Windward Bound Summer Camp

 
 
 

Program
Overview

Voyage
Schedule

Download
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 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

May 3, 2016

Kim Higgins

Windward Bound

I’m totally thrilled that my son has the opportunity to travel on the Great Lakes from Bay City to Chicago and celebrate the Tall Ship [festival] in Chicago this weekend. What an amazing experience for a 13-year young man!...


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 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FORM

Please download and fill out the Health Assessment form if you are interested in joining the program.


Download Form
 

WINDWARD BOUND PARTICIPANT APPLICATION

Those interested in joining our summer program can download the participant application below.


Download Application
 

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.

Destinations depend on the ship’s schedule. Factors such as transit time and weather also play an important in our itinerary.