What is New Trier Sailing?
The New Trier Sailing Team is one of the top teams in the Midwest. Our program offers the opportunity to develop as a team sailor and experience the thrill of sailing at a competitive level. The team is coached by Chicago Yacht Club and sails out of Belmont Station. NT Sailing is not an official school team yet is comprised of all New Trier students. Team members are asked to sign and are bound by the New Trier Athletic Code of Conduct. We are a longstanding member of the Midwest High School Sailing Association (MISSA) and Interscholastic High School Sailing Association, and compete against schools in throughout the Midwest and United States. Many of our alumni continue to sail competitively in college and beyond. Our coaches, employed by Chicago Yacht Club, are former high school and college sailing champions, and are U.S Sailing Level 1 certified.
Who can join the team?
High school sailing is a co-ed club sport that competes as a team. We welcome sailors of all levels and grades to join. At the start of each season, the coaches will hold tryouts and place sailors on Varsity, Junior Varsity or Development team.
When does the team sail?
The team sails during both the fall and spring seasons. While most sailors sail both seasons, it is not a requirement.
Varsity: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Saturday (10-4) plus several all-weekend regattas.
Junior Varsity: Tues, Thurs and Saturday (10-4) plus some all weekend regattas.
Development team will sail all day on Saturdays only (10-4)
Regatta participation requires a full weekend commitment including both local and travel events. Sailors are expected to be attend all practices and to be available during the regatta weekends should they be rostered, with the exception of excused absences.
How does the team get to Belmont and back?
On weekdays, bus transportation is provided to and from the Winnetka campus. Freshman may take the shuttle from Northfield and arrive in time for the bus. The bus meets in front of the school on Winnetka Ave and departs at 3:45 , returning around 7:45 pm. On weekends, sailors must provide their own transportation and arrange their own carpools.
How much does the program cost each season?
Varsity/Junior Varsity:
$450 ($400 for CYC members) per season to Chicago Yacht Club
$200-$250 bus fee to New Trier Sailing
$50 team fee to New Trier Sailing
The Development team fee is $200.
Note: Regatta costs are not included in the above amounts.
What is the cost of a typical regatta?
Most weekends, selected team members attend regattas held in the Chicago area as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. The cost will range, depending on the cost of transportation, regatta fee, and need for hotel. Every effort is made to secure housing with other sailors and thus minimize the cost. Below is a breakdown assuming that no hotel is needed.
Transportation: $10-$20 (depending on driving distance)*
Regatta Fee: about $60 (includes certain meals)
Extra Meals and housing gift: $30-$50
*Note that if the team advances to any National events in the spring, airfare and hotel may be required for those attending.
Do I need to purchase a boat?
There’s no need to buy a boat. The team primarily sails in Vanguard 420’s which are provided by Chicago Yacht Club. During the fall season, some experienced sailors will also compete in Lasers, which must be owned by individual sailors.
What is the required equipment/gear?
US Coast Guard Approved Type III Lifejacket
Dinghy Boots
Spray Pants
Spray Top
Sailing Gloves, Atlas Gardening gloves, or dish-washing gloves
Drysuit (for late fall/early spring)
Layers-pants and tops: fleece, polartech, UnderArmour, Patagonia (no cotton)
Hats (polartech, fleece)
Socks: neoprene, wool, seal skin
Sunglasses
What kind of parental volunteer support is requested?
For home regattas, families will be asked to pitch in a few times each season to help house sailors, shop and serve breakfast at the regatta. It’s a great way to get involved and see the sailors in action. For travel regattas, parents will be asked to help drive and chaperone for the weekend.
Questions?
Please contact us via the “Contact Us” link on the top menu-bar.
We look forward to hearing from you!
