columbia yacht club summer camp

Welcome Aboard

Since 1892, columbia yacht club has been known and continues to be celebrated as the club that fosters a deep sense of pride and camaraderie among its members, officers, and staff..

Members are drawn together by their love of the Lake, whether racing, cruising, power boating or simply enjoying the view from the Club. From elegant dancing-under-the-stars celebrations on the Club Ship aft deck to casual parties on the dock; from quiet sunrise breakfasts to sunset dining; from the bustle of crews readying for races to quiet nights aboard your boat moored at the Club's docks, Columbia Yacht Club is always a place where you are "Welcome Aboard."

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities

Recreation and Wellbeing

• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

SlateConnect

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to SlateConnect.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Vandal Youth Programs

Katie Doman

Physical Address: 1000 Paradise Creek St. Moscow, ID 83844

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 1230 Moscow, ID 83844-1230

Phone: 208-885-7057

Email: [email protected]

Recreation and Wellbeing is home to a variety of youth camps and programs for kids of all ages. Our youth camps and youth climbing team emphasize developing healthy lifestyles through participation in physical activities.

Vandal Kids Camp

Our action-packed and exciting full day summer camps are a safe environment for kids ages 6-11.

Palouse Youth Climbing Team

An after-school athletic options for kids and teens ages 11-17 focused on physical, emotional, and intellectual growth based on principles of climbing.

BRIGGS CUNNINGHAM: American Racing Tradition TALE OF AN AMERICAN SPORTSMAN

The america's cup, the america’s cup – 1958, text by kane rogers.

View photographer Cory Silken’s “Yacht Columbia – America’s Cup Winner 1958” gallery here .

Click here to read “The America’s Cup: An Insider’s View,” by Bob Bavier.

Prior to 1958, the last defense of the America’s Cup had been in 1937, by the J-Class yacht Ranger , owned by Harold S. “Mike” Vanderbilt. The J-Class rules prescribing a vessel of some 120 feet in length were promoted by Vanderbilt and others for the defense planned for 1958, but economic concerns and the desire among aspiring competitors to employ smaller dual-purpose yachts won the day. The New York Yacht Club settled on the twelve-meter class rules, reducing the length of the average vessel to around sixty-five feet. Harry Sears, then the club’s commodore, formed a syndicate to build the ship and asked Briggs to join to help with finances.

Although building and racing his cars had long been Briggs’ primary field of endeavor, he had never stopped sailing, and he agreed to join the effort. Sailing legend Cornelius Shields was appointed as the team’s skipper but, when he suffered a heart attack, Sears asked Cunningham to take Shields’ place.

As a member of five East Coast yacht clubs, with almost thirty years’ experience racing several different classes of vessel, Briggs was a solid choice to lead. The one thing he lacked was experience with the starting strategy required by the head-to-head style of America’s Cup competition. Shields, a master of this type of racing, was happy to impart his knowledge to Cunningham, who proved an able student.

Unfortunately, as skipper it was Briggs who had to inform Shields that he could not remain a member of the crew; if he suffered an attack during competition and had to be taken to the hospital, it would leave them a man short and result in their disqualification. It was a tough moment for both men, but it was also characteristic of both to do what was best for the team.

The eliminations for the American side would prove to be more exciting than the final races. Four twelve-metre yachts, Easterner , Weatherly , Vim and Columbia , survived two months of run-offs to compete in the final eight-day round of match races to determine the defender of the America’s Cup. Of the four contenders, only the Vim had raced previously, but the nineteen-year-old vessel was so completely refitted as to be virtually brand new. The Easterner and Weatherly had been hurriedly completed and neither was fully prepared to compete, although the Weatherly would successfully defend the Cup in 1962.

Columbia benefited from a strong syndicate whose membership included Harry Sears, Olin Stephens, the designer of the Vim , and Cornelius Shields, Jr., who occasionally spelled Briggs as skipper. The competition finally narrowed to Vim and Columbia , which prevailed by virtue of her ability to better handle rough seas and strong winds.

The British challenger, Sceptre , entered by the Royal Yacht Squadron and skippered by Graham Mann, was a quite rotund 68,000 pounds compared to the svelte Columbia at 57,000 pounds, and the event was decided in four straight wins by the Americans.

During the post-race celebrations, Briggs located a pay phone and called Alfred Momo at Watkins Glen, where Ed Crawford had just won the main race. As Briggs was returning to join his crew, a reporter approached and commented, “Briggs, that was a fine race!” to which Briggs, still with the Glen on his mind, replied, “That’s what I just heard. I wish I could have seen it.”

Website Disclaimer

Please read the disclaimer prior to entering this website. You may access it by clicking here .

2023 Adult Sail Training Programs are now available! Book a lesson from the calendar below.

Columbia Sailing Club is excited to offer

Private sailing instruction on lake murray.

Columbia Sailing Club offers a unique on-the-water opportunity designed to provide a memorable experience that will motivate newcomers to continue sailing. Our Adult “Learn to Sail” program was created to teach adults how to sail through group lessons (offered quarterly) or private lessons on your schedule.  Each private lesson is designed to be 3 hours long with 2+ hours on the water and 45 minutes of rigging, chalk talk and de-rigging.

Participants that have completed the program have really enjoyed the experience and love that they now feel completely comfortable sailing on their own or with friends.

Instruction is available to all experience levels and there is   no need to own your own boat!

Registration is  open to the public… you don’t have to be a club member!

With private lessons, you get one-on-one instruction, helping you grasp concepts quickly and get lots of “tiller time!”

Eager to get on the water? Book your lesson today!

Each Private Lesson Includes:

• Must book at least 7 days in advance
• Price: $349 per session (accommodates one student–one additional student from the same household may participate at no charge)
• First lesson includes one Basic Keelboat Sailing textbook from US SAILING
• Start Sailing Now — Book a Private Sailing Lesson Today!

First Name*:

Last Name*:

  I have read and accept refund/cancellation policy below

After choosing an available time slot, please complete the following steps. Your lesson is not confirmed until registration and payment are complete.

• Complete registration and payment by clicking the link below–no lesson is confirmed or fully-booked until payment is made.
• Sign the Sailing Agreement, Waiver, & Cancellation Policy. This is delivered electronically after you complete registration.
• Consider picking up your textbook ahead of your lesson.
• Get excited to go sailing on beautiful Lake Murray!

READY to SAIL? Complete Registration and Payment by Clicking Here

Adult Summer Classes 

Columbia Sailing School offers lessons for every age and ability level of sailor. Join us for a fun and educational experience in any of our popular classes, from our First Sail Experience to our Racing Courses. Classes are taught by our US Sailing Certified Instructors in either 420 Dinghies or Colgate 26/ Beneteau 28 Keelboats. Whether you've never been on a boat before, want to brush up on your skills, or are interested in meeting new people in a fun and exciting sport, we have something for you!

Sign up for First Sail and get a chance to experience in person why sailing is one of the most exhilarating activities! This unique on-the-water opportunity is designed to provide a memorable experience that will motivate newcomers to continue sailing. Participants will learn about sailing from one of our instructors on a Colgate 26 keelboat. On your First Sail, you can start learning basic sailing terminology or sit back and relax.  This two-hour experience is for anyone, so pick one date and join us on the water!

Pick one two hour session.

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Pick one two hour session!

Learn to Sail

Through our Learn to Sail course, students develop a foundation of sailing skills. In this introductory course, you will learn boat parts and their purposes, how to rig and de-rig a boat, points of sail, and basic boat handling skills. Be prepared to get on the water in your very first lesson! Students are asked to pick two class dates that work with their schedule.

Choose two dates, they do not have to be consecutive.

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Price: $220

US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course

The US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course is a 20-hour course taught in our Colgate 26 keelboats. Each boat will have four students per instructor and includes a comprehensive workbook. With lessons both on the water and in the classroom, you will learn all aspects of sailing, docking, and how to captain a boat safely. Upon completing the 20-hour course and a written test, students will receive US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification, which is accepted at many locations (including Columbia Sailing School) to rent a boat without a captain.

There are no prerequisites for this class; however, many participants with no experience elect to participate in a First Sail to gain experience before signing up for the Basic Keelboat Certification Course. Choose either a weekday session (6 classes) or a weekend session (4 classes) to complete this course!

Week 1: Introduction to Colgate 26 & Sailing area

Week 2: Points of sail & Upwind Sailing

Week 3:  Wind Awareness & Downwind Sailing

Week 4: Seamanship & Person Overboard Recovery

Week 5: Sail controls & course review   

Week 6: On-water evaluation & Classroom examination

Choose either a weekday session or weekend session.

Weekdays, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Session 1 (Fridays): May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and June 7

Session 2 (Tuesdays): May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2

Session 3 (Fridays): June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19

Session 4 (Tuesdays ): July 16 , 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20

Weekends, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

BK 1 : 05/11/24, 05/12/24, 05/18/24, 05/19/24

BK 2:  05/25/24, 05/26/24, 06/08/24, 06/09/24

BK 3:  06/15/24, 06/16/24, 06/22/24, 06/23/24

BK 4:  06/29/24, 06/30/24, 07/06/24, 07/07/24

BK 5:  07/13/24, 07/14/24, 07/20/24, 07/21/24

BK 6:  07/27/24, 07/28/24, 08/03/24, 08/04/24

BK 7:  08/10/24, 08/11/24, 08/17/24, 08/18/24

BK 8:  08/24/24, 08/25/24, 09/07/24, 09/08/24

BK 9:  09/14/24 , 09/15/24 , 09/28/24 , 09/29/24

Price: $880

Introduction to Racing

This comprehensive six-session course is designed for experienced sailors (US Sailing Basic Keelboat graduates) who are looking to enhance their sailing skills and understand the art of using spinnakers in racing. Whether you're an intermediate or advanced sailor, this course will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently handle spinnakers and further improve your racing performance.

Week 1: Introduction to Spinnakers and Racing

Week 2: Spinnaker Rigging and Setup

Week 3: Spinnaker Handling Technique

Week 4: Spinnaker Strategy and Race Tactics

Week 5: Race Day and Drills

Week 6: Advanced Spinnaker Techniques and Q&A

By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to confidently handle spinnakers in a racing environment, make informed decisions about sail selection and trimming, and effectively contribute to their sailing team's success. Whether you're aiming to compete in the Wednesday Night Beer Can race series (Intermediate Racing Class) or simply improve your sailing skills, this course will provide you with the knowledge and experience you need.

Session 1: 05/01/24,    05/08/24,  05/15/24,  05/22/24,  05/29/24,  06/05/24

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Intermediate Racing Class

Our Intermediate Racing course is fun and competitive  for sailors with prior spinnaker and racing experience. You will continue to develop your seamanship skills while focusing on using a spinnaker and mastering the Racing Rules of Sailing.  During six comprehensive sessions, we will focus on enhancing your racing skills and techniques while actively participating in the Wednesday Beer Can Race series each week.

Week 1: Rigging, Spinnaker Hoist/Douse Techniques

Week 2: Starting Techniques

Week 3: Course variations and Rules recapitulation

Week 4: Upwind Sailing

Week 5: Mark Rounding

Week 6 : Downwind Sailing

Before enrolling in this course, please remember that active movement around the boat and familiarity with racing tactics are essential. We encourage you to reach out if you have questions or need further clarification.

As part of this program, you will actively participate in the Wednesday Night Racing series, the Chicago Inshore Beer Can Series.  You will be competing against other Colgate 26 sailors from the Chicago area. 

Additionally, you will be invited to attend Wednesday night social gatherings hosted in the tent on the second level of the Columbia Yacht Club, allowing you to socialize with fellow sailors participating in the series. With hundreds of sailors joining our Wednesday Series, this presents an excellent opportunity to expand your network in the sailing community and meet new people who share your passion for the sport!

06/12/24, 06/19/24, 06/26/24, 07/03/24, 07/10/24, 07/17/24

07/24/24, 07/31/24, 08/07/24, 08/14/24, 08/21/24, 08/28/24

US Sailing Basic Cruising

The US Sailing Basic Cruising course is designed to equip sailors with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during daylight hours, within sight of land, in moderate wind and sea conditions. By the end of this course, participants will be prepared to confidently command a keelboat up to 32 feet in length and safely navigate various cruising scenarios. 

This course builds upon the foundation of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification (perquisite to join Basic Cruising). The course is divided into six sessions, each addressing specific aspects of cruising and seamanship:

-Preparation and Safety

-Crew Operations and Skills

- Boat Control and Navigation  

- Heavy Weather Sailing and Seamanship

Upon successful completion of the US Sailing Basic Cruising course, participants will be well-prepared to take command of a cruising sailboat and navigate confidently in a variety of conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of their crew and passengers.

Session 1:   10/05/24, 10/06/24, 10/12/24, 10/13/24

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Price: $980

420 Dinghy Progression Class

In our Adult Dinghy Progression Class, you will learn the fundamentals of sailing on 420 sailboats. This course is designed for both beginners and those with some sailing experience, providing a comprehensive introduction to the world of dinghy sailing.

The 420 sailing dinghy is a classic in the world of small sailboats. Known for its exceptional versatility and thrilling performance, this two-person dinghy has been a favorite among sailors of all skill levels for decades.

Sailors should be prepared to get wet, and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required as you should be capable of pulling yourself back into the boat after a capsize.  This progression course is broken down into six 2.5 hour sessions: 

Week 1: Capsize and Safety

Week 2: Sailing Fundamentals

Week 3: Points of Sail, and Wind awareness

Week 5: Downwind Sailing

Week 6:  Introduction to Spinnakers and Racing  

Session 1: 08/01/24,  08 /08 /24,  08 /15 /24,  08 /22 /24,  08 /29 /24,  09 /05 /24

Price: $8 80

Set sail on a transformative journey of empowerment, adventure, and camaraderie with our W.O.W (Women on the Water) sailing course. Designed exclusively for women, this course offers a unique opportunity to discover the joys of sailing while building confidence, mastering new skills, and forging lasting friendships. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your sailing expertise, our team of experienced female coaches is here to guide you every nautical mile of the way.

This course is broken down into two 2.5 hour sessions.  Commencing on a tiller steered Colgate 26, before advancing onto a helm steered inboard diesel cruising keelboat.  

Week 1:   Intro to Keel Boating & Sailing Fundamentals: 

Safety, Wind Awareness, Sail trim, Basic Navigation, and parts of the boat will all be discussed in detail during your first session on the Colgate 26.  There will be an introductory classroom session before launching our boats. Week 2: Intermediate Keelboat Sailing/ Cruising: You will progress onto sailing a helm-steered, inboard diesel keelboat.  Either a Catalina 34, or a Beneteau 28. Your coaches will highlight the differences and similarities between the vessels you have sailed on.  We will discuss seamanship skills, and POB (person overboard recovery). This ladies only, class will leave you with a solid sailing foundation, and eager for more!   

Session 1:   08/02/24,  08/09/24

Price: $280

Tiller Time

Join us for Tiller Time, an exclusive sailing program designed for graduates of our Basic Keelboat Certification Course or members of Columbia Yacht Club seeking to enhance their skills before renting boats independently. Tiller Time offers a valuable opportunity to practice the skills learned in the fast-paced Basic Keelboat Course. Led by experienced instructors, you'll sail alongside up to four other participants, honing your techniques and building confidence on the water.   

May 14th - September 24th

Skipjack is a great social introduction to sailing held by the members of the Columbia Yacht Club. Members use their own boats and perform on-the-water instruction during each session. If you are interested in learning to sail different boats, this is a great opportunity! The class sizes are large, which allows students to meet many boat captains and other students. It’s a tremendously fun program and helps people get comfortable on different boats and learn the basics of a wonderful sport. Lifelong relationships are developed here, and students who have taken Skipjacks become cruising and/or racing crew with the captains they meet!

Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, Check-in Begins at 5:30 PM Classroom Sessions: May 14 and May 21  On the Water Sessions: May 28 - June 25 Graduation Party: July 9

$ 495 (Members $425) 

Are you ready to begin your nautical adventure?