Feel free to email any of our board members with questions/interest in the sailing team:
Tom Cramer, Commodore - crame077@umn.edu
Allison Prange, Vice Commodore - pran0024@umn.edu
Braden Matthew Solum, Treasurer - solu0019@d.umn.edu
Kirstin Wilson, Secretary - wils0942@umn.edu
Natalie Sinn, Safety & Facilities Coordinator - sinnx023@umn.edu
Welcome to the University of Minnesota Sailing Team.
We are a student run team through Sport Clubs at the UMN. We have two coaches, Cappy Capper and Dave Elsmo. We practice out of the Wayzata Community Sailing Center (WCSC) on Lake Minnetonka. We are members of the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association (MCSA) and the Inter-collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA). The team has access to 20 420’s, 2 FJ’s and one coaching Whaler.
Do I need prior sailing experience in order to join?
No. In fact, some of our best sailors have started their sailing careers in college. What you need is dedication, sportsmanship and a fun attitude. Our coaches are enthusiastic about helping new sailors learn to sail. Also, many of our team members work as certified sailing instructors during the summer and are more than willing to teach new members.
When do we practice?
We practice Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We car pool out to practice in an official university 15-passenger van. We pick up people from either dinkytown or Centennial Hall at 2:30 and get back at 6/6:30 (sometimes earlier of someone has night class).
What do I bring to practice?
Life jackets are required at all sailing events. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one for your first couple practices. Also, spray gear is highly recommended (if you want to purchase some and don’t know where, gillna.com). Avoid cotton; it retains a lot of water, wet cotton = cold. Shoes that can get wet and/or destroyed and gloves are a good idea.
How much does the team travel?
Whenever there is water, the team travels almost every weekend. This doesn’t mean that everyone on the team travels every weekend. Some events are more competitive than others, therefore our coaches have final call on who will sail at some events. There is opportunity for all eligible sailors to travel and compete at events.
How much does it cost?
Team dues are $150 dollars per semester (must be paid by your third practice or before you travel somewhere with the team). Than if you plan on competing you will need a pinnie which you can either buy or rent per semester. Also, most regattas cost $10 and is paid on Saturday morning of the event.
