RACE CREW TRAINING
AGES 18+
Program Details
Dates
The first Tuesday race is May 13, 2025. Prior to the race we will hold an orientation, boat preparation, boat launch and safety orientation events. We have a tentative schedule but all of the outdoor pre-race activities are weather dependent....as you know... it's sailing. Scroll down to see the full tentative 2025 Race Crew Training calendar.
The Boat and Skipper
Learn to crew on a larger racing yacht. Macho Duck is a Tartan10, a 33 foot thoroughbred racing sloop owned by the Detroit Community Sailing Center. It will be skippered by Captain Tim, who has over 40 years of sailing, racing, and cruising experience.
Race Like a Boat Owner without the Expenses
If you have ever thought of owning a larger boat or just want to see what it is like to sail on one, here is your chance.
Learn All Crew and Skipper Positions
Learning opportunities include boat handling, maintenance issues, rules of racing, team work, safety, logistics, and so much more.
Prerequisite
This is not for beginners. Sailing skills are required. The program is designed for our intermediate sailors to take the next step. Others will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Cost
The cost is $450 for the entire season.
Location
Macho Duck is not located at Belle Isle. It is sailed out of Grayhaven State Harbor across the river.
The first Tuesday race is May 13, 2025. Prior to the race we will hold an orientation, boat preparation, boat launch and safety orientation events. We have a tentative schedule but all of the outdoor pre-race activities are weather dependent....as you know... it's sailing. Scroll down to see the full tentative 2025 Race Crew Training calendar.
The Boat and Skipper
Learn to crew on a larger racing yacht. Macho Duck is a Tartan10, a 33 foot thoroughbred racing sloop owned by the Detroit Community Sailing Center. It will be skippered by Captain Tim, who has over 40 years of sailing, racing, and cruising experience.
Race Like a Boat Owner without the Expenses
If you have ever thought of owning a larger boat or just want to see what it is like to sail on one, here is your chance.
Learn All Crew and Skipper Positions
Learning opportunities include boat handling, maintenance issues, rules of racing, team work, safety, logistics, and so much more.
Prerequisite
This is not for beginners. Sailing skills are required. The program is designed for our intermediate sailors to take the next step. Others will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Cost
The cost is $450 for the entire season.
Location
Macho Duck is not located at Belle Isle. It is sailed out of Grayhaven State Harbor across the river.
A Lot of Sailing All Season
Race Series:
Macho Duck competes in a season long Tuesday Evening Series- hosted by Grosse Pointe Sail Club. Starts off of Windmill Point Park at the head of the Detroit River. Visit the link for details on the series.
Macho Duck competes in a season long Tuesday Evening Series- hosted by Grosse Pointe Sail Club. Starts off of Windmill Point Park at the head of the Detroit River. Visit the link for details on the series.
Boat call is 6:00 pm at Grayhaven Marina. We should return to the dock no later than 9:00 pm. Please arrive on time to help prepare the boat for racing.
The season will begin with an orientation and work sessions (April and May) to prepare the boat for launch. Work sessions are not required but highly recommended for expanding knowledge of boat mechanics and for team building.
Extra Sailing Opportunities
The local racing organization- Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association (DRYA)- facilitates Saturday racing with local member clubs. We plan on doing at least one of these races in late June.
In addition, fun sails and further races can be added based on interest and availability.
Space is Limited
This is a lot of races for the season and showcases some of the best sailing opportunities the Detroit area has to offer.
Come and join us, your summer adventure awaits!
Send questions to: [email protected]
The season will begin with an orientation and work sessions (April and May) to prepare the boat for launch. Work sessions are not required but highly recommended for expanding knowledge of boat mechanics and for team building.
Extra Sailing Opportunities
The local racing organization- Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association (DRYA)- facilitates Saturday racing with local member clubs. We plan on doing at least one of these races in late June.
In addition, fun sails and further races can be added based on interest and availability.
Space is Limited
This is a lot of races for the season and showcases some of the best sailing opportunities the Detroit area has to offer.
Come and join us, your summer adventure awaits!
Send questions to: [email protected]
Tentative 2025 Calendar
Here's the full 2025 schedule for the Macho Duck.
Crew Orientation: Tuesday April 22, 2025 6pm location tbd
Spring Work Days: Sat, Apr 26, Sun Apr. 27, Sat May3, Sun May 4, 10am to 2pm
Location: GoatYard Marina
Launch the Duck: Week of May 5
Safety Training: Sat, May 10 & May 17 10am to 2pm. Need to attend one of these sessions.
Location: Grayhaven Marina
Spring Races: Tuesday Evenings May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Boat Call 6:00pm
Optional Saturday DRYA Regatta: DBC/GPC Point to Point Regatta
Boat call: 9:30am til 4:00 pm
Summer Races: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16
Boat call: 6:00pm
Fall Sunday Morning Series: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
Boat call 10am
Haul Out: Week of Oct. 27
Crew Orientation: Tuesday April 22, 2025 6pm location tbd
Spring Work Days: Sat, Apr 26, Sun Apr. 27, Sat May3, Sun May 4, 10am to 2pm
Location: GoatYard Marina
Launch the Duck: Week of May 5
Safety Training: Sat, May 10 & May 17 10am to 2pm. Need to attend one of these sessions.
Location: Grayhaven Marina
Spring Races: Tuesday Evenings May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Boat Call 6:00pm
Optional Saturday DRYA Regatta: DBC/GPC Point to Point Regatta
Boat call: 9:30am til 4:00 pm
Summer Races: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16
Boat call: 6:00pm
Fall Sunday Morning Series: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
Boat call 10am
Haul Out: Week of Oct. 27
