okoboji yacht club sailing school

Okoboji Yacht Club Sailing

Sailboats with their white and colorful sails provide a beautiful sight on the blue waters of the Iowa Great Lakes. Some sailors are out for the pleasure of sailing - for the enjoyment, while other sailors are out to test their racing skills.

There are sixty-five sailboats in four classes registered to participate in the racing program operated by the Okoboji Yacht Club. Competitive sailboat racing for scows of Class C, MC, and X plus Ynglings are held from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each summer.

There are many types of sailboats used for sailing pleasure on the Iowa Great Lakes. Being able to identify the four racing classes on West Lake Okoboji is important to understanding the racing action. Each class completes with other boats within its class. There is no interclass competition.

Okoboji races are on Saturday and Sunday morning, generally south of Manhattan Beach on West Lake Okoboji. Between 8:30 and 9:30 AM the race committee is out on the water measuring wind speed and direction along with surveying West Lake for potential course locations. Racing doesn’t start until 9:30 AM or later because the wind usually has not come up to racing speed until 9 AM or later.

By 9:30 AM the race committee boat is usually anchored and the pin boat has deployed an orange racing mark (buoy) to set the two ends of the starting line. The windward mark (orange) is set approximately one mile to windward. A second leeward mark (yellow) is set at two tenths of a mile to windward for the MC, Yngling, and Class X sailboats.

The starting sequence follows a three-minute format.

Warning Gun

Approx 9:30 AM*

Preparatory Gun

3 Minutes Later

Yellow with Black Square

Yngling Start Gun

Yngling Fleet Flag

Class C Start Gun

Class C Fleet Flag

Class MC Start Gun

Class MC Fleet Flag

Class X Start Gun

Class X Fleet Flag

If a few boats are over the starting line at their starting gun those boats will be Individually Recalled.  Should a large number of boats be over the line at the start, a General Recall will be made for that entire racing class. For a General Recall all the boats of that particular class return to the starting area and restart after all the other boats have started.

To non-sailors the wind direction and speed seems to be fairly steady. To serious sailors the wind is anything but constant. The wind is always shifting in small ways that can benefit the sailor smart enough or lucky enough to be on the good side of the wind. Since sailboats can’t sail directly into the wind, each skipper must decide if they will go to the right or left side of the course on their way to the windward mark. If the wind shifts in your favor you will be the first one to the windward mark, given comparable boat speed. Once the boats have rounded the windward mark, it is back downwind to the mark in the vicinity of the starting line.

For the first race all boats will go around the course twice, except the Class X fleet, which will go around the course only once. If weather conditions permit, a second race will immediately follow the first race. The main difference for the second race is that the sailors will finish with a windward leg, so the second race is 1.5 or 2.5 times around the course depending on the class of boat. The finish of the second race is into the wind. The first boat to finish in each class is given a one-gun salute.

When all boats have finished the last race, the temporary marks are picked up and the race committee boats head back to the yacht club headquarters on Manhattan Beach. Racing will be abandoned when winds exceed 20-25 miles per hour or if there is lightning. X boat skippers and crew are required to wear life jackets from the Class X preparatory signal until they cross the finish line. All OYC sailors are required to wear life jackets when the race committee flies code flag “Y” (yellow and red diagonal stripes) - generally when wind speed exceeds 12 miles per hour.

With a VHF Marine Radio, one can follow the action prior to the start on channel 68 and after the start on channel 72. Current weather broadcast by NOAA National Weather Service for the Iowa Great Lakes can be heard on marine radio weather channel one or 162.55 MHz.

Power boaters know that sailboats have the right a way and that boaters are responsible for their wakes. The wakes from powerboats can upset the delicate balance of a sailboat that is dependent on wind power. Sailors appreciate powerboats that give them a wide berth while they are racing on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Generally, sailboat races will be completed by about noon.

Participating in sailing is easy and fun. Quite often skippers are looking for crew – no experience necessary. Locate a skipper by their boat, boat roster on the OYC website, or by calling the club at telephone 337-0121.

The sailboats on Millers Bay Monday through Friday are part of the Okoboji Yacht Club Sailing School. Training is provided on the International Optimist Dinghy, Open BIC, Laser, and X boats. There is multiple one-week mini training sessions scheduled from mid June through mid August for ages six to eighteen. Students do not need a boat, live on the lake, or be members of the Okoboji Yacht Club. Students in the area for only a week can participate. More than 200 students per summer take advantage of the sailing lessons. Additional information can be found in the Sailing School brochure using the Okoboji Yacht Club website.

Membership in the Okoboji Yacht Club is open to everyone. You do not need to live on the lake or own a boat to be a member. Many of the 450 OYC members are not sailors, but enjoy the social program. Sailing information is available from the club at 337-0121 or find Okoboji YC information on the Internet at  www.okobojiyachtclub.org

2022 Okoboji Regatta

North American Yngling Regatta - August 5 - 7, 2022

Most Competitors will come from Lake Minnetonka, MN and Alpena, MI (Lake Huron)

Four Okoboji Racing Classes:

Class C - Scow Type

Single Main Sail 20 feet in length Sail ID: letter P plus 1-3 digits Sail area 216 square feet Registered OYC boats: 15

The “C” is a highly maneuverable cat-rigged (main sail only) scow that has been the most popular of all the scows over the years because of its versatility. As an exciting tactical racer for 2-3 people, it has plenty of sophisticated gear and enjoys dozens of very competitive racing fleets. Yet, one person easily skippers it.

Class MC - Scow Type

Single Main Sail

16 feet in length Sail ID: four digits Sail area: 135 square feet Higher sail number is a newer boat Registered OYC boats: 30

The MC’s appeal is as a racing scow that can be sailed single-handed by an average-to-large person in all wind conditions, yet has room for additional crew for the smaller skipper in a heavier wind. With its cat rig (main sail only) and large rudder, it is easy to sail and very maneuverable.

Yngling Class - Keel Design

Main, jib, and spinnaker sails 21 feet in length Sail ID: USA with 2-3 digits Higher sail number is a newer boat Sail area can be up to 415 square feet Registered OYC boats: 8 Sailed Internationally

Generally sailed by two people, but could be three in a heavier wind. The Yngling is an attractive, fast, and seaworthy keelboat. Under spinnaker it is a lively performer, happily surfing waves. Sturdy construction produces simple and inexpensive maintenance, and a durable hull: Thirty-year-old boats are still competitive!

Class X - Club Boat

Jib and Main Sail

16 feet in length

Sail Area: 110 square feet

Registered OYC boats: 8

The X or "Cub" boat is a hard-chined, pointed bow, centerboard boat that was designed primarily as a safe and uncomplicated trainer for beginning sailors and racers. Over the years, this same basic design has provided thousands of sailors with their start in the sport and it continues to be the predominant club racer in the Midwest exclusively for boys and girls up to 16 years of age.

OYC Asks Power Boaters For Cooperation:

The Okoboji Yacht Club race committee have asked power boaters to be considerate of the wake they generate when moving near the racecourses on West Lake Okoboji. The wakes from powerboats can upset the delicate balance of a sailboat that is totally dependent on wind power. Racing sailors will appreciate powerboats that give them a wide berth while they are racing.

Power boaters can help by reducing to a “no wake” speed when in the vicinity of the racecourse or passing behind the sailboat fleet. Powerboats generate the largest wake at a medium speed.

The boat chop on Okoboji is critical to sailors when the wind speed is between 4 and 12 MPH. Below 4 MPH there is not enough wind to race and above 12 MPH the white cap waves mitigate the boat wake. The most critical sailing areas are those near the starting and finishing line.

The regatta race committee will make very effort to arrange the racecourse so there is room above and below the course for powerboats to pass between the course and shore. Accomplishing this can be very challenging to get a mile length or more for the course and still leave plenty of room for powerboats. The race committee will make very effort to stay away from Smith’s Bay and other high traffic boating areas.

2021 ILYA Championship Regatta

What a week! Okoboji Yacht Club pulled out all the stops for 16 A Scows, 41 MC Scows, 35 E Scows, and 50 C Scows. The skippers, the crews, their families, their friends, the ILYA Race Committee and Judges were treated like royalty by our hosts. Their volunteers were tireless. Their preparation and execution were spot on, and their excitement to have everyone visit and enjoy the club and its environs was evident everywhere. AND the VIP of VIPS, invited to every regatta, but often a fickle guest, The WIND, not only showed up, but stuck around from the beginning to the end!

This was evidenced by the A Fleet's 6 Races, the MC Fleet's 7 Races, the E

Fleet's 7 Races and the C Fleet's 6 Races. Every last drop of silver polish was utilized and all of the ILYA's spectacular trophies were awarded to sailors who were able to enjoy wind and the water of Okoboji. As far as the racing went, it was competitive and exciting with the As, Es and Cs going down to the wire. The A Scows and E Scows had past champions repeat, while the C and MC Scows boasted new winners.

Camps, Classes, and Lessons “OH MY”

Embrace the joy of family fun in Okoboji, whether you're a regular visitor, enjoying a short getaway, or a local seeking summer activities for the kids! Dive into an array of camps, classes, and lessons tailored to every child's interests. While the kids embark on exciting new adventures, take the opportunity to explore local shops, savor delicious bites at eateries, or delve into the rich history showcased at our captivating museums. Okoboji is your canvas for family fun – make the most of every moment!

Sailing Lessons

Discover the thrill of sailing with unique lessons at the Okoboji Sailing Center and Yacht Club! Since 1973, OSC has been a hub for sailing education, offering diverse programs for all ages.

From the playful "Little Puffs" introductory class (ages 6-8) to the innovative "Adventure Sailing" blending STEM activities with sailing (ages 10-16) and the competitive "Performance Racing" classes for sailors 18 and under – there's a perfect fit for every age and skill level.

Explore the 2024 class offerings at okobojisailingcenter.org and mark your calendar for registration opening on March 1st at 10 am central time. Embark on a sailing adventure in Okoboji – where lessons are not just about the sea but a journey of skill, fun, and memories!

Nature Center Camps & Classes

Make the most of your time in Okoboji with a visit to the Dickinson County Nature Center – a place where fun and education collide! Indoors and outdoors, discover interactive exhibits that will truly captivate both you and your kids. But the excitement doesn't end there – throughout the summer, your kids can dive into a world of adventure by joining the Nature Center's engaging classes and camps.

Explore their event and class schedule here to plan your visit. Whether it's the Friday Family Fun nights, nature tots, nature explorers, or a variety of summer camps tailored for all ages, the Nature Center is the go-to spot for endless summer fun. Don't miss out – make the Dickinson County Nature Center a staple in your Okoboji summer itinerary!

Registration opens on March 1st at 8 am!

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Camps & Classes

Is your child an outdoor enthusiast? Dive into a world of adventure at Iowa Lakeside Lab 's exciting summer camps! Tailored for students from PreK (4-year-olds) to 9th grade, their camps provide an immersive experience in the great outdoors.

Explore their diverse 2024 camp offerings. Ready to secure your spot? Registration opens on February 1st at 12 pm! Don't miss out – register early to guarantee a spot for your young explorer in our enriching youth camps!

Kids Yoga Camp March Another kids camp is back in March! The kids love learning about yoga and mindfulness and they have a ton of fun with Melissa. click here to register

Golf Lessons

Elevate your child's golf game with youth golf lessons at Emerald Hills Golf Course , guided by Head Pro Randy Rohlfsen. Our Junior Golf Program, running throughout June, provides a comprehensive week of instruction covering all aspects of the game. Plus, enjoy play dates every other week throughout the summer, complete with weekly prizes and a thrilling season-ending tournament.

For an immersive experience, join our week-long Junior Camp in June, featuring one-on-one instruction, meals, skill contests, and a tournament. Looking for more options? Brooks Golf offers two four-day Junior Golf Camps, where participants receive expert guidance in full swing analysis, putting, pitching, and chipping. Engage in daily long drive and short game competitions, with winners earning certificates and prizes.

But the golf adventures don't end there! Spencer Golf and Country Club hosts a junior golf clinic throughout June, catering to students aged 7 to 14. Transform your child's summer with the joy of golf – sign up for youth golf lessons at these premier Iowa courses!

Art Classes

Free your creative spirit and gain insight into the many aspects of art through classes at the Pearson Lakes Art Center! Their summer schedule offers something for everyone.  You can also enjoy time as family while painting potter, or schedule a birthday party at Kurio Kastle in downtown Spirit Lake.

Okoboji Performing Arts Summer Academy

Summer Academy allows kids to explore the arts and find their passion in a fun atmosphere designed to enhance appreciation of and participation in performing arts.

Kindermusik

With 40 years of passion for early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik is a world class experience and fairly new to Okoboji!  Classes are specifically created to engage whole child development through research-based music and movement. Get ready for musical, magical and memorable moments!   Registration is now open for summer camps!

Church Camps

If a Church Camp is what you have in mind be sure to check out the offerings at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp or Lutheran Lakeside Camp .  Ingham Okoboji offers on-water activities, piant-ball, fishing and so much more! You can even come to camp as a family with many weeks of Family Camp.  Lutheran Lakeside amenities include a swimming pool, beach front on East Lake Okoboji, zip-line and much more. The kids will have so much fun and their faith will be strengthened as well!

Dickinson County ISU Extension Camps & Classes

Learn new skill and have fun in the classes and camps offered by the Dickinson County Extension Office.  Gardening, Fish Camp, bot coding, and cooking are just a few of the options available!  Registration opens April 5, but you can check out all of the options today ! There is something for every age and ability level.

Camp Foster

Camp Foster YMCA , on East Lake Okoboji, has been entertaining campers for years.  With day camps and overnight camps, the options are endless and every week has a fun-filled theme that makes each week a little bit different if one week at camp isn't long enough!  Oh yeah, there is even a week long Boots and Saddles Camp for the horse lover or a water sports specialty camp!  Day Camp runs from 8:45 am- 4 pm and there are convenient bus stops all around the area.  This will be the week your kids will be writing about as their summer highlight when they go back to school in the fall. These camps do fill up fast, but it's worth check them out and getting your name on a waiting list.

Experience a world of family fun in Okoboji where the options are as diverse as your family's interests! Whether you're aiming to refine your child's skills, introduce them to exciting new activities, build confidence, foster their faith, or simply keep them happily occupied, Okoboji has it all! The only challenge? Deciding what to do first – or maybe, just maybe, extending your stay for another week to soak in all the incredible possibilities! Your ultimate family adventure in Okoboji awaits – where the fun never ends!

Southern Idaho Sailing Association

Your Home for Sailing in Idaho Since 1969

Hello to all our members and friends!

Please visit our schedule page for the current calendar of events we have many fun opportunities lined up to get on the water and enjoy each other’s company. , thanks for all your support, and we look forward to seeing you on the water, the southern idaho sailing association, for over 50 years we have been bringing sailors together by hosting regattas, cruising events, and great social gatherings.  regardless of your sailing experience, whether you own a boat or not, or just want to hone your crewing skills, we are here as a resource to help expand your recreational and sport opportunities on the beautiful lakes of southern idaho.  all are welcome.  check out our schedule and plan to join us this year.  thank you for visiting our site.  we look forward to seeing you  our mission:, promote safe sailing on idaho waters, encourage junior sailing and racing programs, sponsor and conduct sailing regattas, encourage recreational sailing, stay up to date.

Subscribe to our Mailing List

In addition to email, SISA is now using the GroupMe app to communicate and enhance our sailing community! Interested in joining the conversation? Reach out to [email protected]  to be added to the group. Please click  here  to review our  GroupMe Use Guidelines .

Current Water & Boat Ramp Levels

FoodFindsAsia.com

Your One-Stop Resource for Restaupreneurs and Foodies in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In

FoodfindsAsia.com | 8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In | Filipinos’ history as a maritime people date back to prehistoric times. In fact, the Philippines’ basic sociopolitical unit today, the barangay, traces its etymological origins to the balangay , the ancient outrigger boats that were used by precolonial Filipino communities to explore and conquer islands this side of the Pacific. As a people belonging to a seafaring culture, it’s no wonder that modern Filipinos are taking a retrospective look at their glorious past as Austronesian mariners and are developing a renewed love for the ocean and marinas as present-day yachtsmen.

Today, Philippine marinas look to accommodate more and more yachts and other pleasure watercrafts as the years go by. In 2017, an ASEAN Briefing op-ed piece named the Philippines as a country with high potential in yacht industry growth. The natural beauty of the Philippine islands and its fantastic bays, combined with a growing interest in leisurely sea travel, can explain the spike in yachting activities throughout the country.

Are you part of the demographic that’s become enamored of the yachting lifestyle? Do you want to know where in the country you can berth your watercraft? Leading sailboat and motorboat authority Europa Yachts is happy to enter the conversation, and recommends the following locations for discovering the Philippines through yachting. Here is a short list of clubs and marinas in the country, organized by island region.  

Manila Yacht Club and Marina, Manila, Metro Manila

Established in 1927, the Manila Yacht Club and Marina is one of the oldest yacht clubs in all of Asia, and is nestled in the scenic Manila Bay. It is also near other well-known landmarks in the city, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the US Embassy. Facilities in the marina include a launching ramp and a fueling center, and the club itself is host to a restaurant and gorgeous function rooms. The Manila Yacht Club only welcomes visitors who arrive by boat, and it charges an initial security deposit of USD 750 upon arrival. Club membership is mandatory for medium and long-term mooring of boats.

Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales

The Subic Bay Yacht Club, which was founded in 1998, upholds itself as the country’s premier yacht club. It operates in the deepest bay in the country, and can host vessels well beyond 50 meters in length. Already benefitting from the innate beauty of the Zambales mountains surrounding it, the club hosts a number of other attractions, including its luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and its own movie theater, bowling alley, and nightclub. Those who venture outside of the club’s premises can also shop for well-priced imported goods at the Subic Freeport Zone, engage in water sports , or sign up for diving excursions.

Punta Fuego Yacht Club, Batangas

Peaceful Punta Fuego is a mecca for those who love the sport of sailing. As per its official website, the Punta Fuego Yacht Club aims to serve “a dynamic and vibrant community of boat enthusiasts and yacht owners.” This it does by playing host to a diverse population of watercrafts, from large catamarans and mono-hull yachts to small boats. Non-members of the club may use the berths for up to 3 weeks, and can refuel at the marina’s fueling station. The yacht club offers other amenities such as locker rooms, shower rooms, Internet facilities, a chart room, and a restaurant called Barracuda Bar, which serves delicious fares. Outside of the yachting crowd, Punta Fuego Yacht Club also caters to those wishing to celebrate weddings, conferences, and corporate events in their opulent quarters.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Oriental Mindoro

Further south, yachtsmen may moor at the Puerto Galera Yacht Club in Oriental Mindoro, an island location that’s home to tourist attractions like the Sabang Wreck dive site, lively beachfront resorts, and the Malasimbo Music Festival. Puerto Galera Yacht Club has been in operation for almost thirty years and lends services such as refueling provisions and yacht repairs from its marina. Boat owners also enjoy optimal convenience if mooring here, as they can also shop for spare parts in the nearby Batangas port.

Busuanga Yacht Club, Puerta del Sol Bay Marina, Palawan

Beautiful Palawan is a bucket-list destination for many, especially those who dream of cruising its crystalline waters. Accommodating the yachting community in this island province is the Busuanga Yacht Club, which promises secure mooring amidst breathtaking white-sand beaches. Here, each vessel will benefit from a typhoon-safe harbor, easy refueling, and direct access to transportation hubs like the New Busuanga Airport. Adjoining this marina is the Puerta del Sol Bay Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations to visitors. When not atop the deck of a boat, travelers can also explore the lagoons and freshwater lakes of Coron, go shipwreck diving, or relax in the hot springs of Maquinit.

Iloilo Sailing Club, Arevelo, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Iloilo Province is home to some of the country’s most beautiful old-world architecture, a flourishing ecotourism industry, and delectably fresh seafood cuisine. What will round off an unforgettable visit to Iloilo, however, is an excursion to the Iloilo Sailing Club on a leisure watercraft. The club accepts visitors and encourages membership in the case of medium and long-stay mooring. It also hosts a number of amenities and activities, including a dinghy storage, a beach bar and restaurant, and classes for those who want to learn about sailing. In recent months, the Iloilo Sailing Club has also been a convenient meet-up point for big maritime events, such as the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta and the Seafarers’ Job Fair.

Cebu Yacht Club, Mactan Island, Cebu

The historic Mactan Island in Cebu was the site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Now known as a commercial hub that hosts a prolific furniture and musical instruments industries, Mactan is also the location of the Cebu Yacht Club, an institution that is beloved by the locals. Aside from being an ideal spot to restock on much-needed fuel and supplies, the Cebu Yacht Club is also a trusted club to commission for boat repairs. There’s a good vibe in this club for everybody, as it sports both luxury accommodations and a waterfront strip of restaurants that laid-back diners can frequent. MINDANAO

Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The Holiday Oceanview Marina is a major attraction of Samal Island in Davao del Norte Province, one that welcomes Filipino and foreign yachtsmen alike to moor within its premises. The space is quite roomy, in fact, with 56 berths that can fit vessels up to 15 meters in length. The club also has a boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to 18 meters in length. The well-guarded and weather-safe marina is a gateway to some of Mindanao’s finest attractions, such as the Pearl Farm, Hagimit Falls, and Giant Clam Sanctuary.  

There’s no better way to discover the Philippines from end to end than getting onboard a seaworthy vessel and going on a long cruise, with stops in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Find a safe harbor in any of these major clubs and marinas, and participate in the renaissance of sailing in the Philippines.

Trending Now

Mga Kuwentong Pagkain annual storytelling announces winners of holiday edition 2023

Founder and CEO of RDF Marks 65th birthday, launches coffee table book

TME 2024: The Ultimate Travel event is happening on JULY 12 to 14, 2024

This Boracay Italian Restaurant is 21 years old and counting

10 Nutritious Recipes Packed with the Goodness of Olive Oil

Limited-Edition Tanduay Heritage Rum Celebrates Brand’s Tradition of Excellence

Related stories.

• People Food & Places

You may have missed