Our History


The origin of SYSC can be traced to the mid 1980s when members of Sheboygan Yacht Club (SYC) recognized a need for a sailing program focusing on the youth in Sheboygan who were not old enough for the Sea Scout program.

In 1988, the SYC set up the Youth Committee for the purpose of establishing a nonprofit organization to provide sailing lessons and one year later, in March 1989, The Sheboygan Youth Sailing Club, Inc. (SYSC) was formed. For the first summer, ten Optimists sailboats were acquired and 36 students joined the classes.

Due to increasing popularity, by 1992 the SYSC expanded its offering, hired two instructors, and purchased a Boston Whaler. Among 67 youths that participated in the program that summer, there were many who took part in sailing races around Wisconsin.

Collaboration between the City of Sheboygan, the Sheboygan Development Corp., and the Sheboygan Yacht Club resulted in fund raising and construction of the Youth Boating Center. The Center was completed and ready for use in June 1994. The fleet, course offerings, and number of instructors increased again with the donation of 420s, while enrollment reached about 100 students.

In 2000, the program received major support from Windway Corporation with the donation of two J/24s, two Ynglings, and a Zodiac chase boat for the instructors.

By 2005, the original fleet of sailboats was aging and needing replacement, having served over 1,000 students for over a decade. The Brotz Family Foundation helped sustain the program by replacing the majority of the fleet contributing new Optimists, 420s, Lasers, Lightnings, and an instructor's boat.

Not only has there been growth in the SYSC fleet, but parent volunteers continue to grow, along with the growth in student enrollment and the support from local foundations and corporations. It is through these contributions of time, expertise, and money or equipment that the SYSC has become recognized around Lake Michigan and the Midwest, and will continue to benefit area youth and adults.

Endowment & Scholarships


In 2002, SYSC received a substantial donation from the Martha Spiller Memorial and an endowment was set up to benefit the sailing interests of area youth.

Additionally, memorial funds have been designated to provide sailing classes for those who are interested but can not afford the fees as well as supporting those students interested in competitive sail racing.

Job Opportunities


Currently we don't have any positions available. However, if you would like to find out what working at Sheboygan Youth Sailing Club as an instructor entails, check the below job descriptions:


Our Goals


Personal Development

  • Self-Confidence
  • Respect for the Marine Environment
  • Appreciation of Teamwork
  • Self-Reliance

Sailing Oriented

  • Boat handling
  • Respect for Equipment
  • Seamanship
  • Racing Skills

Ethics

  • Respect for Others
  • Respect for Property
  • Sportsmanship
  • Rules Compliance

Our Guidelines


Guidelines for ethical behavior

Guideline 1
Respected sailors always know and abide by the Racing Rules. They promptly take a penalty or retire when they know they broke a rule or file a protest when appropriate.

Guideline 2
Respected sailors always obey event regulations on and off the water, including housing rules.

Guideline 3
Respected sailors are always organized, prepared, and responsible for their own equipment.

Guideline 4
Respected sailors always show respect to fellow sailors and those helping to run regattas and programs.

Respected Sailor Never:

  1. Swear at, intimidate or harass anyone, including teammates, on or off the water.
  2. Steal or borrow, without permission, anything that does not belong to them.
  3. Break laws related to alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

Guidelines for Instructors:

  1. Follow and promote the SYSC Ethical Guidelines
  2. Be aware of their enormous influence on the sailors in their charge and strive to model the highest ethical and moral conduct.
  3. Promote the total sport of sailing, not just racing.
  4. Place winning in the context of fun, good sportsmanship, and fair play.
  5. Take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
  6. Be aware of their responsibility for the supervision and welfare of the sailors in their charge at all times including at away regattas.
  7. Operate support craft under recognized principles of safe motorboating.
  8. Understand that they must uphold event regulations, on and off the water, and housing rules.
  9. Be thoroughly acquainted with the racing rules, encourage adherence to the rules, and teach not only the rules, but also the procedures to be followed in the protest process.
  10. Assist all sailors to develop to their fullest potential.
  11. Encourage their sailors to be organized, to be responsible for their own equipment, to respect the property of others and to follow Lost and Found procedures.

Guidelines for Parents:

  1. Support and promote the SYSC Code of Ethics and SYSC Ethics Guidelines.
  2. Place winning in the context of fun, good sportsmanship, and fair play. Emphasize performance goals rather than outcome goals.
  3. Promote the total sport of sailing, not just racing.
  4. As spectators, remain in designated areas and manage motorboats properly.
  5. Remember that any coaching DURING a race is prohibited.
  6. Show respect for Instructors, race officials, and regatta rules.
  7. Understand that alcohol and other illegal substances have no place at any junior sailing event.
  8. Model supportive and ethical behavior. (Young people learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.)