Learning to sail is part dream, part great instruction, and part hands-on experience.
US Sailing certification gives you the credentials you need for a true bare-boat charter, and is recommended if you wish to move up from a centerboard day sailer to a cruising keelboat.
Our Sailing
Courses
WMSAIL will offer three levels of courses:
Level 1) US Sailing Certified Basic Keelboat Class. The essential principles of safe, confident day-sailing.
Level 2) US Sailing Certified Basic Cruising Class. Learn to skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat, during daylight hours, within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Level 3) US Sailing Certified Bareboat Cruising Class, which may include cruises from harbor to harbor along the Lake Michigan shore and longer cruises across Lake Michigan (Beginning Summer 2024)
Graduate Benefits
Beginning with this 2024 season, graduates of WMSAIL’s Basic Keelboat classes who have been certified by their instructor to check out an available sailboat may rent one for their personal use.
A four hour rental is $400.00. Conditions apply.
All day (from 9AM to Sunset) is $600.00. Conditions apply.
At least two members of the crew must have taken the class, passed, and have been certified.
The boat may not be used in Lake Michigan.
Each graduate veteran is eligible for a discount of $200. If two graduate veterans are in the crew, the four hour rental is free. If, for example, a veteran and their non-veteran spouse have each graduated and been certified, the four hour rental would be $200.
For a non-certified 2-hour Introduction to Sailing Cruise, click on the Book Now button below. Inform the cruise Captain that you wish the cruise to be instructive. This way, you can get a taste of sailing before committing to a 5 day class.
US Sailing Certified Basic Keelboat Course
This is a one week course M-F from 8 AM to 1 PM. It will include two hours of classroom instruction followed by three hours on the water (weather permitting). All classes are held at Centenary United Methodist Church, in the Wesley Room. Lunch is provided.
This course includes the essential principles of safe, confident day-sailing, getting you on the water faster than ever.
Various courses are offered the Monday following Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tuition is $950. Since our mission is to build skills and camaraderie among veterans, tuition is free to them. Classes offered to the public offset the costs of the veterans’ programs.
Instructors have been certified through US Sailing.
To Register, Click the Book Now Button on the lower left.
US Sailing Certified Basic Cruising Course
This will be a one week course M-F from 8 AM to 6 PM or early evening hours. Two hours classroom instruction followed up with day sailing along the Lake Michigan shoreline , weather permitting, to other ports nearby.
The Basic Cruising graduate will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat, during daylight hours, within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Courses will be offered beginning Summer 2024.