Take command of the wind on Lake St. Clair with comprehensive sailing courses and sunset sails offered by Lake St. Clair Sailing School. Learn essential skills or deepen your seamanship on one of Michigan’s prime freshwater lakes.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–6 hours depending on course or sail
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended; includes balance and some physical effort to handle sails
Wildlife
History
Lake St. Clair was a key route for early European fur traders and Native American communities, shaping the region's maritime culture.
Conservation
Local organizations actively monitor water quality and invasive species to maintain the lake’s health and boating safety.
Lake St. Clair Sailing School
Take command of the wind on Lake St. Clair with comprehensive sailing courses and sunset sails offered by Lake St. Clair Sailing School. Learn essential skills or deepen your seamanship on one of Michigan’s prime freshwater lakes.
Lake St. Clair Sailing School is a sailing instruction and charter provider based in Harrison Township, Michigan. The school focuses on hands-on training, certified American Sailing Association (ASA) courses, and recreational sails on Lake St. Clair. Students can pursue ASA certifications including ASA 103, ASA 104, ASA 105, and ASA 111, as well as shorter refresher courses for sailors who have completed ASA 101.
Instruction takes place aboard a variety of vessels ranging from 30-foot Catalinas to 30–50 foot sailboats and includes day sails, weekend and weekday sunset cruises, and specialty sails such as Moonrise Sailing. Courses emphasize navigation, coastal cruising skills, chart reading, and practical boat handling with experienced captains supervising onboard training.
In addition to certification programs, the school offers hands-on experiences: four-hour day sails, 2.5-hour moonrise trips, three-hour weekend sunset sails, and private charters described in the trip listings. Several courses include multi-day formats, including the three-day ASA 104 bareboat chartering course with two nights on the water and the two-day ASA 103 basic coastal cruising certification.
Lake St. Clair Sailing School positions itself as a practical, certification-focused provider with a variety of recreational options. The school operates from Harrison Township, providing access to Lake St. Clair for local sailing, instruction, and charter experiences. Prospective students and guests can choose from multiple course levels and recreational trips tailored to skill development and leisure sailing. Booking information, schedules, pricing, and course prerequisites are listed in the trip descriptions and should be confirmed online with the school before enrollment.
Location
Harrison Township, MI
Sailing on Lake St. Clair
ASA Courses
4 Courses
American Sailing Association training available
Boat Sizes
30–50 ft
30-ft Catalinas to 50-ft sailboats
Tours Offered
10 Tours
Day, sunset, weekend and specialty sails
Check availability for ASA certifications, day sails, sunset cruises, Moonrise Sailing, and private charters through the listed trip details.
Weather Check Before You Go
Lake St. Clair’s conditions can shift quickly—always review local weather reports before your sailing trip.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Boat decks stay slippery when wet; shoes with good grip help keep you steady on your feet.
Practice Basic Knot Tying
Familiarity with knots like bowline and cleat hitch enhances your hands-on learning during classes.
Sun Protection Is Key
UV exposure is amplified on water; bring sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.
Polarized Sunglasses
Cut glare from the water and protect your eyes during sunny sails.
summer
Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Provide traction on wet boat surfaces, reducing risk of slipping.
Light Waterproof Jacket
Shelters you from wind and lake spray during cooler or windy conditions.
spring|fall
Sunscreen
Protects skin from intense and prolonged sun exposure on the water.
summer