Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Sailing Lessons & Yacht Club in North Dakota
Founded in 1967, Pelican Lake Yacht Club and Sailing School has been dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable sailing on Pelican Lake. Our organization supports a vibrant community through social events, yacht racing, and access to premier facilities. As stewards of the Pelican Lake Yacht Club and Sailing School, we provide expert-led sailing instruction for youth and adults, emphasizing hands-on learning and lifelong adventure. With modern equipment like RS Quest, Open Skiff, and Club 420 boats, we cater to all skill levels from beginners to competitive racers. Our volunteer-driven model keeps membership costs low while maintaining high standards of instruction and facility upkeep.We host weekly racing events, annual regattas, and specialized training programs that have shaped generations of sailors. Our US Sailing-certified instructors combine professional expertise with a passion for maritime education, ensuring participants gain both technical skills and a deep appreciation for sailing. Through community partnerships and a focus on youth development, we continue to expand access to sailing while preserving the traditions of the sport.
Services
Sailing Lessons
Yacht Racing
Regatta Events
Boat Rentals
Youth Programs
Private Instruction
Racing Training
Community Events
Sailing Certifications
Boat Storage
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We offer US Sailing Certified instructors with decades of maritime experience
- Our modern fleet includes RS Quest, Open Skiff, and Club 420 boats
- We provide youth-focused sailing programs since 1972 with 501(c) status
- We host weekly racing events and annual regattas since 1967
- Our volunteer-driven model maintains low membership fees with high standards
Associations and certifications
- US Sailing
What people say
Great instructors
Well-organized races
Family-friendly environment
Excellent youth programs
Beautiful location
Services
Sailing Lessons
Our sailing lessons combine land drills with on-water practice using modern boats like Open Skiffs and Club 420s. Certified instructors teach ages 6+ with specialized programs for beginners through advanced racers. Classes include safety training, sail terminology, and racing tactics while emphasizing fun and adventure.
Yacht Racing
Weekly Sunday races and annual regattas cater to competitive sailors. We offer fleet racing with MC-Scows and Open Fleets starting at 11:00am. Professional race committees, VHF radio communication, and awards programs create a structured competitive environment for both casual and serious racers.
Youth Programs
Our youth-focused programs since 1972 include week-long sessions and racing clinics for ages 6-18. Certified instructors use age-appropriate boats to teach sailing fundamentals through games and drills. Specialized tracks develop racing skills with culminating regatta participation for advanced students.
Boat Rentals
We provide sailboat slip rentals and mooring services for members. Our facilities include modern docking spaces and trailer storage options. Rental packages combine boat access with club membership benefits, offering flexible solutions for recreational and competitive sailors.
Private Lessons
Private sailing lessons offer personalized instruction for individuals or small groups. Certified instructors tailor sessions to specific skill levels and goals using our diverse boat fleet. Lessons focus on technique development, safety protocols, and confidence-building in various water conditions.
People
Tom Frei
Commodore
Tom Frei leads PLYC's strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts. With decades of sailing experience, he oversees club operations and youth program development while maintaining strong ties to the local maritime community.
Teri Lantz
Vice Commodore
Teri Lantz manages racing operations and special events at PLYC. Her leadership ensures smooth regatta execution and maintains the club's competitive sailing traditions while fostering inclusive participation opportunities for all skill levels.
Jeff Peltier
Sailing School Chairman
Jeff Peltier directs sailing instruction programs with US Sailing-certified expertise. He oversees curriculum development and instructor training, ensuring safe, effective learning experiences that have shaped generations of sailors since the school's 1972 founding.
Evan Furr
Sailing School Director
Evan Furr manages daily sailing school operations and student registration. As lead instructor, he develops curriculum and ensures program quality, drawing on extensive experience teaching all ages and skill levels since joining in 2000.
Dan Sprouls
Open Fleet Captain
Dan Sprouls leads open fleet racing activities and safety operations. His expertise in competitive sailing and race management contributes to PLYC's reputation for well-organized events and accessible racing opportunities for community members.
Questions
What sailing programs do you offer for children?
We offer youth sailing programs for ages 6-18 with beginner through advanced racing sessions. Our curriculum uses age-appropriate boats and certified instructors to teach safety, technique, and racing skills.
Can adults participate in sailing lessons?
Yes, we provide adult sailing lessons for all skill levels. Private instruction and group classes cover basic sailing techniques, safety protocols, and racing fundamentals using our modern boat fleet.
What racing events do you host?
We host weekly Sunday races from Memorial Day to Labor Day and our annual PLYC Regatta in late July. Events include MC-Scow and Open Fleet divisions with competitive racing for all skill levels.
How can I join the yacht club?
Join through our website by selecting membership packages ranging from basic access to full racing/mooring options. Contact Evan Furr for registration assistance and program details.
What equipment should I bring for sailing school?
Bring life jacket, bathing suit, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, towel, hat, sunglasses, and water bottle. We provide specialized sailing shirts and equipment, with gear storage available at our facilities.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donations to Pelican Lake Yacht Club and Sailing School support youth programs and qualify for tax deductions. Contributions can be made online or by sending checks to our Fargo, ND address.
