» Our Training Fleet

Pram

The Vanguard Pram is the ultimate training boat for kids 12 and under. Its uniqueness is its simplicity. All of the rigging and boat features have been minimized for ease of rigging and few parts to lose. The Pram is also safe and stable for one or two young sailors, and has durable construction to absorb the frequent bumps that occur in learning. The Pram is the institutional version of its much more complex, performance minded cousin the Optimist Dinghy.

Optimist Dinghy

The International Optimist Dinghy -- or Opti -- is globally recognized as one of the most popular youth sailboats. At 7-feet, 7-inches, it offers an exciting ride that can be kept under-control by the lighter young sailors. The Opti is also safe and stable with durable construction, and is self rescuing after capsize. The Opti is the chosen racing boat for girls and boys ages 7-15 at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.

X-Boat

The X-Boat has been the de-facto training boat since the early days of the Geneva Lake Sailing School. At 16-feet, it is a great trainer for two teenaged sailors and continues to be one of the top youth racing classes in the Midwest for kids ages 16 and under. With a jib and a mainsail, the X-boat offers great opportunities to build teamwork and is a chosen racing boat for girls and boys ages 12-16 at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.

Club 420

The Club 420 is an exciting new addition to the GLSS fleet in 2003. Popular nationwide, the C420 is used in a majority of youth, high school and collegiate programs. With its exciting ride and simple design, the boat maximizes the sailing thrill for youths ages 13-18. The C420 can be sailed with spinnaker and trapeze for a high-performance ride, or without to maximize the tactical competition between boats.

Laser and Laser Radial

The Laser continues to be one of the most popular boats worldwide. Used with a standard sail, or reduced sized Laser Radial sail, this 13-foot boat provides a challenge boat for youths and adults. Olympic Medalists, America's Cup Helmsmen, and Collegiate All-Americans have all raced the ultimate one-design. With over 170,000 boats constructed to date, the Laser is the Gold standard in single-handed, one-design sailing. The Laser, designed by Bruce Kirby, was built on the philosophy that the sailor wins the race, not the boat. Laser racing is a true test of skill.