Sailing Club Explores Bde Maka Ska

September 26, 2025

This fall, Cameron Browne (Visual Arts Instructor) and Derek Debrauske (Science Instructor) led two afterschool field trips to the Minneapolis Sailing Center on lake Bde Maka Ska. Both Cameron and Derek shared their love for the wind and the water by teaching students how to sail Pearson Ensigns, comfortable keelboats which are great boats for junior sailors who are learning the activity. Students adjusted the sails, steered, and learned how to rig and derig the boats, all while enjoying beautiful lakeside sunsets and watching the migratory Franklin’s Gulls dive and flock.

Participants in Sailing Club pose at Bde Maka Ska with instructors Cameron Browne and Derek Debrauske

“We were even invited to participate in a sailing race with the Minneapolis Sailing Center’s team!” said Debrauske. “We look forward to more sailing club field trips in the spring.”

Cameron noted the power of sailing. “I’ve seen students transform when they learn to sail,” said Browne. “Sailing is truly a magical experience that gives them a chance to build confidence and teamwork right in the heart of Minneapolis. Even today, students were talking about techniques of sail trim, how to race, and when they can sail again in the spring!”

Even though our state has over 10,000 lakes, many Minnesotans have never been on a boat. The sailing club is making that amazing experience accessible to students. With over 20-years of combined sailing experience, Cameron and Derek are teaching the basics (rigging a boat, adjusting sails, steering, reading the wind, duck identification, etc.) and providing an opportunity for magic in the heart of the city.

Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and part of the city’s Chain of Lakes. Surrounded by city park land and circled by bike and walking trails, it is popular for many outdoor activities. The lake has an area of 401 acres and a maximum depth of 87 feet.