Who are we? 

The University of Wisconsin Sailing Team is a coed, student-run, nationally competitive club team that allows undergraduate students of all sailing abilities to compete at regattas around the Midwest and the country.

Who can join?

Any undergraduate UW-Madison student interested in racing and improving their sailing abilities from competitive racers to inquisitive newcomers.

What do we sail?

The majority of our regattas are held in collegiate 420s or FJs, although several regattas each year sail lasers or keelboats. Our team owns an 18 boat fleet of zim E-420s and 6 FJs

Where do we sail?

The team practices out of the Hoofer Sailing Club located right outside Memorial Union on Lake Mendota. Competing at schools around the Midwest, members get to experience a variety of sailing locales and conditions such as Lake Michigan sailing at Northwestern and small inland lake sailing at the University of Michigan. Nationally the team often travels to a variety of locations including Boston, Charleston, San Francisco, Annapolis, and New Orleans, with spring break training trips in Charleston, SC.

Who coaches the team?

Our head coach, Ian Beckley, is a Grad Student pursuing a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences here at UW. Ian has a lot of sailing expertise from his college years sailing dinghies at Hobart College in Geneva, New York, as well as keelboat racing currently in his free time. Our assistant coach and Head of Instruction is Gretchen Ladd.

When do we practice?

The fall season begins with the start of the school year and ends Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago. As soon as the ice breaks in the spring (usually mid March-April), sailors again begin braving the cold and practice until Nationals at the end of May. The team practices Tuesday through Friday from 2:30 until 6:00 or sundown (usually whichever comes first), with only two practices required per week.

When do we compete?

Regattas of varying skill levels occur every weekend around the country with most sailors competing in two to four per semester. Students generally leave Friday after class and drive to their sailing site, arriving at their location in time to get a good nights rest to be ready to sail the next morning.

Why should you join?

The team is a great and fun way to meet friends from around the country who share your interests. From homework help to general advice, sailing tips to team dinners, the team is there for you at any point. With a variety of personalities, your teammates will become your best friends and give you memories you will never forget.

How can I donate to the Wisconsin Sailing Team’s continued success?

Follow this link to donate online today! All donations go towards equipment maintenance, traveling for events, and coaching.

Want to stay in the loop?

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Wisco Sailor!

Have more questions?

For more information about the team please contact co-captains Ellie Murphy and Nicole Giuliani at UWSailingCaptain@gmail.com.