Welcome to Wilmette Harbor

We look forward to having you in our class at Wilmette Harbor. Below a re instructions to your locations and a brief “what to bring” that you’ll find helpful for your course. We can’t wait to help you learn to sail at the Wilmette Harbor!

What to Bring

• Learning Materials — please review your learning materials ahead of class.

• Water, lunch, and snacks

• Sun protection — sunglasses (with keepers), hat (with clip).

• Your personal USCG Type III or Type V life jacket

What to Wear

• Close-toed shoes or sandals with non-marking soles. “Gym shoes” are fine.

• Layers. Especially early in the season, the winds off Lake Michigan can be chilly. Inland forecasts can often overstate temperatures on the lake. A windbreaker/rain slicker is always recommended.

What to Expect

A couple of days of learning something new and meeting other great people.  Most of our work will be on the water, however, there are classroom topics we’ll cover on the boat or in a “classroom”.  Sailing, as with any outdoor activity, is heavily dependent on safe weather.  We’ll do our best to dodge the rain drops.  If faced with significant weather challenges, you’ll be notified in advance and we’ll make arrangements to reschedule.  Often there is enough to do over the weekend of learning that we can work around most weather.  If you don’t hear from us, show up for class.

Primary Instructor

Captain Brian Earl — 847-917-7245.

Location

20 Harbor Drive, Wilmette, IL.

Wilmette Harbor is located within Gilson Park and is accessed via Sheridan Road.

Parking

Once inside the park’s main entrance, you’ll pass the Wilmette Harbor Association building on your right and the park’s host on the left. Immediately after the host and at the fork, bear left and park along the left side of the road. An alternative parking area is along Michigan Avenue, which runs along the southwestern edge of the part. Once you’ve parked, walk back toward the harbor and call your instructor if you cannot locate the class.