Sailing School & Clinics

From introductory sailing classes to professionally coached racing clinics and a new sailing camp venue, our sailing school curriculum offers specialized instruction for all levels. Sailing school sessions are 2 weeks long and are offered 4 times throughout the summer starting on June 20th. A new one week session closes out the season in mid-August.

Standard - 2 Week format sailing session:

• Sailing School / Regatta Format - Each sailing school session is 9 days long with an optional regatta on the tenth and final day of class. This sailing school/regatta format was adopted by the Western Michigan Youth Sailing Association (WMYSA) in 2010. This new concept in the mid-west will provide young sailors the opportunity to participate in a regatta with participants from 9 Western Michigan junior racing programs. The experience is structured to build confidence in young sailors, provide a regatta experience and expose the social side of sailing. See the WMYSA website for details.
• Sailing Camp - Targets skippers that have complete the standard curriculum but desire a bit more time behind the helm before embracing a formal racing program or attempting more advance pleasure sailing without supervision. If sailing off to distance beach with a fleet of sailing friends for a beach party and cookout sounds like your type of afternoon, then this course is for you! This new offering is being developed by Sailing Instructor Lora Swenson and several parents.
• Professionally Coached Race Clinics - Augmenting our program with professional coaches greatly increases the level of instruction for the Junior Sailing Program. Not only is it a great opportunity for local youth wanting to go to the next level but is also elevates the Junior Sailing staff as they share and advance their teaching skills.

2011 Professional Clinics:

Dick Tillman Laser Clinic - June 16th & 17th (15 Student Limit)

• Thursday, June 16th - 1:30 to 6:00
• Laser controls
• White board discussion and water drills with debrief.
• Social time with light food afterwards.
• Friday, June 17th - 10:00 to 5:00 (1 hour lunch provided)
• Series of water drills, debriefs and instruction.

Jim Young, Former Olympic coach - July 11th to 14th

• Opti and Butterfly Coaching.
• Great tune up opportunity for Butterfly Nationals
  (Grand Rapids Yacht Club July 20th - July 22nd)
• Jim is one of the leading Butterfly experts and coaches.
  (See jimyoungsailing.com)

All instructors are US Sailing Certified and experienced sailors.

Click for Schedule