Set on the waters of Grand Traverse Bay, our sailing school offers top-tier American Sailing (ASA) instruction designed to help you become a confident, capable sailor. Traverse City is home to some of the best sailing and cruising grounds on the Great Lakes, with quiet anchorages, sandy beaches, and welcoming harbor towns all within reach during a course or a charter. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, our hands-on training gives you real-world sailing experience in a breathtaking, unforgettable setting.
Our experienced, American Sailing-certified instructors are passionate sailors dedicated to your success. We have been teaching sailing for over 30 years, and some of our instructors have been with us since the very beginning. With thousands of nautical miles under their belts, from offshore racing to yacht deliveries and extensive cruising, they bring real-world expertise to every lesson. They provide a safe, engaging, and personalized learning environment, ensuring every student feels confident behind the helm.
We have a fleet of 21 charter boats ranging from 22′ to 49′, including Marlow Hunters, Catalinas, and Jeanneaus. These vessels offer the perfect blend of stability, performance, and comfort, making them ideal for both learning and cruising. After you graduate from our American Sailing school, we will confidently send you and your crew out on one of them! On select boats, we also offer the unique opportunity to stay aboard the boat you are learning on. There’s no better way to get to know a cruising yacht and experience life aboard than by spending a few nights on the vessel.
Grand Traverse Bay offers some of the best sailing conditions on the Great Lakes. Its protected waters, steady summer breezes, and stunning views make it an ideal destination for sailors of all levels. Drop anchor at Power Island, explore Bowers Harbor, or sail into Suttons Bay, Northport, Omena, or Elk Rapids. More experienced crews can venture beyond the bay to the Manitou Islands, Beaver Island, and Lake Michigan harbors like Leland and Charlevoix. The bay offers a range of conditions, from gentle breezes perfect for beginners to stronger winds for more experienced sailors. Northern Michigan’s ever-changing weather is also a great opportunity to master sailing in different conditions, making the area an excellent place for both learning and adventure.
Our Flotilla Adventures give sailors an exciting chance to step outside their comfort zone with support from our experienced team. You can charter one of our boats, book a cabin, or take a licensed captain during these group sailing events. We sail together, anchor together, evaluate weather patterns, and help each other in and out of unfamiliar marinas and slips. These flotilla events are a unique way to meet fellow sailors, build confidence, and form lasting cruising partnerships.
Join us for a learning vacation in Traverse City, where you can experience hands-on training, stunning cruising grounds, and the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you dream of chartering a yacht, racing, coastal cruising, or ocean passagemaking, we’ll help you set sail with confidence!
