Sailing
Chautauqua’s Sailing Department presents a comprehensive curriculum of one-week sailing courses. The courses have been carefully designed to advance the sailing skills of all — youth to adult and novice to advanced sailors.
The John R. Turney Sailing Center provides a home base for the programs and services of Chautauqua’s Sailing Department. The Center includes a classroom and administration building, docks and a storage facility.
More Sailing Experiences
In addition to our structured courses, the Sailing Department provides sailing experiences to Boys’ & Girls’ Club participants, offers guided sailing excursions for families and small groups, and provides staff for individualized private lessons. A variety of sailboats are also available for rent.
We are equipped to provide courses and lessons using a variety of sailboats including the Optimist Dinghy, Open Bic, Sunfish, Laser, Vanguard Club 420, Flying Scot, and American 18s. Our staff is drawn from experienced high school and collegiate sailors as well as from seasoned professionals, the majority of whom are experienced competitive racers and US Sailing Certified Instructors. Picturesque Chautauqua Institution and the splendid waters of Chautauqua Lake assure a memorable setting for your sailing experience with us.
The John R. Turney Sailing Center is currently closed. It will reopen on June 24, 2024 weather permitting.
Contact Information
John R. Turney Sailing Center
Christopher Brady
Sailing Director
716.357.6392
sailing@chq.org
Rental Fleet
- Sunfish 12′
- Flying Scot’s 19′
Sailboat rentals are done on an hourly basis and offered to qualified sailors.
Please call the sailing center, or stop in, to schedule a time to rent the desired boat.
How to Rig a Sunfish, an Optimist, and a Laser
Thomas Kelly, Instructor at the John R. Turney Sailing Center at Chautauqua Institution demonstrates how to rig a Sunfish, an Opti, and a Laser.
Chautauqua Yacht Club
The CYC, an independent CHQ organization, offers racing opportunities for C-Scows, Flying Scots, and Lightnings every Saturday and Sunday from the first weekend of the Season through Labor Day, for all sailors interesting in racing. Please check the website, chautauquayc.org to learn about CYC events.