Sailing Academy

Sailing Season Kickoff & Blessing of the Fleet

Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:30 — 11:30 am

Join us as we kick off the PYC sailing season!  This is your chance to “meet the fleets” and learn about sailing opportunities at the club, as well as upcoming instructional classes and seminars.

Introduction to Sailing on an Ensign Sailboat 

Thursdays throughout the summer—starting June 11

For those interested in exploring sailing but who have not yet had the opportunity, an afternoon sail aboard an Ensign with an experienced skipper may be just the thing. What better way to get started than with a relaxing Thursday afternoon sail on Pentwater Lake? Visiting family and friends are welcome to join as well.

The first sail will take place on Thursday, June 11, at 4:00 PM, with weekly sails continuing through the end of August.

Interested members may sign up each week at least one day in advance using the link in Signal Flags or on the PYC website (see below). Space is limited, and weekly sails are subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions.

Please bring a life jacket and wear non-marking shoes. There is no cost for members to participate.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ThursdaySail2026

Crew Development Class

June 17 — 19, 2026, 10 am — 1:00 pm 

The Crew Development Class is a wonderful opportunity for beginners to learn the fundamentals of crewing on a sailboat and for experienced sailors to become more familiar with competitive sailing at PYC. Participants can use their newly acquired skills to become involved in the club’s active Ensign and Offshore sailing communities.

This three-day class includes both onshore classroom instruction and on-the-water training. Skills will be taught by PYC skippers aboard Ensign sailboats as well as larger offshore sailboats. Participants will learn about sailboat safety, basic sailing theory, rigging and sail handling, knot tying, and crew responsibilities.

Pre-registration is required and is available now using the link below. There is no cost to participate. If any session is canceled due to inclement weather, a make-up day will be scheduled at a later date.

Class size is limited, so participants should plan to attend all three days. Please bring a life jacket and wear non-marking shoes. No previous sailing experience is necessary.

Join us for this fun class!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/CrewDevelopment2026?useFullSite=true#/

Boater Safety Classes

Two Course Date Options: 

• July 7 & 8, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• August 11 & 12, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Taught by: Michael Joseph Fillips, Oceana Country Sheriff Marine Division at PYC
The main purpose of the boater safety education course is to train knowledgeable, safe and responsible boaters.  Topics covered include general boating and water safety, navigational rules, causes and prevention of crashes, operation and fueling techniques, environmental concerns and reporting responsibility.  Register on website.

Sunfish Sailing for Beginners

Friday, July 10, 2026, 10:00 am — 1:00 pm

With all the excitement surrounding the Annual Sunfish Shootout, you may be wondering how to join in the fun. With a little instruction, encouragement from the dock, and a gentle breeze on Pentwater Lake, you can be on your way to learning how to sail a Sunfish!

The morning will begin with basic instruction covering the fundamentals of sailing. Sunfish sailboats will be rigged and ready at the dock so participants can immediately put their new skills into practice on the water. An instructor will sail alongside the group, and a chase boat will be available should anyone need assistance.

Please bring a life jacket and wear shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Space is limited, and preregistration is required beginning in late June. There is no cost to participate.

Ladies Sunfish Sailing 

2026 Sessions: Mondays & Tuesdays, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm

• July 13 & 14

• July 27 & 28

• August 3 & 4

• August 10 & 11

Watch for sign-ups and additional details in early July.

Ladies, join us for recreational sailing and an enjoyable time of fun and fellowship on the water! Participants should have either previous sailing experience or have attended the Sunfish Sailing for Beginners class on Friday, July 10.

This year, sessions will be offered on back-to-back days each week to help participants build skills and gain confidence in their sailing ability. The updated schedule also provides greater flexibility to participate during the weeks you are available while allowing for more time on the water. We will begin earlier in the day to take advantage of calmer lake conditions and the building afternoon breeze.

Pre-registration is required each week for those planning to use one of the PYC Sunfish sailboats, as boats are limited. If you have your own Sunfish, we can help you launch at PYC, or you may launch at the Village Launch and sail over to join the group.

Please bring a life jacket and wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet.