Windward Bound Summer Camp
Program
Overview
Voyage
Schedule
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Application
Questions
Answered
Teens between 14 and 18 sail the Appledore while learning seamanship and science.
Set sail on one of the world’s largest freshwater resources – the Great Lakes.
Click here for the summer program trainee application.
These FAQs will help you better understand Windward Bound.
Windward Bound Sailing Camp Overview
Sail to some of the most beautiful places on the Great Lakes. Learn about the unique freshwater environment of the largest body of freshwater in the world. Character building, confidence boosting, and learning are three reasons our programs attract students from around the Midwest.
Windward Bound is a live-aboard voyaging experience for teens ages 14 to 18. The teens sail aboard the 85-foot schooner Appledore IV and the 65-foot schooner Appledore V. During the voyages, we focus on seamanship and freshwater science, which means learning the art of traditional sailing and studying the ecology of the lakes you’re sailing on.
As the ships sail between ports, participants stand a regular watch while learning every aspect of running the ship, from navigation to meal preparation. Each voyage takes participants on a unique experience determined in part by the destination and the amount of time it takes to reach each destination port.
Both vessels are licensed and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and meet or exceed the requirements of a traveling camp licensed by the State of Michigan.
Testimonials
Summer Voyage Schedule 2020
Windward Bound voyages in 2020 will follow Appledore V on journeys throughout Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan. Climb aboard and experience the summer camp adventure of a lifetime!
Booking Policies
Windward Bound sail training voyages are designed for high school students ages 14 to 18. All participants are required to complete an application prior to being accepted into the program. Once accepted, participants must meet all requirements as outlined in the application.
Transportation
Round trip transportation from Bay City to the ship is provided on all voyages where appropriate. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from Bay City for Introduction Day in the spring and a Windward Bound reunion event in the fall.
Safety
The Appledore IV and Appledore V are licensed and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and are crewed by a licensed captain, first mate, and additional deckhands. Windward Bound is licensed by the State of Michigan as a youth travel camp. BaySail is a member of Tall Ships America® and a past recipient of the “Sea Education Program of the Year” award.
Voyage 1 - June 19 to June 24
Lake Huron (starts/ends in Bay City)
Voyage 2 - June 26 to July 2
Bay City, Michigan to Sandusky, OH
Voyage 3 - July 7 to July 13
Sandusky, OH to Bay City, MI
Voyage 4 - July 18 to July 26
Bay City, MI to Alpena, MI (PASSPORT REQUIRED)
Voyage 5 - July 28 to August 6
Alpena, MI to Milwaukee, WI
Voyage 6 - August 4 to August 13
Milwaukee, WI to Bay City, MI
Scholarship Information
An application to participate is required for all Windward Bound programs. Thanks to several generous supporters, all selected program participants will receive full scholarship funding for 2020 voyages. Please contact us at (989) 895-5193 with any questions.
WINDWARD BOUND WINTER PROGRAM
Off-season training opportunities for past Windward Bound trainees are typically offered a few times a month. Click below to view our schedule of activities and RSVP if you plan to participate.
View Schedule
WINDWARD BOUND TRAINEE APPLICATION
Those interested in joining our summer program can download the trainee application below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sailing on the Appledore is likely to be completely different from anything you’ve done before. To give you an idea of what to expect, read through these Frequently Asked Questions.