I live in northern Illinois (Rockford), so I sail on the lakes in Madison a lot. No problem with power boats, there's plenty of room for everyone on Lakes Mendota (10,000 acres) and Monona (3500 acres).
Mendota has a safety patrol that will help you if you get into trouble. I capsized there a few years ago and the boat stayed with me until I had mine righted. They also monitor Marine VHF 19 (the standard Help Me channel).
Lots of launch ramps, and nice places in Madison for a beer after sailing. There are several marinas on the north side of Mendota if you want to leave your boat in one place. I like to trailer sail so I can try different lakes or follow the wind and weather.
U of W Hoofers on Mendota (by the Memorial Union Terrace) has a sailing club that costs about $300 a year for unlimited boat use and unlimited instruction if you want someplace easy to sail out of. No launch ramp for personal boats, though. But they have everything from windsurfers and Lasers to scows and keelboats!
_________________ Yet another Bob! "Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker "Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft) Too many canoes and kayaks
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