Kenosha Community Sailing Center

What Kenosha Community Sailing Center does

Kenosha Community Sailing Center (KCSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in spring 2008 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, by Jim Buck to provide community-based sailing education and water-safety programming on Lake Michigan. The center operates from two primary waterfront locations: Southport Marina (21 56th Street, C Dock), used for adult sailing courses and Rhodes 19 sailboat operations, and the Great Lake Yacht Sales facility (443 50th Street), used for youth sailing courses and the summer 2025 kayak launch. KCSC also reaches Pleasant Prairie through a Learn-To-Sail Youth Workshop at Lake Andrea inside the RecPlex complex.

KCSC's product surface spans instructional sailing courses (introductory through intermediate for youth, teens, adults, families, veterans, and homeschoolers), watercraft rentals (Rhodes 19 sailboats, kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, water trikes), recurring programs (Kayak Club, Wooden Boat Building & Restoration, Youth Wooden Model Boat Building), and community-service programming (a free Water Safety & STEM Outreach Program for middle schools delivered by a Level 3 US Sailing Instructor). The fleet has grown from a modest collection of small boats to include Hartleys, Optimist ('Opti') dinghies, Open Bics, four Rhodes 19s with 24-volt trolling motors, a 33-foot Tartan flagship vessel, plus pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and water trikes added in 2021. An inaugural High School and Collegiate C420 competitive sailing team was launched in 2025.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across course fees, watercraft rentals, private party bookings ($150 for up to 10 guests), gift certificates, donations (via website and PayPal), corporate sail-branding sponsorships, and ticketed fundraising events including the annual Mardi Gras Party & 'tit Rex Parade Fundraiser and Leaders on the Lake team-building event ($400 per team). Distribution is fully direct-to-consumer: customers book through the website (integrated with Xola for checkout and Zeffy for event ticketing), by phone ((262) 997-9343), or in person at the docks. Marketing runs through the website, email newsletter, and active social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn), supplemented by participation in Kenosha Expo, Harbor Market, Farmers Market, Gateway Earth Day, Lakefest, YMCA Health Fair, and city parades. Operations are seasonal (approximately May-September) with winter boat-building workshops extending engagement year-round.

Name

Kenosha Community Sailing Center

Legal name

Kenosha Community Sailing Center

Website

https://kenoshasailing.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kenosha Community Sailing Center is a Kenosha, Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 that delivers sailing instruction, watercraft rentals, water-safety outreach, and youth STEM programming to Lake Michigan-area residents and visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Boating & Sailing Education

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB)

Keywords

• Sailing instruction programs
• Watercraft rental services
• Water safety education
• Youth sailing courses
• Community boating programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kenosha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Sailing Course Fees: Revenue from teaching sailing courses to youth, teens, adults, veterans, and families. Courses range from introductory to intermediate levels, with private and group options available. Adult introductory courses are $325 for 4 sessions; family courses are $900 for 12 hours.
2. Watercraft Rentals: Revenue from renting sailboats, kayaks, tandem kayaks, pedal boats, water trikes, and paddle boards. Rhodes 19 sailboat rentals available in 1-hour checkout, 2-hour, and 4-hour blocks. Kayak rentals at $16 for single, $32 for tandem. Pedal boats at $8 kid/$12 adult.
3. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, KCSC relies on donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. Donated funds support student services, equipment maintenance, and overall operations.
4. Gift Certificates: Sale of gift certificates redeemable for sailing lessons or watercraft rentals, providing upfront revenue and driving future bookings.
5. Private Party Rentals: Private party bookings for up to 10 guests at $150, including exclusive use of watercraft for groups.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Kenosha Community Sailing Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides sailing and water safety education for all ages, watercraft (kayak/paddleboard/Hobie Cat) rentals, youth wooden model boat building and on-water sailing programs, water safety outreach, wooden boat building and restoration workshops, a kayak club, and private venue hosting. Programs are delivered at Southport Marina, Simmons Island Beach House, the Kenosha Yacht Club, and partner locations including Great Lake Yacht Sales and RecPlex.

Product overview

The Kenosha Community Sailing Center is a nonprofit organization operating a single unified offering centered around community sailing and water sports education and access. The core products include Sailing Courses (instructional programs for adults, veterans, teens, kids, and families at various skill levels) and Watercraft Rentals (Rhodes 19 sailboats, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddle boards). Supporting programs include Kayak Club, Youth Wooden Model Boat Building, and Wooden Boat Building & Restoration workshops. The organization also offers Water Safety Outreach as a community service, runs special events like Leaders on the Lake and the Mardi Gras Fundraiser, and provides ancillary offerings including Gift Certificates, a Store, and donation opportunities. All services operate from the Kenosha Harbor and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sailing Instruction Courses Multi-level sailing courses for adults and youth at varying age and skill levels, delivered at Southport Marina and partner venues.
• Watercraft Rentals (Kayaks, Paddleboards, Hobie Cats) Rental of kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats for recreational on-water use at Kenosha waterfront venues.
• Youth Wooden Model Boat Building and On-Water Sailing Program Hands-on youth program where children build wooden model boats and sail them on-water, overseen by the Director of Youth Education & Outreach.
• Wooden Boat Building & Restoration Workshops and programs teaching wooden boat building and restoration skills to participants.
• Water Safety Outreach Program Free community outreach programs providing water safety education to schools and community groups.
• Kayak Club Membership Membership-based kayak club offering recurring access to kayaking activities for dues-paying members.
• Private Parties and Group Events Bookable private party and group event hosting at the Sailing Center's waterfront venues.
• Gift Certificates Website-purchasable gift certificates that can be redeemed for sailing courses, watercraft rentals, and other Sailing Center offerings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18 years of operation helping people learn to sail and safely enjoy water activities
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Southport MarinacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary dock location for adult sailing courses and Rhodes 19 sailboat operations. Customers rent boats docked at Southport Marina for lessons and independent sailing. Partnership provides operational infrastructure and customer access to Lake Michigan.
• Great Lakes Yacht SalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocation for youth sailing courses (morning sessions, grades 3-5) and summer 2025 kayak launch. Primary address (443 50th Street) associated with this partner. Strategic location supporting youth programming.
• Kenosha Safety Around Water Coalition (KSAWC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSC is a member of this coalition providing water safety outreach both on the lake and through online channels. Coalition membership enables community safety programming and school outreach initiatives.
• Kenosha Beach HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSimmons Island Beach House venue used for Kayak Club events with live jazz music. Owned by KCSC board member Meryl Strichartz. Partnership supports community events and beach access for water activities.
• Lakeshore Pedal ToursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPedals & Pints trolley ride partner starting summer 2025. Trolley rides include behind-the-scenes tour of Public Brewing Co and time at 1844 Table & Mash (Stella Hotel). Cross-promotional relationship with local tourism businesses.
• Kenosha Charter Boat AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization supporting KCSC's mission. Represents charter fishing operations in the Kenosha area.
• Boys & Girls Club of KenoshaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing youth programming. KCSC provides sailing experiences for Boys & Girls Club members through community outreach.
• Gateway Technical CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner. KCSC hosts programs and events; potential for workforce development and educational programming collaboration.
• Carthage CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner. Mardi Gras fundraiser 2026 hosted at Carthage College facilities. Potential for student involvement and collegiate sailing team development.
• YMCA of KenoshaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for health fair participation and collaborative programming. Supports water safety and wellness initiatives.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partner supporting environmental and water safety initiatives. Alignment with freshwater stewardship and Lake Michigan conservation.
• City of Kenosha Parks DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner supporting public access to waterfront resources. Collaboration on parks programming and Simmons Island Beach operations.
• Kenosha History CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical society partner preserving Kenosha's maritime heritage. Alignment with celebrating local history and promoting water-related culture.
• Root Pike WINminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed initiative partner supporting environmental education. Environmental stewardship alignment with Lake Michigan protection.
• Corporate Sponsors (Sail Branding)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsorship opportunity where sponsors place logos on visible sail surfaces. Businesses receive brand visibility on highly visible sails during harbor operations. Contact (262) 997-9343 to inquire.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• US Sailing: The national governing body for sailing in the US, providing certification, instructor credentials (e.g., Level 3 Instructor referenced in KCSC programming), and safety standards. Comparable as an ecosystem enabler whose credentials and curriculum frameworks underpin KCSC's instruction offering.

Direct peers

• Chicago Community Sailing Center: A nonprofit sailing organization on Lake Michigan providing adult and youth sailing instruction and adaptive sailing programs. Directly comparable to KCSC on nonprofit mission, urban Lake Michigan setting, and learn-to-sail curriculum offering.
• J/World Annapolis Performance Sailing School: A performance-oriented sailing school offering instruction, racing clinics, and skipper certification. Comparable to KCSC on sailing pedagogy, beginner-to-advanced curriculum, and course-based pricing structure.
• SailTime: A sailing membership and fractional boat ownership program operating across multiple US locations, with associated instruction services. Comparable to KCSC on fleet access model and lessons for adult learners new to sailing.
• Offshore Sailing School: A national sailing school offering multi-day learn-to-sail courses, racing clinics, and bareboat charter training. Comparable to KCSC on sailing instruction as the core offering and fee-based course model, though at a much larger commercial scale.
• Milwaukee Community Sailing Center: A 501(c)(3) community sailing center in Milwaukee, WI offering sailing lessons, watercraft rentals, and youth programs on Lake Michigan. Highly comparable to KCSC in mission, structure, customer segments, and Lake Michigan operating context, making it the closest geographic peer.

Broad incumbents

• Columbia Yacht Club: A long-established Chicago yacht club with dining, social, and learn-to-sail programming on Lake Michigan. Comparable to KCSC on Lake Michigan adult sailing instruction, but operates as a full-service member club with a broader amenity set.
• Bay View Yacht Club: A historic Milwaukee-area yacht club offering sailing instruction, racing, and member amenities on Lake Michigan. Comparable to KCSC on community sailing instruction in the same Lake Michigan region, but as a broader private member club.

Regional players

• Lakeshore Pedal Tours: A Kenosha-based pedal trolley and water-adjacent tourism operator partnered with KCSC for cross-promotion. Comparable on waterfront leisure activity delivery and overlapping customer base in the same Kenosha market, though focused on pedal tours rather than sailing.

Market position

Strengths6 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kenoshasailing
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@kenoshacommunitysailingcen7551
• Facebookfacebook.com/KenoshaCommunitySailingCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kenoshasailing
• Instagraminstagram.com/kenoshasailing
• TikToktiktok.com/@kenoshasailing?lang=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kenosha Community Sailing Center