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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program offers classroom and on-the-water instruction, races and leisure cruises for youth and adults with physical impairments.
Leisure Cruises
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Enjoy summer cruises and dockside lunches on Lake Michigan. Reservations and a deposit are required. Please call 312.747.7684 for reservations and costs.
Sailing Classes
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Beginner and intermediate sailors are welcome to participate in our adaptive sailing program. We offer a one-to-two instructor/student ratio. Each participant may bring one aide (i.e., a family member, friend or caregiver).
Adult sailing 2026 schedule:
Weekly classes (Wednesday-Sunday) June 3-September 15, 10 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-4 pm.
Youth sailing 2026 schedule:
Our youth sailing program is 8 weeks, starting June 17 and concluding August 12. Sessions are on Wednesdays, 9 am-12:30 pm.
Please note: there will be no session on July 22.
All classes are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Cost: $100 for classes. Scholarships may be available based on financial need. Applications for scholarships may be obtained by calling the Judd Goldman Sailing Center at 312.747.7684.
Location: Judd Goldman Sailing Center, Burnham Park Harbor, 1362 South Linn White Drive, Chicago, IL 60605.
Specially designed safety features at the dock and aboard the boats include:
- Transfer-boarding benches that assist sailors as they move from wheelchairs to seats aboard
- Counterweighted seats that provide support while enabling sailors to pivot from one side of the boat to the other
- Chest and waist belts that add stability and safety
- Lines, tillers and rigging that are positioned to enable easy participation
- Life jackets
- Marine radios and outboard engines that allow close contact and maximum safety
- Parking conveniently adjacent to the wheelchair-accessible docks
Sailing Races
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Sailing races are held during the summer for sailors with a competitive spirit. Weekend racing classes and clinics are available to sailors of all levels.
A series of several races throughout the summer constitutes the Annual Season Championship. Awards are presented for each race as well as the Season Championship.
Please call 312.747.7684 for reservations and costs.
Racing class schedule:
Classes meet from 10 am-1 pm on Saturdays.
Location: Judd Goldman Sailing Center, Burnham Park Harbor, 1362 South Linn White Drive, Chicago, IL 60605.
