YOUTH LEARN TO SAIL
CHALLENGE THE WIND, AGES 10-17
2026 Challenge the Wind
Registration will open early March 2026. Sign up here to Get Updates.
Note: Session 1 and 2 are for new and returning sailors. Session 3 is for first time sailors.
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Learn to sail Sessions are 2-weeks, Monday through Friday, 9 am to Noon, $175 a Session. Need-base scholarships available.
Detroit Swim water safety program is included in the fee. Detroit Swims Sessions are the first week of each Sailing Session Monday thru Thursday 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm Session 1 June 22nd - July 3rd Session 2 July 20th - 31st Session 3 August 10th - 21st Priority given to 1st time sailors Detroit Swims
The Detroit Swim program's objective is to teach how to be safe in the water in various situations. The cost is included in the sailing fee. Detroit Swims' 4-day session takes place the first week of each sailing session, Monday thru Thursday 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm at the Belle Isle Boathouse. First time sailing participants are required to register with Detroit SWIMS and attend, at minimum, the first day. |
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About Challenge the Wind Program
About our Youth Learn to Sail Program
We teach 10-17 year olds to sail using our fleet of Optis, 420's, and Flying Scots. Sessions are designed for Beginner and Intermediate skill levels. By the end of a 2 week session, participants will be able to sail safely without the assistance of the instructors.
The Basics
Beginning Sailing- is a 2 week course for preteens and teens taught by experienced US Sailing certified instructors and volunteers with years of sailing experience. We use US Sailing’s standard curriculum and teach every participant to sail. Participants also learn the value of our rich local marine environment.
The Next Level
Intermediate Sailing- runs concurrently with the Beginning program to advance the skills of experienced or returning participants. Motivated Intermediate students have the opportunity to earn their US Sailing Small Boat Certification- "the little red book"- based on completion of a skills test and written test.
Included:
Knowing how to swim is preferred but not mandatory.
Life jackets are required 100% of the time anyone is near or on the water. This includes parents, instructors and participants. On the first day of the Detroit Swims session, under supervision, we gauge each participant's comfort in the water and practicing floating in a life jacket.
We teach 10-17 year olds to sail using our fleet of Optis, 420's, and Flying Scots. Sessions are designed for Beginner and Intermediate skill levels. By the end of a 2 week session, participants will be able to sail safely without the assistance of the instructors.
The Basics
Beginning Sailing- is a 2 week course for preteens and teens taught by experienced US Sailing certified instructors and volunteers with years of sailing experience. We use US Sailing’s standard curriculum and teach every participant to sail. Participants also learn the value of our rich local marine environment.
The Next Level
Intermediate Sailing- runs concurrently with the Beginning program to advance the skills of experienced or returning participants. Motivated Intermediate students have the opportunity to earn their US Sailing Small Boat Certification- "the little red book"- based on completion of a skills test and written test.
Included:
- Use of sailboats
- Use of lifejacket (U.S. Coast Guard certified personal floatation device)
- US Sailing Certified Instructors
- First Responder/ CPR certified staff
- Detroit Swims water safety program
Knowing how to swim is preferred but not mandatory.
Life jackets are required 100% of the time anyone is near or on the water. This includes parents, instructors and participants. On the first day of the Detroit Swims session, under supervision, we gauge each participant's comfort in the water and practicing floating in a life jacket.
Safety Is Our Priority
If you have questions contact us at [email protected]
- Red Cross First Responder/ CPR - Instructors are certified.
- Coast Guard approved Life Jackets - they are required at all times on or near the water by everyone.
- Swim Assessment - to determine participant’s comfort around water.
- Safety powerboats - on the water while participants are sailing.
- Annual Coast Guard Auxiliary Inspections - by the Detroit Power Squadron.
- Protected sailing area is our classroom - protected by Belle isle bridge. No Wake zone. No big boats.
If you have questions contact us at [email protected]
Thanks. One last thing before you go. Have you considered swim lessons? Click the button below for a list of Detroit area swim lessons resources.
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