private lessons

Two hours, one or two students, my boat. We start with whatever the wind is doing that afternoon and work from there. Most people have the tiller inside twenty minutes.

Sunset runs

Two and a half hours, up to four passengers, nothing to learn unless you want to. Bring food. I handle the boat and answer questions if you have any.

ASA 101 certification

Three sessions across two weekends, ending with the written and practical exam. Basic Keelboat certification that charter companies recognise.

Who this is for

People who have never touched a boat, mostly. Also people who sailed twenty years ago and want the rust knocked off before they spend money on something with a hull. I get a fair number of couples where one of them is keen and the other is quietly terrified, and that second person is usually my favourite student, because by the end of the second hour they are the one steering while the keen one takes photos.

You do not need gear. You do not need to be strong. You do need shoes you do not mind soaking, and you need to be able to swim, which the state asks of me and I ask of you.

Sunset runs, May through October

Boats go out about ninety minutes before sundown. I cancel more than most people would, because refunding you costs me less than taking you out in something ugly and watching you decide sailing is not for you. July fills early. Call and I will tell you what is actually open.