LEARN TO SAIL
JUMP TO:SCHEDULE + RATES
Program Overview
For over 60 years Little Traverse Sailors has offered a community based Learn to Sail Program for youth ages 8 to 18 on the waterfront in Harbor Springs, MI. More importantly, the experiences at Little Traverse Sailors have inspired generations of sailors to keep sailing for a lifetime: whether to race, cruise, explore, or simply to “mess about in boats.”
Our learn to sail program is structured to progress students through 3 levels within a fleet system that represent increasing skills and experience. Sailors work with our instructors and coaches to develop their skills to advance to the next level. The skills for each level are calibrated to build on-the-water confidence and techniques, as well as off-the-water knowledge (such as knots, rules of the road, and safety information).
Green Fleet: Beginner sailors GREEN FLEET SKILL SHEET
Blue Fleet: Intermediate BLUE FLEET SKILL SHEET
Red Fleet: Advanced RED FLEET SKILL SHEET
2025 Schedule + Rates
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1, 2025
Youth J/70 Adventure Sailing
Learn to Sail on our J70 Keelboat. Youth ages 10 and up with sailing experience are welcome to join this class and learn the basics of sailing a J70 with our top-notch coaches. Limit 4 per session.
Youth Adventure Sailing – 1pm to 4pm $325 per week
Refund Policy
In general, we are happy to accommodate students with scheduling conflicts, including switching session dates or times (subject to class space availability), at no additional charge. If you need to cancel a course registration, please refer to our refund schedule:
- Prior to 2 weeks (14 days) before the start date of your session, we will apply a full refund.
- Between 2 weeks (14 days) and 1 week (7 days) before the start date of your session, we will refund your fees minus a $50 processing fee.
- Within 1 week (7 days) of the start date of the session, we cannot offer refunds.
Youth Learn To Sail
Our classes run Monday – Friday, June 16th to August 15th. Students can sail a half day or full day.
It is encouraged that beginners attend the AM session while intermediate to advanced sailors attend the PM session. We strongly recommend attending a minimum of two weeks in order to achieve basic sailing skills.
Learn to Sail AM Session – 9am to 12pm $325 per week
Learn to Sail PM Session – 1pm to 4pm $325 per week
**Classes will NOT be held July 4th or July 25th. Tuition will be $260 during those shortened weeks.
2025 Local Rate & Scholarships
Local Rate: $200 per session. If your sailor is a full time resident of Harbor Springs or the surrounding area, please email admin@littletraversesailors.org and provide your student’s report card to obtain your discount code before registering.
Scholarships Available: Thanks to the generosity of the LTS community we offer tuition assistance. Scholarships are awarded based on – available funds, demonstrated financial need, expressed interest for sailing and space in the program. We encourage you to apply as early as possible as classes fill up quickly and scholarships are granted on a first-come basis!
Email admin@littletraversesailors.org with questions, we are here to help!
Summer 2025 Additional Information:
Full day protocol: If your sailor would like to sail a full day, register for both AM and PM for the same week. Please note the LTS campus is CLOSED from 12pm-12:45pm.
Drop off: Please use the Customer Entrance at Irish Boat Shop to drop off your sailor on the lawn next to LTS. Please drive slowly and carefully and respect all signs. Do not drop your sailor off at LTYC or block traffic on Bay Street by stopping directly in front of the LTS lawn.
What to bring: Sailors should have closed toed shoes, a life jacket, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, hat and a refillable water bottle. If it is raining (with no lighting or thunder) we will sail so rain gear is recommended on those days. It is recommended that your sailor have a bag to store all belongings. LTS has a limited supply of life jackets to borrow. Irish Boat Shop has youth life jackets in stock (tell them you will be sailing for LTS for a discount!)
Reminder: the LTS lawn and dock will be closed during the hours of 12noon to 12:45pm. There will be no supervision for sailors during that time.
Covid: While we do not require face coverings at LTS at this time, we support those who want to wear them. We ask that children do not wear face coverings on the water for safety reasons.
Questions: Please email admin@littletraversesailors.org
Pram Racing
Wednesdays at 5:00 pm LTS offers Pram racing free for program participants.
Pram Racing is a super-simple, low-key introduction to the basics of sailboat racing, designed for our younger sailors. Using our fleet of 8-ft long Prams, we set up a small triangular race course just off the shore along Bay Street in downtown Harbor Springs. The starting sequence is three-minute dinghy-style (with horn countdowns). LTS coaches are on hand in coach boats to walk the new racers through the process.
The result is a spectacularly good time! The new racers get a gentle introduction to the sport. They also receive valuable experience in maneuvering their boats in a small area. One-on-one coaching in a good-natured competitive atmosphere is offered to every student. Parents and families are able to see their young sailors in action, in one of the most beautiful harbors in the world.
Who can race: Any sailor in the LTS program is eligible, though it is primarily intended for our younger sailors just getting comfortable with skippering.
What do you need: a lifejacket, sailing footwear, and a readiness for fun!
How much does it cost: Nothing! This is a free activity for all LTS families.