Junior sailing program
**Registration opens february 1, 2025**

ages 8-18

Take command of your first boat and discover a world of adventure! Our learn-to-sail program builds confidence and responsibility as students master boat handling skills. Watch your sailor grow from beginner to leader – it's amazing to see students progress from Seaman to Mate to Skipper, with many becoming Junior Leaders and even Instructors who inspire the next generation.

Make it a full day of fun! We offer supervised lunch breaks for students enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions, with our experienced staff ensuring everyone stays safe and engaged throughout the day.

NEW for 2025! Northern Student Program

Students ages 8-18 who live and go to school in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, or Otsego County can join our learn-to-sail programs in Boyne City or Charlevoix for just $175. Follow the prompts during registration to unlock this special rate, Local25. After registration, email us a copy of a recent report card or PowerSchool app screenshot to confirm residency. Questions? Just ask!

Scholarships

Want to join us on the water? Apply now for our sailing scholarships! We offer 50% scholarships thanks to generous donations from our Sail Charlevoix community. We believe every young sailor should have the chance to experience the joy of sailing. Scholarships are awarded based on your interest in learning to sail, financial need, and available funding.

Since we have a limited number of scholarships, please send in your application as early as you can. You'll find all the details in our application form. Have questions? We're here to help!

What to Bring

  • Type III Life jacket, Coast Guard Approved (loaners may be available)
  • Gear bag with contact info
  • Optional face mask for social distancing
  • A change of dry clothes and towel
  • Applied sunscreen and insect repellent 
  • UV Sunglasses and/or hat
  • Closed-toe shoes or water shoes (with closed toes)
  • Water bottle (no glass)
  • Curiosity to learn!

Skills and Knowledge Emphasized

  • Sail Trim
  • Rigging
  • Boat Safety
  • Docking & Departing
  • Teamwork
  • Basic Racing
  • Right of Way Rules
  • Small Boat Handling
  • Knot Tying
  • Self Confidence

All program participants must be able to swim with a life jacket.

2025 Boyne City Sessions

Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Afternoon Sessions: 1:15 PM - 4:00 PM
City of Boyne City Marina

Session 1A-BC
Jun
16
-
20
Morning
$250
Session 1B-BC
Jun
16
-
20
Afternoon
$250
Session 2A-BC
Jun
23
-
27
Morning
$250
Session 2B-BC
Jun
23
-
27
Afternoon
$250
Session 3A-BC*
Jun
30
-
3
No class Friday, July 4
Morning
$200
Session 3B-BC*
Jun
30
-
3
No class Friday, July 4
Afternoon
$200

2025 Charlevoix Sessions

Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Afternoon Sessions: 1:15 - 4:00 PM
Depot Beach, Charlevoix

Special Dates:
TBD Racing Seminar, Ice Cream Social and Junior Venetian Regatta

Session 3A-CVX*
Jun
30
-
3
No class Friday, July 4
Morning
$200
Session 3B-CVX*
Jun
30
-
3
No class Friday, July 4
Afternoon
$200
Session 4A-CVX
Jul
7
-
11
Morning
$250
Session 4B-CVX
Jul
7
-
11
Afternoon
$250
Session 5A-CVX
Jul
14
-
18
Morning
$250
Session 5B-CVX
Jul
14
-
18
Afternoon
$250
Session 6A-CVX
Jul
21
-
25
Morning
$250
Session 6B-CVX
Jul
21
-
25
Afternoon
$250
Session 7A-CVX
Jul
28
-
1
Morning
$250
Session 7B-CVX
Jul
28
-
1
Afternoon
$250
Session 8A-CVX
Aug
4
-
8
Morning
$250
Session 8B-CVX
Aug
4
-
8
Afternoon
$250
Session 9A-CVX
Aug
11
-
15
Morning
$250
Session 9B-CVX
Aug
11
-
15
Afternoon
$250
Register now

Family Sailing

Get out on the water and enjoy a sail as a family!

Family Sailing sessions are for families who are signed up for sailing classes that specific week or for families of students who have already completed a week in our current season. This will be an excellent time to practice skills learned in a relaxed, unstructured environment. No formal instruction offered, but we will have safety instructors present to lend a hand and offer assistance if needed. NO INTENTIONAL CAPSIZING. NOTE: A parent must be in the family boat. The student skipper must be a seasoned student able to command a boat, or an adult who is an experienced sailor must be in the boat.

Location: Depot Beach - Charlevoix
Saturdays by Appointment Only
subject to instructor availability

$75 per boat. Limit four (4) per boat. Weather permitting.

Family Sailing Request

The Family Sailing Request below must be submitted online no later than 2 days before the event. After your request has been submitted, we will review and contact you with any questions. At that time we will provide approved families with a link for payment and registration.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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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.