sailboat lessons michigan

An ASA Accredited School Operating on Lake Michigan for Over 20 Years  Open for the 2024 Season!

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GT Sailing was started in 2001 as an ASA (American Sailing Association) Sailing School in Holland Michigan. We sail and teach on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. We are a family and group friendly sailing school, offering quality ASA certified sailing instruction. We offer professional sailing instruction for the beginner and those who need to update their skills. Or, come on one of our recreational sailing charters on Lake Michigan for those looking for a more relaxing cruise.

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Yacht Basin Marina

Located on Ottawa Beach Road, Yacht Basin is a five minute drive from Holland State Park. Home to Bayshore Yacht Club, Lolo's Bar & Grill, Down the Hatch Party Store, and GT Sailing School. This is a great location to stage your day on the water.

Come Sailing Any Day

Not interested in taking a lesson? Our skilled captains can take you on a leisurely tour of the area. We will get you involved as little or as much as you want to be in handling the boat on your private Lake Michigan Charter!

  Holland Michigan Hundreds of miles of Michigan's Western shoreline are covered in soft, beautiful sand dunes. The best way to experience the local geography is of course from the water and we do  everything  we can to share it.

Our instructors are ASA certified and Coast Guard licensed.

We are certified to teach ASA 101-106 classes. (Basic Keel Boat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bare Boat Cruising, Coastal Navigation and Advance Coastal Cruising) We have more than thirty years of sailing experience as boat owners and crew and take pride in our sailing instruction. Our boats are Coast Guard inspected, certified and insured for charter operation. To date, we have certified over 600 sailors. We instruct individuals, couples, families and groups.

 Contact Us Today 

#sailgrandhaven

Welcome to the Grand River Sailing Club!  GRSC is located in beautiful Grand Haven on the west coast of Michigan.

Welcome to the Grand River Sailing Club

" GRSC is more than a club, it is a family united by one passion, sailing. Despite the chaos of the world, sailing brings peace and a purpose for us club members."

~ Commodore Alicia Stringer

Founded in 1980 by Larry Gardner, The Grand River Sailing Club in Grand Haven, MI is stationed near the mouth of the Grand River feeding into Lake Michigan.

Sailing School

Want to learn to sail? We have a hands-on sailing school that starts in the classroom and expands to Lake Michigan with some “light” racing.

The Rhumbline

Check out our blog. Written by members, for members, and shared with the world you will find interesting articles, great sailing tips, and more…

Clubhouse Rentals

Located in the heart of Grand Haven, our location makes a great venue for hosting birthday parties and other special events.

“We clear the harbor and the wind catches her sails and my beautiful ship leans over ever so gracefully, and her elegant bow cuts cleanly into the increasing chop of the waves. I take a deep breath and my chest expands and my heart starts thumping so strongly I fear the others might see it beat through the cloth of my jacket. I face the wind and my lips peel back from my teeth in a grin of pure joy.” ~L.A. Meyer

RACING | 2023 Season

2022 brought us some of the strongest winds we’ve ever seen in a racing season!  While we love the wind… we’re hoping 2023 is just a hair calmer.  Registration is now open and the schedule is up, check it out here.

We’d like to say a special Thank You to our 2023 season sponsors: R. Smithe Builders, Mitten Mobile Detailing ,  Bluffton Bay Sails , North Shore Marina , Shorelines Painting Company, Dryer Architectural Group, Betty Clark for the Pat Clark Memorial Cup and Susan Harper for the Baneberry Cup.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Cocktail parties, game night events, shrimp boils, banquets and more, our club host social events all year long for our members.

For cold weather or warm weather…for babies and for adults…we got some great GRSC gear! Check out our online store to see what’s available, and if you’re looking for something custom, just ask!

New From The Rhumbline

(our sailing blog).

The Jack Kelley 8+8 – Celebrating 35 Years

The 8 + 8 Cruising Rally was never meant to be the event it is today.  35 Years ago, the sailing club was struggling with a yearly cruising event where the destination was predetermined.  Unfortunately, it seemed no matter the year, and no matter the destination, the...

Summer 2021 Racing Kicks Off!

The Grand River Sailing Club kicked off their 2021 Summer Racing Season with the R. Smithe Builders Cupon June 2nd, immediately following the traditional Blessing of the Fleet.  Patti Edwards, a longtime member of the sailing club, lead the boats in prayer as they...

Safety Series: Ditch Bags

From GRSC Contributing Member, Leonard White, Jr. As the name implies, a ditch bag is something that you can grab and toss into a life raft quickly when abandoning ship. It’s a pre-packaged supply bag of things that you and your crew might need over the time that you’re adrift awaiting rescue.

2023 Racing Sponsors

Baneberry Cup

Susan harper, r. smithe builders, dryer architectural group, pat clark memorial, betty clark.

Grand River Sailing Club

219 N. Harbor Mailing: PO Box 214 Grand Haven, MI 49417

Terms and Conditions

MBJA Sailing School

Established in 1982, join one of the fastet growing co-ed sports in the nation, register now for high school and middle school sailing teams, 2024 high school sailing team - fall.

Join the fun and sign up for one of the fastest growing co-ed sports in the nation!

MBJA happily invites all students in grades 8-12 to participate, regardless of which area high school you attend. Prior sailing or racing experience is required – either as a member of the current team or successfully completing one of the MBJA 420 camps. Sailing under the banner of your high school with a group of your peers forges friendships that last a lifetime.

Currently, MBJA has students from Black River, Holland Christian, Saugatuck, West Ottawa, and Zeeland East and West, who participate in our high school sailing program. 

Practices will be begin WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4 from 3:30-6:30pm and will be held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from September 4-November 3. 

A Parent/Sailor meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm on Wednesday September 4 in the Junior Sailing Center with Coach Cappy, Coach Hannah and Director Marie. If you have questions about practices, experience or eligibility, please contact MBJA Director, Marie Mell Colville at [email protected].

Fall 2024 6th/7th grade Middle School Team (Tier 4)

MBJA happily invites all students in grades 6 & 7 to participate, regardless of which area high school you attend. Prior sailing or racing experience is required – either as a member of the current team or successfully completing one of the MBJA 420 or Opti camps. Sailing under the banner of your high school with a group of your peers forges friendships that last a lifetime. Currently, MBJA has students from Black River, Holland Christian, Saugatuck, West Ottawa, and Zeeland East and West, who participate in our high school sailing program. 

6th/7th Grade (Tier 4) sailing will differ from traditional High School sailing. Students will use RAD sails (cut-down mains), only compete in regattas against others in Tier 4. They will also NOT sail if the wind is greater than 15mph. Practice pairings will be set up by Coach Hannah and maximize crew/skipper combinations by height/weight and experience, so pairings may differ day-to-day in practice. For regattas, each pair will sail 4-6 races (wind/weather dependent) together with no rotations. 

Practices will be begin WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4 from 3:30-6:30pm and will be held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from September 4-October 5.

There will be a Parent/Sailor meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday September 4 in the Junior Sailing Center with Coach Hannah and Director Marie. If you have questions about practices, experience or eligibility, please contact MBJA Director, Marie Mell Colville at [email protected].

Current Wind and Weather conditions at Macatawa Bay

First time sailor?  No Problem!

At MBJA we offer programs for ages 5 through Adult!  It’s always a good time to learn to sail.

Summer Camps

High School & College

Adult Sailing

Purchase a gift certificate that can be applied to any mbja class..

Sailing school leads to greatness

In all aspects of life., learn about our scholarships, make a tax-deductible donation., learn about our program's mission, high school sail team racing.

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CHARTERS | SCHOOL | SALES

“name your price” sales event.

Be careful… you just may get a great boat at the price you offer!

We have new inventory coming and are motivated to sell the current inventory. “Name Your Price” only applies to existing inventory so once they’re gone, they’re gone.  So go ahead and make that offer!

MICHIGAN’S AUTHORIZED JEANNEAU DEALER

Save up to $47,000 on our in-stock jeanneau’s new models at our docks in st. clair shores and traverse city., yacht charters.

We continue to provide the best sailing charter fleet on Lake Michigan to cruise the harbors of Grand Traverse Bays, Little Traverse Bay, The Straits of Mackinaw, The Manitou Islands, Beaver Island, the Les Cheneaux Islands and beyond!

SAILING SCHOOL

Our passion is sailing and our goal is to share the knowledge and feeling of being under sail. Great Lakes Sailing Co. is an ASA Award Winning Sailing School with a 30 year history of introducing sailing to over 5000 sailors.

FEATURED YACHTS

Check out these new and used boats in-stock now and get sailing this summer! New Jeanneau models in stock and arriving soon. We have most Jeanneau models on display so give us a call to set up a time to meet us at our docks.

2024 JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 440

2024 jeanneau sun odyssey 410, sail northern michigan.

The first thing people notice when arriving in Northern Michigan is the clear, teal and blue Caribbean-esque water . Navigation is very easy due to lack of tides and water depths exceed 700 feet in some areas, and within our sailing grounds are 45 anchorages, harbor towns and marinas available to cruisers.

12935 S. West Bay Shore Drive

Traverse City, MI  49684

[email protected]

231.941.0535

12935 S West Bay Shore Dr

Traverse City, Mi 49684

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Lake St. Clair has a variety of sailing activities. People who are looking to learn how to sail can join us on a three hour sailing adventure on Lake St. Clair to enjoy cruising and ask question sand participate if they wish. Our experience, coast guard certified sailing instructors will gladly answer any of your question and voluntarily teach you how to sail if you wish to do so. Participation in sailing activities is a fun and exciting way to get yourself to learn how to sail.

We also have a series of American Sailing Association certified classes. Taught by ASA certified Sailing Captains. A student can start learning how to sail by taking the beginners class ASA 101.

Next Students can take ASA 103 which they practice their sailing skills and learn more about sailing activities in depth. You get certified by ASA once you pass your practical and written test. Click here to learn more about ASA 103.

Some students with some sailing experience can take the fast track course which is a combination of ASA 101 and 103. It is a combo class and they have to go through long two days that end with practical and written tests. Click here to learn more about ASA 101 and 103.

Students who aim to charter a boat around the world, they take it step further and learn how to charter a boat by spending two and half days and sleep on the boat. They learn all the details that they need to take care of when they charter a boat. Click here to learn more about ASA 104.

Our location

Lake St. Clair Sailing School is located in Markley Marine which is 5 minutes by car from St. Clair Metro Park in Metro Detroit Area. We are thirty minutes from Troy, Thirty minutes from Detroit and 40 minutes from Dearborn.

Follow us on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook to see our testimonials. Follow us on Instagram to see more pictures of our Sailing activities and events. Click here to see more about Gallery.

If you have any questions or inquiries you can either contact us by filling out this form or call us at (586) 770 -2518

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Sailing courses, detroit sailing.

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Building Lifelong Sailors

SUMMER 2024

A community sailing program open to all, the Little Traverse Sailors offers an incredible learning experience. From weekly group lessons, private lessons and race team, our goal is to build lifelong sailors in a safe environment.

Sailing Classes will run from June 17-August 16 2024

REGISTER TODAY!

LEARN TO SAIL

For nearly 60 years, Little Traverse Sailors has offered a learn to sail program for youth from ages eight to eighteen on the waterfront in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

The LTS Race Team provides our students with the opportunity to expand and enhance their involvement with the sport of sailing, with the goal of helping to build lifelong sailors.

Although we budget carefully and strive to make our programs break even on an operational basis, our generous donors and volunteers allow us to do so much much more.

Current Events

For over 60 years, Little Traverse Sailors has offered a learn to sail program for youth from ages eight to eighteen on the waterfront in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Our widely- known program is designed to build skills and a lifelong interest in the sport of sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

lts_sailing

Come sail with us on beautiful Lake Charlevoix and experience a whole new world of excitement, adventure, friendships and fun.

Welcome to Sail Charlevoix, where we are proud to share our passion for sailing and growing the next generation of sailors. Sail Charlevoix offers a complete selection of sailing classes for children and adults for our northern Michigan community, visitors, and friends. ‍ Lessons include a range of hands-on sailing activities.  Whether you want to learn to sail, improve your racing skills, gain access to Lake Charlevoix with our Depot beach rack storage or help  support our program , please join us at Sail Charlevoix!

Why Sail Charlevoix

Growing the next generation of sailors.

Sail Charlevoix has its roots going back 40 years and has always been dedicated to providing our northern Michigan community exceptional sailing instruction and access to our beautiful Lake Charlevoix.  We are a long-standing local organization whose priorities are Safety, Fun, Education and Advancement. Sail Charlevoix is not only a top sailing program, but we remain dedicated to making the experience available to students of all income ranges.  Compare our pricing and breadth of program to any other program in the region.  The generous support of our community, cities, and volunteers allows us to keep costs low and performance high.

Our Locations

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Our Commitment To Safety

Our programs, junior sailing.

Our learn-to-sail program gives many students their first opportunity at command of a boat.  Students earn self confidence and responsibility as they gain boat handling skills.  Lessons include  sailing terminology, knot-tying skills, safe sailing lessons, racing skills and much more.

Junior Racing

Our racing program starts by honing dinghy skills and can help transition the student as far as they want to go.  Sessions focus on specific racing skills and techniques with classroom instruction to review strategy, tactics and rules. Short practice races allow for ample coaching opportunities.

Adult Sailing

Our adult program has successfully provided newer sailors the opportunity to comfortably handle their own boat.  We tailor these sessions to the individual.  Whether getting on a dinghy for the first time or refreshing good sailing habits, our instructors are there to provide the experience desired.

Our locations

Our Boyne City sessions operate in June from the City Marina in downtown Boyne City.  The City generously allows the use of their docks and protected marina which makes for a safe and convenient starting point for Sail Charlevoix.  The large adjacent public park provides family a great venue for watching the classes and Friday racing.  Restrooms, pavilion and close access to downtown make this a great place to hang out before, during and after sailing classes. Look for the Sail Charlevoix trailer near the boat launch.

F. Grant Moore Municipal Marina 20 State St, Boyne City, MI 49712 View On Map

The Charlevoix sessions start the last week of June and operate from the north end of Depot Beach.  Our docks, hoists and dolly launch offer several means of access to this beautiful portion of Lake Charlevoix.  The adjacent park offers one of the best beaches in the area, restrooms and a pavilion for inclement weather.  The prevailing westerly breezes make launching easy.  The instructional area is close to shore and affords great viewing opportunities. Look for the Sail Charlevoix trailer near the end of the parking lot.

Depot Beach Park Charlevoix MI 49720 View On Map

Sail Charlevoix is governed by Lake Charlevoix Mariners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable, educational organization (EIN 31-6329012), committed to supporting the development and access to sailing opportunities for our community.

Lake Charlevoix Mariners Inc. ‍ ‍ PO Box 122 Charlevoix, MI 49720

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What does it mean to be ASA Certified ?

American Sailing Association affiliated sailing schools now graduate and certify thousands of new sailors annually – sailors who learn faster, learn more and have more fun sailing in more new places. They choose ASA schools because they want to follow a proven curriculum in a professional, supportive learning environment under the direction of certified sailing instructors.

There are more than 400 ASA sailing schools across the United States as well as schools across the far east, Canada, the Caribbean and many other popular sailing locales.

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(231) 373-2329

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Experience Adventure

Come Try the Excitement & Fun of Sailing

Established in 1995.  We have 14 centerboard boats, certified instructors and offer sailing to young people starting at age 7 to include adults.

Do you have a question for us?  Need to know something we haven't told you about? Don't let it go unanswered! We would love to hear from you!

Looking for something to do?  Check out our Calendar and Sign up for an Event or Book a Sailing Lesson today!

Your generous donation will fund our mission to teach youth to sail. Donated funds allow us to hire qualified, quality sailing instructors, offer scholarship opportunities to deserving youth in our community and maintain a top notch fleet of teaching sailboats. Donations are classified 501c3 and your donations are 

Tax Deductible!  

Ready to start your sailing lessons?  Click the button below to Book online!

 Continue to support the Walloon Sailors by purchasing Our Sailing Merchandise!

5 REASONS THAT YOUR KIDS SHOULD LEARN TO SAIL

Leaning to sail teaches.

• Self Confidence
• Spatial Awareness
• Sense of Direction
• Weather Knowledge
• Shipshape Habits

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We love our customers, so feel free to contact us anytime!

Walloon Sailors Inc.

5995 Country Club Shrs, Petoskey, Michigan 49770, United States

231-373-2329

 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 

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Boat Charters

Fleet rates, sailing school, affordable sailing at two locations.

• Guaranteed Sailing
• Flexible Scheduling
• New Model Yachts
• Monthly Revenue
• Professional Yacht Management
• Sail Your Boat 14 Times/Month
• Learn to Sail Safely
• Logically Sequenced Curriculum
• ASA Certifications
• Modern Design Sailboats
• Luxurious and Comfortable
• Efficient and Easy to Sail

SailTime Membership

Sail all season long for an easy monthly fee.

Please use the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about SailTime Chicago, and be sure to visit our fleet page. Fill out the Request Information page and to find out why SailTime Chicago is the smart and easy way to sail Lake Michigan

World-Class Training

Sailtime is an asa awarded sailing school.

Here at SailTime Chicago, we want to help you grow as a boater.  We employ experienced instructors that will guide you through the ASA certification levels.  Become a member and enjoy access to a luxury yacht just as a boat owner would, without the usual expenses and long-term commitment.  Or purchase a boat of your own the intelligent way; through our Managed Ownership program. Whatever your experience or goals, we will help you enjoy boating on Lake Michigan.

Entertain your clients, friends, and vendors

Looking for a different way to entertain clients and business associates? Forget the golf course, sailing is the best way to make an impression; they’ll always remember their first time sailing along the Chicago lakefront.  And sailing gives you plenty of time to talk over deals and connect.

Beyond entertaining, SailTime is perfect for team-building activities, rewarding high performing employees, and taking your family out for some needed off time.   You’ll spend all summer enjoying your membership boat however you want.

• 3119 S. Route 31 Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Weekdays: 8:30am - 5:30pm Weekends: 8:30am - 5:30pm

News & Updates

SailTime Boston Celebrates Two Decades of Sailing in Boston

Boston, MA – September 16, 2024 – SailTime Boston is proud to announce the celebration of its 20th anniversary, marking

SailTime Annapolis Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence in Sailing Adventures

SailTime Annapolis proudly announces its 20th anniversary as a premier fractional boat club in the Chesapeake Bay area. Since its

SailTime Houston: A Family Affair with a Legacy of Sailing

At SailTime Houston, Evan and Amanda Macaluso, provide a warm welcome, fellowship, and accessibility to the boating world. Their approach?

Adventure Awaits

Sail it like you own it.

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