Windward Bound Summer Camp
Program
Overview
Voyage
Schedule
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Application
Questions
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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 17. 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 2023
2023 Windward Bound trips will take place onboard the beautiful historic tall ship Appledore IV and will visit ports in Tawas City, Alpena, and Mackinac Island!
Booking Policies
Windward Bound sail training voyages are designed for high school students ages 14 to 17. 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
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Windward Bound trips and training dates.
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 25-28, 2023
Bay City, MI to East Tawas, MI
Voyage 2 - July 16-19, 2023
Bay City, MI to Alpena, MI
Voyage 3 - July 23-26, 2023
Alpena, MI to Mackinaw Island, MI
Voyage 4 - July 30 - Aug 2, 2023
Mackinaw Island, MI to Bay City, MI
Voyage 5 - Aug 13-16, 2023
Saginaw Bay Voyage
Voyage 6 - Aug 20-23, 2023
Bay City, MI to Tawas City, MI
WINDWARD BOUND WINTER PROGRAM
Off-season training opportunities for past Windward Bound participants 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 PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
Those interested in joining our summer program can download the participant 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.