Junior sailing program

ages 8-18

Our learn-to-sail program gives many students their first opportunity at command of a boat.  Students earn self confidence and responsibility as they learn small boat handling skills.  Sail Charlevoix students who continue in the program gain experience in a structured environment where young adults exhibit leadership that inspires the next generation of program leaders and beyond. It is an every year occurrence that students transition from learning (Seaman, Mate, Skipper) to leading (Junior Leaders) to teaching (Instructors).

Bring your lunch and make it a full day! Our Learn-to-Sail classes offer supervision between the morning and afternoon sessions for students registered for both. Our staff will be on-site during the break between sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Program Scholarships

Scholarship dollars are made available from generous individual donations from Sail Charlevoix supporters, parents and alumni.  While it is our goal to ensure every sailor has an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs, scholarship funding is not unlimited.  50% Scholarships will be awarded based on the funds available at any given time, a demonstration of financial need, and the child’s desire to learn to sail.

Due to the limited number of scholarships available, applications are requested as soon as possible. Full scholarship details and guidelines can be found on our application, but please contact us with any questions.

2023 Scholarship application & Guidelines

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.

2023 Boyne City Sessions

Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Afternoon Sessions: 1:15 - 4:00 PM
Special Dates: NO class Friday, June 30 at Boyne City
June 21 - Pizza Picnic at noon (Please bring your drink.)
June 22 - Family Sailing, 5:30 PM (Submit online Family Sailing Request)

Session 1A-BC
Jun
12
-
16
Morning
$190
Session 1B-BC
Jun
12
-
16
Afternoon
$190
Session 2A-BC
Jun
19
-
23
Morning
$190
Session 2B-BC
Jun
19
-
23
Afternoon
$190
Session 3A-BC
Jun
26
-
29
No class Friday, June 30
Morning
$160
Session 3B-BC
Jun
26
-
29
No class Friday, June 30
Afternoon
$160

2023 Charlevoix Sessions

Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Afternoon Sessions: 1:15 - 4:00 PM

Special Dates:
July 4 & July 18 - NO class
July 11 - Tom Babel Racing Seminar & Ice Cream Social @ Charlevoix Yacht Club, 6:30-8:30 PM
July 18 - "Jr. Venetian Regatta" (no classes) (see Notice Of Race)
July 29 and August 5 - Family Sailing, 10:00 AM (Submit online Family Sailing Request)
August 1 - Potluck Picnic @ Charlevoix, Depot Beach, 6:00 PM

Session 3A-CVX
Jun
26
-
30
Morning
$200
Session 3B-CVX
Jun
26
-
30
Afternoon
$200
Session 4A*-CVX
Jul
3
-
7
No class Tuesday, July 4
Morning
$165
Session 4B*-CVX
Jul
3
-
7
No class Tuesday, July 4
Afternoon
$165
Session 5A-CVX
Jul
10
-
14
Morning
$205
Session 5B-CVX
Jul
10
-
14
Afternoon
$205
Session 6A*-CVX
Jul
17
-
21
No Class Tuesday, July 18 due to Jr Venetian Regatta. (Regatta is a separate sign up. See Racing section.)
Morning
$165
Session 6B*-CVX
Jul
17
-
21
No Class Tuesday, July 18 due to Jr Venetian Regatta. (Regatta is a separate sign up. See Racing section.)
Afternoon
$165
Session 7A-CVX
Jul
24
-
28
Morning
$205
Session 7B-CVX
Jul
24
-
28
Afternoon
$205
Session 8A-CVX
Jul
31
-
4
Morning
$205
Session 8B-CVX
Jul
31
-
4
Afternoon
$205
Session 9A-CVX
Aug
7
-
11
Morning
$190
Session 9B-CVX
Aug
7
-
11
Afternoon
$190
Register charlevoix sessions

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.

Boyne City Location: Thursday, June 22, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Depot Beach, Charlevoix Location: Saturdays, July 29 & August 5, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

$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!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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.