Great Lakes Sailing Co.

Great experience. Took the 101/103 class on a 31' Hunter, live aboard. Had had almost no sailing experience beforehand. Instructor - Loren - was a fantastic teacher, patient and able to talk me through maneuvers calmly rather than grab the helm. Very well run organization, friendly and casual and at the same time highly efficient. Boats in excellent shape. Doug did a very careful review of equipment with us before our charter, and they began performing a careful check shortly after we docked. We chartered our boat for a three day cruise afterward, which was a perfect way to solidify new knowledge and skills. We've already put down our deposit for 104/114 and a cruise next July!
5 8 years ago (22-07-2017)

Took the ASA 101/103 class followed by a three day charter. This was an excellent experience! I have sailed small craft in the past and own a small sailboat. This class taught me a lot of things that will enhance my sailing and opens the door to learning more and sailing on bigger boats. The 3-day charter that Great Lakes offers after the class was a huge confidence builder and served to cement my knowledge of sailing and boat handling. The staff at Great Lakes are friendly and efficient. They truly want to help you have a great time and learn a lot. There are many to call out, but I would especially mention the instructor for our class, Loren. Loren was patient and calm; talking through maneuvers that none of us had performed before. He was certainly a major reason I had such a positive experience at Great Lakes.
5 8 years ago (22-07-2017)

Great organization, great instructors and great management team. Have completed all my ASA certifications with Great Lakes and I could not be more happy. I highly recommend their sailing instruction and the vessels are kept in excellent condition. Very clean, comfortable and inviting; but most importantly equipped with all the necessary safety equipment and in excellent mechanical operating condition. I highly, highly recommend chartering and learning here.
5 8 years ago (26-05-2017)

I can’t say enough good things about Great Lakes Sailing Company. My wife and I recently completed their ASA 101 and 103 training program, followed by a three day charter on our own. Prior to showing up we had absolutely no experience with sailing. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. All of our questions were addressed and answered in a way that made us feel confident. They made sure that everything was in order and that we had the information we needed to have a wonderful time. The equipment was well maintained and clean. The facilities at the dock included a wonderfully clean shower and restrooms. There were even flowers in the restrooms. We had access to a great kitchenette / TV lounge, and even to a free washer and dryer. The office staff and owners are very friendly and helpful. They made sure that I understood exactly what the paperwork was all about, and we had no issues on this front at all. In my book this says a lot about the people that we do business with. We had certain expectations going into this vacation, and we walked away feeling more than happy with the entire experience. How often can you say that about a company? I can’t say enough good things about Great Lakes Sailing Company.
5 9 years ago (15-09-2016)

For the past three summers I've enjoyed sailing on boats I've chartered at Great Lakes Sailing. In 2013 my son and I took a class that was taught by Capt Dan Spyhalski who was one of the best teachers I ever had in any subject. In '14 and '15 I chartered boats and took my family members out. This year I hope to join the flotilla in June. These are good people with good boats where 'most anyone can have a great time.
5 10 years ago (01-02-2016)