Sailing Education

Contact us for more information on the programs below

Sailing Education Director

Ian Lindahl
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Chair of Sailing Education

Tristan Wilson
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Junior Sailing

The SHYC Junior Sailing program has been a leader in teaching kids ages 8+ how to learn to sail. Courses provide the opportunity for young sailors to develop the skills and confidence necessary to enjoy sailing. The summer sailing program is run mid-June through mid-August. Courses are designed specifically for different ages and levels of experience to provide a fun opportunity to get young sailors out on the water. This program is focused on safety and fun, not racing and is open to the public.

NEW Junior Racing

This 1 week program will hopefully put SHYC back on the WYMSA map for sail racing. We have two weeks available in this exciting program with plenty of room for volunteers to help negotiate the many unknowns during these new Friday Regatta experiences. The Regattas are hosted by Grand Rapids Yacht Club and Muskegon Yacht Club.

Adult Sailing Lessons

Adult lessons will be taught on a J24, J80 or RS Quest. The class will cover everything from docking to rigging, sail trim, safety procedures, helming, trimming, navigation and more. Classes are offered for 8 weeks, June through August. Instruction is geared toward individual levels of ability and experience. There is no age limit for the class and is open to the public.

Adult Learn to Race

Join a certified US Sailing Instructor and a seasoned skipper on a J24 to compete against your fellow students on other identical boats (we call that one-design racing). Each boat will have just two or three students for maximum instruction and rotation. 2 sessions are offered for 6 weeks May-June and July-August.

NEW Adult Racing Charter

This exciting opportunity is offering the ability to captain one of our J24’s for a season on Thursday night JAM races. Just collect your crew and step aboard! 12 weeks of Thursday night racing. Two J24’s are available. Participants are the choosing of the chartering captain.

NEW Club Boat Experience

This new program will allow access to our SHYC boat fleet including 3-J24’s, 3 Sunfish, 2 Laser Pico’s, RS Quest, Laser Bahia and 10 Optimists. Open to SHYC members with qualified captain after a check ride. Participants limited to 8 members.