Learning To Sail
Learning to sail can be both exhilarating and a little daunting. Unlike power boating, canoeing, or kayaking, sailing has an extensive "lingo" all its own. Just learning the terms could scare someone off, but don't let it. You don't even need to own a boat in order to learn how to sail. Many sailing schools/clubs provide the boats you need and even allow you to lease/rent the boats when the course is done.
So where do you start? Start with your local yacht or sailing club. Many run sailing seminars and courses starting in the Spring. Next, try your local college or university. Several universities in Michigan have their own sailing clubs which offer workshops of their own. Finally, you can try one of a number of sailing schools in Michigan. These schools offer a range of options including formal certification and boat sharing opportunities. Some of these programs are listed below. Be sure to check our events calender for any open sailing or public learning opportunities.
While you are waiting for the next class opportunity (or for the ice to thaw, if in winter), US Sailing offers free online basic sailing instruction. Although not meant as a substitue for an on-the-water course, their informative slides and videos will give you a basic sailing vocabulary and understanding. Their courses can be accessed by clicking the button at the right.Either in conjunction with a formal class, or for self-study on your own, you may want to obtain a good book or DVD on the sailing basics. A selection of some good editions are available through the SAILMICHIGAN eStore by clicking on the books to the right.
Sailing schools & programs found in Michigan.
|
Location
|
School
|
Phone
|
|
Bay City
|
Delta College Sailing School
|
(989) 686-9515
|
|
Harrison Township
|
Fair Winds Sailing School
|
(866) 380-SAIL
|
|
Holland
|
GT Sailing
|
(616) 896-7127
|
|
Ludington
|
Northern Breezes Sailing School
|
(231) 843-9611
|
|
Muskegon
|
Torresen Marine Inc
|
(231) 759-8596
|
|
Oakland County
|
(248) 393-4284
|
|
|
Port Sanilac
|
Seahawk Sailing School
|
(586) 778-5152
|
|
St. Clair Shores
|
Lake St. Clair Sailing School
|
(586) 772-5475
|
| St. Joseph | St. Joseph Junior Foundation | (269) 983-5441 |
|
Traverse City
|
Bay Breeze Yacht Charters |
(231) 941-0535
|
|
Petoskey
|
(231) 535-7245
|
Sailing Programs offered by Michigan Yacht/Sail Clubs
|
Location |
Yacht/Sail Club |
Program |
Phone |
|
|
Bay City |
A | Y |
(989) 922-SAIL |
|
| Detroit | Bayview Yacht Club | A | (313) 822-1853 | |
| Detroit | Detroit Boat Club | A | Y | (313) 881-2174 |
| Detroit | Detroit Yacht Club | A | Y |
(313) 824-1200
|
| Grosse Point Farms | Crescent Sail Yacht Club | A | Y |
(313) 885-7575
|
| Haslett (Lansing) | Lansing Sail Club | A | Y | (517) 339-9030 |
| Leland | Leland Yacht Club | A | Y | (231) 256-2681 |
| Pontiac | Pontiac Yacht Club | A | Y | (248) 682-8020 |
|
Traverse City |
A | Y |
(231) 922-5922 |
|
