The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working to promote sailing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by providing the organization, equipment, infrastructure, instruction, and financing necessary to encourage recreational and competitive sailing.
Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. We encourage all our members to volunteer, to become instructors and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work ourselves, we can keep our membership dues as low as possible. Not only does our structure keep our costs low, but it also has tremendous social potential. When you teach others to sail or get involved in our periodic work parties and social events, you meet new people and create friendships. You also get a chance to learn a great deal about boat operations and maintenance-- a great thing if you dream of owning a boat someday.
Our club is open to any level of sailing experience from beginners just wanting to take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing, to our intercollegiate sailing team that often ranks in the top 20 in the nation.
See you on the lake....
News
A special winter seminar is being held on March 6th at 6:30 in the festival room. Members and racers from the MYC will be there for a meet-and-greet.
Agenda:
- Why race sailboats
- History of E Scows
- Why race and E Scow – A Love Letter
- Spinnaker work
- Mendota Yacht Club
- Racing terms and what to expect.
- Tips for crew
- How to get involved
Nominations for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will open February 21st and close the 27th. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates and anything else you might need to know
Applications for Sailing Instructors for the 2024 season are now opoen! Check out the details on the Teach Sailing page for info.
Thank you everyone for your help lifting out boats for this year! We only have a few boats left to get out so be sure to check the lessons page for any volunteer opportunities.
The famous Friday socials are starting up May 19th @ 6pm. Come down and enjoy the Nacho bar with your fellow sailors.
Upcoming Events
J-24 Sail Inspection Work Party
The J-fleet needs your help to sort through all of our J-24 sails. We will inspect every sail make sure each boat has at least one set of day & lesson sails and one set of better Race sails. This includes a few additional donated sails.
We will meet near the the sail room. It should only an hour or two.
Work hours will be assigned if you need them.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Exploring Wisconsin - Local Trips
Unleash the Explorer in You!
Join us for our new Outdoor Explorer Series: Exploring Local Trips class designed to elevate your outdoor exploration skills in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Madison, The State of Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast eager to discover hidden gems, this class is your gateway to unlocking the wonders of the great outdoors.
Unleash the explorer within and join us for an hour of discovery, where every step is a journey and every moment is an opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of the Midwest.
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Winter Education - Keelboat - Navigation Rules and Lights - Social!
This is one of a weekly series of Winter education programs aimed at assisting people get items checked off on keelboat ratings sheets during the winter, with a social component. There will be an instruction/discussion period followed by a social period that will include a movie. Even if you do not need the subject being taught, feel free to sign up and join in. Invite your friends!
Prerequisites: None. Those who have taken Intro to Keelboat Sailing should bring their rating sheets so that things can be checked off. Those who have not taken that lesson are welcome to attend. This will be somewhat of a social gathering as well, feel free to attend even if you have no particular interest in the topic being offered (but please do not disrupt the instruction portion. We will be following it with videos or a movie.)
Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Keelboat Winter Education. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Keelboat Winter Education" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page
Preparation Materials: - to be added before session
Instruction period will be from 6:00 to 7-7:30 followed by a social period and and sailing movies or videos.
It is intended that this be akin to post-lesson briefing during the summer. A social chance to share experiences and get to know your fellow sailors and wish for water that was not so cold and hard.. Please come even if you do not need a refresher on crew overboard. Talk about sailing, get things checked off on keelboat rating sheets..
Other materials of interest:
Sailing Links: https://addbalance.com/Sail/Sailing Links.pdf
Sailor's Guide to Weather: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hanNQRGJXTkJmV2FLQldONU1KRmRsTVNic3d3
Here is an overview of the ratings process for Heavy Keelboats:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hc2ZUUGtCY2dDTC15a3I2bG9FNFhwVnJGWFEw/view
Sailing Standards for ratings and progress forms can be found here:
https://www.hoofersailing.org/manuals
Plan for this series:
11-Jan |
Marine VHF Radio Protocols |
18-Jan |
Tacking and Gybing |
25-Jan |
Required Safety Equipment, Hoofer Keelboat Policies |
1-Feb |
rescheduled |
8-Feb |
How a Sail Works, CE & CLR, Helm Balance |
15-Feb |
Weather |
22-Feb |
Preparing for Chartering - Sailing Resume |
29-Feb |
Conduct a Safety Briefing - Prepare a Sail Plan |
7-Mar |
Anchoring [CANCELLED] |
14-Mar |
Night Sailing and Off-Shore preparation [CANCELLED] |
21-Mar |
Proper Use of Winches, Dressing for Sailing, Dock Lines and Spring Lines [CANCELLED] |
28-Mar |
Crew Overboard Procedures |
4-Apr |
Navigation Rules and Lights |
11-Apr |
Aids to Navigation [CANCELLED] |
18-Apr |
Prepare for Lift-In [CANCELLED] |
The lessons marked CANCELLED above will not be offered because of a lack of participation in this series. Maybe next year. Sorry.
Post-Lesson Resources:
P Marlinespike Seamanship P - Paracord Bracelets and other Paracord Projects
Prerequisites: Marlinespike A rating (but write to instructor for admission without this rating). Open to Hoofer Sailing Club Members.
If you want to sign up for this but are unable for any reason to sign up for this particular lesson, add your name to the sign-up. Interest Sign-Up Page
Location: This is currently scheduled to be in the Park View Room on the 4th floor of the Union across from Great Hall. -- Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Marlinspike. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Marlinspike" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page
This lesson is about using and splicing UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethelene) lines including work with Soft Shackles. Samson Ropes defines Amsteel® as a “high-modulus polyethylene” rope. The high-modulus part means that Amsteel® has “low elasticity elongation,” or in other words, it doesn’t stretch much. However, this also means that this type of rope doesn’t like to be shock-loaded, so ease into the hammock! Safe working loads do not apply to shock loading.
This is an exploratory lesson - we are in the process of setting this up. We will look at a couple of different kinds of Paracord, making bracelets with and without buckles and other paracord projects.
Sailors have a history of practical and decorative rope work and Paracord projects fit right in with that history.
When you sign up, you can leave comments. Let us know what kinds of projects would interest you.
Here are a few Paracord links to give you some ideas.
10-Second Soft Shackles Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though |
|
Cobra and King Cobra Bracelet |
|
Mad Max Paracord Cobra Stitch Bracelet |
|
Trilobite Jawbone Bracelet |
|
Use This Paracord Wrap on Hiking Staves and Canoe Paddle |
Here is a more complete list of links. If you see a project you would like to work on, please let me know in advance of the lesson and I will try to work it in.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle that can substitute for a carabiner and progress to bracelets and possibly other paracord projects. These can be fun and useful. We will cover in knots the Carrick Bend, the Ashley Stopper Knot, and the Diamond Knot, among others.
There is currently no Sailing Club rating for this.
Post-Lesson Resources:
D Marlinespike Seamanship D --- Dyneema®, Amsteel®, Soft Shackles and Hollow Braided Line UHMPE
Prerequisites: Marlinespike A rating (but write to instructor for admission without this rating). Open to Hoofer Sailing Club Members.
If you want to sign up for this but are unable for any reason to sign up for this particular lesson, add your name to the sign-up. Interest Sign-Up Page
Location: This is currently scheduled to be in the Park View Room on the 4th floor of the Union across from Great Hall. -- Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Marlinspike. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Marlinspike" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page
This lesson is about using and splicing UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethelene) lines including work with Soft Shackles. Samson Ropes defines Amsteel® as a “high-modulus polyethylene” rope. The high-modulus part means that Amsteel® has “low elasticity elongation,” or in other words, it doesn’t stretch much. However, this also means that this type of rope doesn’t like to be shock-loaded, so ease into the hammock! Safe working loads do not apply to shock loading.
This is an exploratory lesson - we are in the process of setting this up. Hollow-braid rope is much easier to splice than even three-strand line. People are replacing standing rigging on boats with it. It requires different knots or knot strategies than other line.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle, then do some splices in hollow braid polyethelene, work on the following knots: Ashley Stopper Knot, Two-strand diamond knot, and Two-Strand button knot. Then we will do at least one 5-inch soft shackle in Dyneema® . You are welcome to bring your own line as well if you want to work on more than one or want to make a larger one..
Here is a link to my page on how to calculate the length of line needed for a Dyneema® soft shackle based on the diameter of the line used.
Here are a few links about HMPE rope and Soft Shackles that you should review before the lesson.
- The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift a Car!
- What is Dyneema® and Why is it Awesome?
- Working With High-Tech Ropes – Practical Sailor
- On Deck: Soft Shackles: Sail Magazine
- Brummel LockSingle Splice - video
- Splice Hollow Braid 12-Strand Rope - Locking & Mobius Brummel Splice - Thimble Eye - video
- How to tie a Two-Strand Diamond Knot – paracord video
- How to tie a Lanyard Knot (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- Edwards Soft Shackle (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- High-Strength Soft Shackles Using the “Brion Toss Button” Knot- Cruisers Forum
- 10-Second Soft Shackles – video – Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though
- Soft Shackles Diamond Knot vs. Button Knot (video with some fun sailing pics)
- How Important Is It To Taper Your Splices (article with videos)
There is no rating for this, at this time.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Winter Education - Keelboat - Crew Overboard! - Social
This is one of a weekly series of Winter education programs aimed at assisting people get items checked off on keelboat ratings sheets during the winter, with a social component. There will be an instruction/discussion period followed by a social period that will include a movie. Even if you do not need the subject being taught, feel free to sign up and join in.
Prerequisites: None. Those who have taken Intro to Keelboat Sailing should bring their rating sheets so that things can be checked off. Those who have not taken that lesson are welcome to attend. This will be somewhat of a social gathering as well, feel free to attend even if you have no particular interest in the topic being offered (but please do not disrupt the instruction portion. We will be following it with videos or a movie.)
Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Keelboat Winter Education. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Keelboat Winter Education" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page
Preparation Materials:
Instruction period will be from 6:00 to 7-7:30 followed by a social period and perhaps sailing movies or videos.
It is intended that this be akin to post-lesson briefing during the summer. A social chance to share experiences and get to know your fellow sailors and wish for water that was not so cold and hard.. Please come even if you do not need a refresher on crew overboard. Talk about sailing, get things checked off on keelboat rating sheets..
Other materials of interest:
Sailing Links: https://addbalance.com/Sail/Sailing Links.pdf
Sailor's Guide to Weather: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hanNQRGJXTkJmV2FLQldONU1KRmRsTVNic3d3
Here is an overview of the ratings process for Heavy Keelboats:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hc2ZUUGtCY2dDTC15a3I2bG9FNFhwVnJGWFEw/view
Sailing Standards for ratings and progress forms can be found here:
https://www.hoofersailing.org/manuals
Plan for this series:
11-Jan |
Marine VHF Radio Protocols |
18-Jan |
Tacking and Gybing |
25-Jan |
Required Safety Equipment, Hoofer Keelboat Policies |
1-Feb |
rescheduled |
8-Feb |
How a Sail Works, CE & CLR, Helm Balance |
15-Feb |
Weather |
22-Feb |
Preparing for Chartering - Sailing Resume |
29-Feb |
Conduct a Safety Briefing - Prepare a Sail Plan |
7-Mar |
Anchoring [CANCELLED] |
14-Mar |
Night Sailing and Off-Shore preparation [CANCELLED] |
21-Mar |
Proper Use of Winches, Dressing for Sailing, Dock Lines and Spring Lines [CANCELLED] |
28-Mar |
Crew Overboard Procedures |
4-Apr |
Navigation Rules and Lights |
11-Apr |
Aids to Navigation [CANCELLED] |
18-Apr |
Prepare for Lift-In [CANCELLED] |
The lessons marked CANCELLED above will not be offered because of a lack of participation in this series. Maybe next year. Sorry.
Post-Lesson Resources:
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Aid 2-day Course (WFA) - 21258
Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFA) is a 16-hour certification course that will help you prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in wilderness settings. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. You will also leave the course with a certification that is valid for two years from the date of the course. The course is hosted by OutdoorUW and taught by seasoned NOLS instructors in a two-day format, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. To learn more about the curriculum please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/courses/
Should I take the WFA or the WFR? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR is a 10 -day long course that is the industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies..https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union in Madison-800 Langdon Street. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
Register below, call, or stop in the office if there are any questions about this course. Office hours are posted at https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/outdoor-uw/. For additional information or questions about this certification course please contact Dan Dunne 608-262-7445 ddunne@wisc.edu
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
All-Out: Sponsored by Hoofers Ambassadors
All Out! this year will be April 13th from 12 pm to 5pm. Stop by anytime to learn about all 6 Hoofers clubs through carnival games and mini-workshops. This event is completely free for anyone regardless of whether you’re a Hoofer or not! Through participation, you’ll be awarded a ticket you can enter in various drawings to win prizes such as binoculars, Nalgene water bottles, Hoofers merch, free membership, and more!
All Out! will be hosted on the Terrace!
Event List:
12- 5 pm
SNS: Plinko and snow-cone machine
Riding: Lasso games
Mountaineering: Climbing wall with auto-belays
Scuba: Ping Pong game and gear lessons
Sailing: Knot tying and duck races
Outing: Learn to light a whisper-lite and bird watch
All clubs: will have an information booth where you can also learn about their events and how to get involved!
There will also be cornhole, large connect 4, and other yard games as well!
12-2 pm
Riding: Mini Horses
If anyone is interested in volunteering with us for this event - please email ambassadors@hoofers.org
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Backpacking for Beginners
Join Outdoor UW for another exciting and informative Outdoor Explorer Series class. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Backpacking for Beginners
Have you ever been interested in learning about what backpacking is all about? Have you ever wondered why is it popular, how do people get into it, where do they go, what do they need, is it possible to backpack and still be comfortable out there? Come to this class and get these questions answered so you can get ready for your first backpacking trip of the season.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about what backpacking is and why it is a popular outdoor activity
- Learn about the gear and supplies needed to backpack effectively and comfortably while also creatively thinking of substitutions they have that can be used in place of high-end/expensive gear.
- Learn how to effectively pack a backpack
- Learn about local areas that will be good spots for your first backpacking trip and what time of year is the best to visit these location
- Get hands on practice with packing a backpack
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Winter Education - Keelboat - Planning for Liftin - Social
This is one of a weekly series of Winter education programs aimed at assisting people get items checked off on keelboat ratings sheets during the winter, with a social component. There will be an instruction/discussion period followed by a social period that will include a movie. Even if you do not need the subject being taught, feel free to sign up and join in. Invite your friends!
Prerequisites: None. Those who have taken Intro to Keelboat Sailing should bring their rating sheets so that things can be checked off. Those who have not taken that lesson are welcome to attend. This will be somewhat of a social gathering as well, feel free to attend even if you have no particular interest in the topic being offered (but please do not disrupt the instruction portion. We will be following it with videos or a movie.)
Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. It will show up as Keelboat Winter Education. If looking on the website, you may have to search for "Keelboat Winter Education" because the page can have too many items. If you need help with the web page, I prepared a guide: How to Search for Events on the Today in the Union Web Page
Preparation Materials:
-
Sailor's Guide to Weather: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hanNQRGJXTkJmV2FLQldONU1KRmRsTVNic3d3
- Weather for Sailors – 92 min video
- Weather Routing Explained -- 30 min video
- Cloud Charts from NOAA - pdf downloads
Instruction period will be from 6:00 to 7-7:30 followed by a social period and and sailing movies or videos.
It is intended that this be akin to post-lesson briefing during the summer. A social chance to share experiences and get to know your fellow sailors and wish for water that was not so cold and hard.. Please come even if you do not need a refresher on crew overboard. Talk about sailing, get things checked off on keelboat rating sheets..
Other materials of interest:
Sailing Links: https://addbalance.com/Sail/Sailing Links.pdf
Sailor's Guide to Weather: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hanNQRGJXTkJmV2FLQldONU1KRmRsTVNic3d3
Here is an overview of the ratings process for Heavy Keelboats:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywZ-rLn0R8hc2ZUUGtCY2dDTC15a3I2bG9FNFhwVnJGWFEw/view
Sailing Standards for ratings and progress forms can be found here:
https://www.hoofersailing.org/manuals
Plan for this series:
11-Jan |
Marine VHF Radio Protocols |
18-Jan |
Tacking and Gybing |
25-Jan |
Required Safety Equipment, Hoofer Keelboat Policies |
1-Feb |
rescheduled |
8-Feb |
How a Sail Works, CE & CLR, Helm Balance |
15-Feb |
Weather |
22-Feb |
Preparing for Chartering - Sailing Resume |
29-Feb |
Conduct a Safety Briefing - Prepare a Sail Plan |
7-Mar |
Anchoring |
14-Mar |
Night Sailing and Off-Shore preparation |
21-Mar |
Proper Use of Winches, Dressing for Sailing, Dock Lines and Spring Lines |
28-Mar |
Crew Overboard Procedures |
4-Apr |
Navigation Rules and Lights |
11-Apr |
Aids to Navigation |
18-Apr |
Prepare for Lift-In |
Here is a flyer for this education series.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Trailer Training #4
If you anticipate using a FLEET/DOA VEHICLE to tow a Hoofer-owned trailer at any point this fall or winter, then attend this class to get your trailer towing certification! This would include towing a sailboat for lift-out, towing the horse trailer, towing the alpine ski trailer, or possibly towing the outing club canoe trailer. Please note that if someone cannot make this class, other trailer trainings will be offered in the future. Outdoor UW plans on running two trainings each semester. FLEET AUTHORIZATION WITH WISCONSIN HOOFERS IS REQUIRED. If you are fleet authorized with another UW department, you must submit paperwork with our office as well to become fleet authorized with Hoofers. There is no cost for the class. We will meet virtually before the in-person driving demonstration to get started and review the basics. After a short presentation, we will be leaving our meeting location to go to LOT 60 (by the UW Hospital) to perform the hands-on portion of the training—dress for being outside.
Previous experience driving a trailer is not required for this training, however, it is helpful as the in-person section doesn't provide much time to practice but instead is mostly meant to demonstrate skills and ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer.
If there are questions please reach out to Dan @ ddunne@wisc.edu. A Zoom link for the virtual component of this training will be sent to participants who are registered the day before the event.
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Intro Expeditionary Canoeing
Have you ever wanted to take an overnight or multi day paddling trip, but not know what you need to do this successfully?
Join us for our new Outdoor Explorer Series: Intro to Expeditionary Canoeing and learn all about the thrilling world of expeditionary canoeing! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, where tranquil waters meet untamed landscapes, and discover the art of paddling through uncharted territories.
This class will:
-
Guide you through the basics of canoeing, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for both beginners and seasoned paddlers
-
Teach you essential skills so you can confidently embark on your own canoeing expeditions.
-
Discuss safety and equip you with the knowledge to navigate waterways responsibly.
-
Share tips to help you connect with nature while in a canoe and discover hidden coves, witness wildlife in their natural habitat, and experience the tranquility that only expeditionary canoeing can offer.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Join our Expeditionary Canoeing Class today and let the adventure begin!
------- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge located in Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) -------
Interest Sign Up --- Marlinespike Seamanship D --- Dyneema®, Amsteel®, Spectra® Soft Shackles and Hollow Braided Line UHMWPE
Interest Sign Up – Marlinespike D Dyneema®, Amsteel®, Soft Shackles and Hollow Braided Line UHMWPE
This is not a lesson sign-up, it is an interest survey. Sign up below to get further information and to help us plan.
The club will be offering one or more Marlinespike lessons on using and splicing HMPE lines including work with Soft Shackles. Samson Ropes defines Amsteel® as a “high-modulus polyethylene” rope. The high-modulus part means that Amsteel® has “low elasticity elongation,” or in other words, it doesn’t stretch much. However, this also means that this type of rope doesn’t like to be shock-loaded! Safe working loads do not apply to shock loading.
This is an interest sign-up that does not obligate people to anything. If you are interested in such a lesson please sign up here. This will be used to notify people when such a lesson is offered. We have reserved room for Marlinespike lessons every month from December through April on Saturdays or Sundays.
Preference will be given to those who have the Marlinespike A rating but it likely will not be required.
Here are some links about UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethelene) rope and Soft Shackles in case you are curious.
- The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift a Car!
- What is Dyneema® and Why is it Awesome?
- Working With High-Tech Ropes – Practical Sailor
- On Deck: Soft Shackles: Sail Magazine
- Brummel LockSingle Splice - video
- Splice Hollow Braid 12-Strand Rope - Locking & Mobius Brummel Splice - Thimble Eye - video
- How to tie a Two-Strand Diamond Knot – paracord video
- How to tie a Lanyard Knot (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- Edwards Soft Shackle (Diamond Knot) – Animated Knots
- High-Strength Soft Shackles Using the “Brion Toss Button” Knot- Cruisers Forum
- 10-Second Soft Shackles – video – Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though
- Soft Shackles Diamond Knot vs. Button Knot (video with some fun sailing pics)
- How Important Is It To Taper Your Splices (article with videos)
- Here is a link to my page on how to calculate the length of line needed for a Dyneema® soft shackle based on the diameter of the line used.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle that can substitute for a carabiner and progress to diamond knot and button knot soft shackles. Hollow-braid rope is much easier to splice than even three-strand line. People are replacing standing rigging on boats with it! It requires different knots or knot strategies than other line.
Please sign up if you want to be notified about these.
Chas Kenyon
Instructor
Interest survey/sign up -- Marlinespike Seamanship P - Paracord Bracelets and Other Projects
Interest Sign Up - Marlinespike Seamanship P – Paracord bracelets and other projects
This is not a lesson sign up, it is an interest feeler. Sign up below to get information when such a lesson is posted.
The club may be offering one or more Marlinespike lessons on Paracord for bracelets and other projects.
Sailors have a history of practical and decorative rope work and Paracord projects fit right in with that history.
This is an interest sign-up that does not obligate people to anything. If you are interested in such a lesson please sign up here. This will be used to notify people when such a lesson is offered. We have reserved room for Marlinespike lessons every month from December through April on Saturdays or Sundays.
When you sign up, you can leave comments. Let us know what kinds of projects would interest you.
Preference will be given to those who have the Marlinespike A rating but it likely will not be required.
Here are a few Paracord links to give you some ideas.
10-Second Soft Shackles Interesting but nowhere near as strong – much easier to make, though |
|
Cobra and King Cobra Bracelet |
|
Mad Max Paracord Cobra Stitch Bracelet |
|
Trilobite Jawbone Bracelet |
|
Use This Paracord Wrap on Hiking Staves and Canoe Paddle |
Here is a more complete list of links.
We will start with a basic paracord soft shackle that can substitute for a carabiner and progress bracelets and possibly other paracord projects. These can be fun and useful. Besides, the water is going to get very hard soon. We would cover in knots the Carrick Bend, the Ashley Stopper Knot, and the Diamond Knot, among others.
Please sign up if you want to be notified about these.
Chas Kenyon
Instructor
Lake Mendota Conditions
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
Head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You don't have to officially join the club yet, but this will be required to sign up for Ground School. You must be a Union Member to officially join the club. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Ground School!
Join us for Ground School, a FREE on-land presentation! This 90 minute guided tour and information session is required for all new Hoofer Sailing Club members. Ground School is available to Hoofer Sailing Club members, as well as to the broader campus community. Sign up here!
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Sailing Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofersailing.org
Contact Us
Hoofer Youth Program
The Hoofer Youth Program offers quality on-the-water instruction with a focus on fun and learning. Courses in sailing, windsurfing, and racing are open to youth ages 10-18 and range from beginner to advanced.
Programs are designed to teach outdoor recreation skills while encouraging youth to have fun and develop personally in the areas of communication, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and respect for others. Hoofers promotes a constant awareness of safety, emphasizes the importance of working together, and teaches students to adapt themselves to the forces of nature.