Testimonials about Crew School

"Crew school taught the fundamentals of what is needed to be able to safely crew on a boat and did so in a fairly engaging manner--that's what I expected. What I didn't expect, was the broad introduction to the variety of boats one could crew on and the many introductions to captains of those same boats! If a person had the inclination and time to crew, the Corinthian University Crew School was able to make that happen--and did so in a manner that didn't feel forced or awkward. I feel as if I've been given opportunities to crew on a variety of boats thanks to Crew School!"  

Graduate Audrey Clarke

"I had a few months of sailboat racing experience prior to participating in Crew School. I knew enough to be dangerous. Crew School provided an atmosphere which helped me acquire technical skills and knowledge related to sailing and racing while being mindful of doing so more safely and comfortably. I found Crew School to be very well organized, interesting, and informative, with wisdom being shed from a variety of fantastic people. This is not a classroom with a monotone instructor droning on and on as they read directly from a textbook. Crew School brings an array of experienced sailors throughout the different sessions all with the goal to share what they love with burgeoning crew. Throughout the weeks we had a lot of laughs, in-depth discussions, shared experiences, and opportunities to get hands-on exposure. I highly recommend this course to anyone with a wish to get out on the water as sailing crew." 

Graduate Brandon Love

"I am one of those cases that got the bug out of the blue. Where I grew up, Sailing was a sport for the "Millionaires" Never in reach. Not even if you dream about it. When I heard about the training class, and especially the price, I knew it was my chance to learn.   The only thing I knew about sailing was that " boats float" That was it! I got out of the class with more knowledge than I could even dream about it. I even have to say that some rules and respect should be applied for out of the water as well. Everyone is so friendly and willing to share. I got a new passion, a lot of friends and the best part is the chance to sail. I've been across Lake Michigan already and more than 10 times in the water. I love it every day. You guys are the best" 

Graduate Fabio Brancati

"I signed up for Crew School after my kids had such a wonderful experience with Junior Fleet.  Along with stoking my interest in sailing, I learned basics which allowed me to help the kids rig their boats and give them basic instructions out on the water.  Chris and her guest speakers were extremely knowledgeable, interesting, and supportive, and I really looked forward to class each week!  After living most of my life in Chicago, I’m experiencing the lake in a whole new way.  Thank you Chris! " 

Graduate Todd Barrett

"Thank you Chris, for organizing this great program for new sailors. I’m so grateful for all the support and friendships I found here. Chris is not only an excellent organizer, but also very friendly and enthusiastic. Loved the program, all speakers are so experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help. Met lots of great people here, who are really supportive, and I’m so happy to be a part of this great community. I had most pleasant experience here"  

Graduate Ausrine Schneider

"Fast track it to sailing with CU Crew School.  I had looked near and far but all other sail courses were either too expensive, booked for the Summer or a long drive from Chicago.  Not here!  Crew School was fun, informative, affordable and right at the harbor.  Attend Crew School! Learn what you’ll need to know to be a part of the team! Then meet skippers and go... Sail!  The folks here are generous with their information and skill sharing in order to keep the tradition of sailing going for people of all ages! "

Graduate Jen Keinzler

"Sitting in the classroom as you all are anxiously awaiting summer, the depth of knowledge that you will gain shows up in the moments you need it.  I could never have imagined that I would build the sailing resume, and group of friends in just one summer. As H. Jackson Brown Jr.wrote in PS I Love You.....'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover'”  

Graduate Mike Klich

"If anyone wants to learn more about sailing, and then actually sail, then Crew School has to be the best opportunity in Chicago!  For a ridiculously low price I was able to take a very well organized and presented series of evening classes. I learned theory and terminology as well as hands on experience with tying knots and folding sails.  It was awesome, then it got better. I thought the instructor was pulling my leg when she told the class,"you have to decide how much sailing you want to do". But spring and summer came and no kidding I was racing twice a week with a sprinkling of pleasure cruises.  Like all great organizations the people and atmosphere are awesome.  Very helpful, very laid back and welcoming.  I am joining again and hope to continue the fun!"
Graduate Bob Hudetz

"Crew School was the best money that I have paid for any course in my life! They did a great job organizing and running the program. It had lots of great information and 'hand-on' experiences which was off the water for people interested in racing.  I will enthusiastically recommend Crew School to anyone interested in learning about racing!"  

Graduate Antwane Lee

"This crew school class couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. I had participated in a few local races, had the opportunity to casually sail on two different boats and really wanted to learn more about sailing, but wasn’t sure what to ask. Then I found this class.   Chris and her team of instructors were extremely informative, hands on, personable, and provided knowledge that has stayed with me since.    I met a number of very experienced sailors who provided ‘real-life’ stories of their successes on the water as well as their challenges.   From knot-tying, folding sails, purchasing the proper weather gear, safety techniques, and winch management to on-the-water boat tours, this class was an excellent way to keep one involved in sailing before the season starts."

Graduate Julie Casey

"I took the class in 2016. Loved it! I sat next to a gentlemen who said he had taken a class [somewhere else] and this was definitely better. More personable. They found me a skipper and I sailed every week! Twice per week if I was able. I now feel that the class will be even more beneficial after some hands on experience so I plan on attending again (a perk as a past graduate). Chris is an awesome teacher.  She's a great choice to head up the class with infectious enthusiasm. Really! Corinthian is definitely the place to be if you like down to earth people (big egos really turn me off!). My drive is an hour home after we race and socialize. I would not put all the effort in if it wasn’t FUN!  If you join, feel free to say hello. I love to talk and learn about all things sailing."
Graduate Kathleen Ryan

"I registered for the Crew School program as an already experienced, albeit informally trained, recreational sailing crew member.  However, I felt I needed more formalized information and instruction on how to be a more effective and knowledgeable crew member, and I found it at Crew School.  The Corinthian University Crew School Program at CCYC completely exceeded my expectations! The syllabus was well thought out and covered a full range of topics from points of sail and safety to crew etiquette and responsibilities. Additionally, the practical instruction on many necessary skills such as knot tying, sail flaking, reading weather, basic racing rules, and boat prep were clearly explained and taught through hands-on demonstration by the experienced volunteer sailors and captains who gave their time to make the Crew School experience a well rounded one.  I had an amazing experience at Crew School and would highly recommend it to anyone!" 
Graduate Andrea Nelson

"Anyone interested in crewing should take this course. The instructors are passionate sailors and you’ll get a great introduction to the sport and insight as to what to expect. After taking the class, I spent the summer crewing on several boats, and now I have a new passion and a bunch of new friends."  

Graduate Anthony Uhrick

“If you want to get involved in racing sailboats and never knew how... this crew school is the answer! Even for a novice, beginner or experienced sailor - I highly recommend this Crew School program offered at CCYC. Within two seasons since completing the course I sailed in multiple fleets, completed my first Mac, competed in the Tampa Bay Davis Island series for the J70s, and even learned how to sail on a laser. I have raced on Radiance a Farr38, Tartan 10, Beneteau 36.7 and the J70s. I was pretty excited about sailing - so I tackled every opportunity I could at the ability to get on the water and learn something or get better at a certain position - on any boat or fleet that I could. Every time on the water is an opportunity to improve yourself, or adapt to new conditions, and meet new people.  As a social person, the sailing community has a lot to offer. This crew school will provide you with a great skill set to get you in shape for crewing on a boat. As well as introducing you and exposing you to multiple fleets and skippers who are looking for crew. The summer gets hot and there is not a better place than on the water! One thing I will never forget is being able to escape the stress of the workday or personal life and be able to be out on the water. Many sailors and racers will tell you that the lake has a great effect to bring the good out in you. The memories you will make on the water will be countless and keep you coming back and eagerly counting down the cold seasons. Since I have joined CCYC, I have met some of my best friends that I know I will love and cherish for a lifetime! Signing up for this course is just the beginning to a very long and lovely future with sailing! I am so grateful for this course. I can't imagine my life without sailing.  ps - one perk is you get to be an amateur photographer (not half as good as Chris Garbacz) of sunsets and the city skyline shots, as well as great pocket stories for any cocktail parties.” 

Graduate Anne Marie Baumann