The Grand Rapids Junior Sailing Association, on site at the Grand Rapids Yacht Club on Reeds Lake, offers: 7 one week youth sessions and separate adult sessions meeting once per week for 6 weeks. Students at all levels will experience the thrill of sailing through a variety of games, activities, and informal competitions designed to develop boat handling and safety skills. Class size is limited. The younger students will learn to sail on a nearly indestructible boat Optimist Pram. Older students and Adults will learn on the 12-foot Butterfly, or 420 sailboats are used with experienced sailors.
Class Descriptions
Intro to Sailing (Ages 7+)
Beginning Sailors – Children with little to no experience on a sailboat. This class is designed to give your child a controlled introduction to the world of sailing with an instructor on board. Learning boat parts, basic knots, nautical terms, and water safety will be the focus. This class will build confidence and security on the water. Students sail in groups of 2-3 per boat with an instructor on board. We encourage signing up for at least two sessions, if not more, depending on instructor evaluation. The next class level will not have an instructor on board. Please see schedule below for dates and times this class will be offered. Each one-week session (Tuesday & Thursday) is $150.
Level 1 – Partner Sailing (Ages 7-14)
For kids with some sailing experience. Students will sail with a partner, taking turns steering as they build confidence on an Optimus or Butterfly. No instructor on board, instructors coach from power boats nearby. Focus will be on learning boat parts, points of sail, wind direction, water safety, and how to rig a boat. We encourage signing up for 2 or 3 sessions and moving up once the instructor recommends it. Please note, the Level 2 class is sailing an Opti or Butterfly single-handed, this means students should move up only when they have enough confidence and know-how to sail alone. Please see schedule below for dates and times this class will be offered. Each one-week (Monday -Thursday) session is $300.
Level 2 – Single-handed Sailing (Ages 9+)
Kids need instructor approval following the successful completion of Level 1 – Partner Sailing to register for this class. This class builds on knowledge of boat parts, points of sail, wind direction, and water safety. Learn to rig and sail an Opti or Butterfly independently with confidence. Instructors continue to build on prior knowledge. No instructor on board, one student per sailboat. When the instructor evaluation says your child has mastered the class, usually after 2-3 sessions, please check the Learn to Race or 420 classes. Please see schedule below for dates and times this class will be offered. Each one-week (Monday -Thursday) session is $300.
Learn to Race (Ages 9+)
Take your skills to the starting line! Our Learn to Race class introduces sailors to the fundamentals of competitive sailing, including race rules, starting strategy, mark roundings, boat speed, and teamwork—all with plenty of on-the-water practice. Pre-requirements: Completion of Level 1 and Level 2 sailing classes. Perfect for sailors ready to build confidence, sharpen their skills, and experience the excitement of racing. Once students show proficiency in this class, they may be invited to participate in Race Team. Please see schedule below for dates and times this class will be offered. Each one-week session (Tuesday & Thursday) is $150.
Girls Only Sailing Camp (Ages 7 – 13)
Set sail for fun and confidence! Our Girls Only Sailing Camp is designed especially for girls, creating a supportive and empowering environment where girls can learn, grow, and make new friends. Campers will learn the basics of sailing—steering, sail trim, knots, and water safety—through hands-on instruction and exciting time on the water. No experience is needed! It’s the perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and confidence-building—all while having a blast on the water. This camp is only offered one session in the Summer (Session 4). Please see schedule below for dates and times. The one-week session (Tuesday & Thursday) is $150.
420 Sailing Camp (Ages 12 – 18)
Our 420 Sailing Camp is designed for intermediate and advanced sailors ready to sail a double-handed performance dinghy. Campers will build boat speed, teamwork, spinnaker skills, and racing technique through focused drills and coached practice. Ideal for sailors preparing for or wanting to have a head start of High School Interscholastic or competitive racing. Please see schedule below for dates and times this class will be offered. Each one-week session (Tuesday & Thursday) is $150.
Adult Sailing Classes (Ages 18+)
Discover the freedom and adventure of sailing in our Adult Sailing Class—designed for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. Whether you’re completely new to sailing, returning after time away, or just wanting to improve your sailing skills, this hands-on course will build your confidence on the water in a supportive and relaxed environment. You will learn essential sailing fundamentals including boat terminology, rigging, steering, sail trim, points of sail, knot tying, docking, and basic safety procedures. Classes combine on-land instruction with practical on-the-water experience, giving you real-time practice at the helm. No prior experience is necessary—just bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a towel and a sense of adventure. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to safely skipper a small sailboat and enjoy time on the water with family and friends. Adult classes are offered on Mondays or Wednesdays evenings. Please see schedule below for dates and times. Price of adult adult classes is $450, and includes six days of instruction.
2026 Class Schedule
| Session 1 | June 15 – 18, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 2 | June 22 – 25, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 3 | June 29 – July 2, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 4 | July 6 – 9, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Girls Camp: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 5 | July 13 – 16, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) 420 Camp: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 6 | July 20 – 23, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) 420 Camp: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Session 7 | July 27 – 30, 2026 | Intro to Sailing: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) Level 1 – Partner: Mon- Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Level 2 – Single-handed: Mon – Thurs (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to Race: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) 420 Camp: Tue & Thurs (1:00pm-4:00pm) |
| Adult – Mondays | June 15 – July 20, 2026 (6 classes) | Mon (6:00pm-9:00pm) |
| Adult – Wednesdays | June 17 – July 22, 2026 (6 classes) | Wed (5:00pm-8:00pm) |
QUESTIONS?
Several factors go into deciding what class is the right fit for your child: age, experience, confidence, and size. If you’d like help navigating the classes, please reach out to someone on the board. We’re happy to talk it through with you! At the end of each session, your child will receive an evaluation and next class recommendation from their instructor. It’ll be good to make note of those for future class sign-ups.
Please see our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.
Grand Rapids Junior Sailing Association 