The University of Iowa Sailing Club

 

About the UISC

The University of Iowa Sailing Club (UISC), established in 1965, is one of the oldest student organizations. Its purpose is to promote the sport of sailing by providing boats and sailing instruction and organizing fun sailing related activities for club members.

The club owns over 45 sailboats, including Flying Juniors (FJs), Lasers, E Scows and MC Scows, which members sail from April to November on Lake Macbride.

The UISC provides lessons for members during scheduled teaching days throughout the year, and sponsors racing on an intraclub and intercollegiate level.

The goal of the club's sailing instruction is to develop fundamental sailing skills and then to expand upon them. 

The club is based on the south arm of Lake Macbride, in the University of Iowa's Macbride Nature and Recreation Area, located twenty minutes north of Iowa City. Lake Macbride is a no-wake lake bordering on the Coralville Reservoir, making for an excellent learning environment and has one of the best facilities in the Midwest. UI Rec Services and the UISC maintain a dock, two boatsheds, and a large boathouse for use by the group.

The UISC is a volunteer organization. All lessons, maintenance, and club organization are accomplished by the members of the club. Each member is expected to contribute to the UISC in one or more of these three areas.

The UISC is also a non-profit organization.  Membership dues are used for the general maintenance of boats, equipment and Club functions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it take to learn to sail?

A. Sailing is a sport that takes a lifetime to master. There are many variables such as: weather conditions, physical condition, frequency and duration of lessons among others.  The sailing club provides just about everything you need, such as boats, sails, safety gear, etc. You will need to wear suitable clothes (read, clothes you don't mind getting wet) and with some respect for the time of year. Old sneakers or Teva-type sandals are recommended for your feet. If you forget your sun-block, there is plenty in the boathouse, and many people also bring with them sunglasses and a hat. A water bottle is recommended.

If you really enjoy sailing, and begin to spend many hours on the water, you may want to buy your own life jacket or PFD personal floatation device ($50-$100), gloves($10-$30), and sailing boots($50-$100). Club members who have been sailing for many years are a great source of advice for what type of gear to buy.  Some websites that sell gear are here.

Q. How do I get started?

A. First step is to contact the any of the current UISC officers by email or show up at the boathouse on Saturdays around 11am. Many weekends we have lessons (generally Saturdays) and racing (generally Sundays - see the Club Calendar of Events, but contact us for exact times and dates. For UI students, transportation from Iowa City to the UISC is available; you should definitely contact someone beforehand if you need a ride; pickup is 30 minutes before the event, at the IMU South entrance (on Jefferson).

Q. I don't have previous sailing experience.  Can I still join?

A. Yes.  Many of us in the Club first learned how to sail by becoming members and taking lessons during the teaching weekends (most Saturdays).

Q. When and where are the membership meetings held?

A. Generally, membership meetings are held in the Iowa Memorial Union on the 3rd floor.  However, schedules and rooms can vary.  You can also check the monitors in the IMU for room information.  The best way to find out when and where the meetings will be held is to check the Club calendar and/or sign up for the email listserv.  Reminder notices are emailed before the meetings.

Q. How do I sign up for or remove myself from the email listserv?

A. For instructions to sign up for or removal from the listserv, click here.