In addition to its sheer beauty, Lake Michigan offers many recreational opportunities. But experiencing the lake from a sailboat can seem out of reach to many.
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center is changing that. The center, which has operated since 1980, offers youth and adult sailing lessons, free sailing experiences for people with disabilities and school groups, and hosts special events. “Everything that we do is about giving Southeastern Wisconsin residents the ability to get out and use this awesome resource,” says executive director Holly Church.
Through outreach, Milwaukee Community Sailing Center works with underserved communities to offer youth and teens a healthy, enriching environment to explore and learn. These classes not only introduce a new sport, but provide a safe and positive space. This experience broadens their horizons and cultivates skills and confidence.
This year, the Sailing Center provided instruction to 742 adults; 975 kids, through its outreach program and youth classes; and 628 people with special needs through its adaptive programming.
In 2025, they want to do more, but they need expanded space to do so. “We’re busting at the seams here at the Sailing Center,” says Church. “We are in desperate need of another building.”
The Sailing Center will begin fundraising in spring to raise the $5 million needed for this expansion. Donations can be made for this initiative, or directly to any of their other programs, through their website or by contacting Teresa Coronado, outreach and development director. With a bigger facility, the Sailing Center can share the magic of Lake Michigan with more Milwaukeeans.
What We Do
- MCSC’s mission is to promote sailing and make Lake Michigan available to everyone in the Milwaukee community through quality programming.
- The center provides sailing, regardless of age, ability or financial concerns, to kids, teens, adults and families.
Where Your Money Goes
- Donor contributions can be directed to a number of areas of need, including the upcoming capital campaign; supporting free sailing opportunities for people with disabilities; free STEM & Sailing programs for middle schoolers; and scholarships for people who might not otherwise learn to sail due to financial concerns. These programs all focus on historically underrepresented minority groups in the Milwaukee area.
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. | 414-277-9094
sailingcenter.org
