What is the difference between Seahawk Sailing School and other sailing schools?
That is easier to answer by first telling you what we are not:

• We are not a boat dealer who adds lessons to the deal to make a sale.
  
• We are not a charter company who requires lessons before you rent a boat.
  
• We are not a yacht club offering lessons to new members.
  
• We are not some guy with a boat trying to make a few bucks on the weekend.

We are professional educators who have a passion for sailing.  We are dedicated to only one thing, teaching you to be a better, safer, more experienced, and capable sailor.

How long are the various programs?
There are two main factors that determine the length of our sailing programs.  First is the amount of instruction and under way time that is required to insure you meet the standard, the second (in the advanced courses) is the distance you want to travel from our home port. 

Our primary focus will always be on instructional quality, but sailing is also about adventure and exploring the world.    As you take more advanced courses they become proportionately longer which allows for additional sailing time to build confidence and experience a full range of skills in varying sea and weather conditions, trip planning, navigation, the excitement of landfall, and the simple pleasures of visiting shoreline towns or exploring a wilderness island.

Other schools offer similar classes. Why should I choose Seahawk Sailing School?
Our student to instructor ratio is kept low. By concentrating on you and your specific needs, we can insure that you receive the very best instruction that can be provided.  3 to 1 is our maximum with the only exception being a family or couples who enroll together.

Our courses are centered on actual sailing, we believe that you will learn faster, enjoy sailing more, and increase your confidence and skills at a faster rate by doing. You learn to sail by sailing not sitting in a classroom or watching the instructor. Seahawk Sailing Schools program is designed to provide you with more time on the water per class than that offered by most schools.

We are the only school on the Great Lakes that offers a liveaboard program option. You, and your instructor are paired for the class duration working together as the crew of your yacht. You learn as you sail and live the adventure of cruising the islands and waterways of the northern Great Lakes. 

Can we just go sailing without taking a certification course?
Sure, we are more than happy to share our passion for sailing with everyone. The adventure is the same, and our experienced captains will do the sailing while you enjoy the ride. Our guests often want to do a little sailing themselves and your Captain will be happy to let you help out in sail handling, or take a turn at the helm to steer.

We offer both mini-adventure rides lasting approximately two hours as well as half day, full day or longer trips.  Private Captained charters may be reserved for a half-day up to a seven days. For adventure cruising trips we may take up to six guests. 

Are there other students in our course?
Sometimes. Our preferred student to instructor ratio is 2 to 1 with a maximum of 3 to 1. Occasionally, however, we have taught courses with up to four students (usually two couples or family members) who request they be paired up on the same learning adventure. You will find that your fellow students will soon become a lifelong friend as you share a common experience and an interest in sailing. Private lessons are available for those who would prefer.  

What should I bring?
It's not about how much you bring, it's about bringing the right gear. If you own sailing gear you should bring it; if you don't, we are co-located with Port Sanilac Marina and can most likely provide you with any gear you may need.  Although it may be hot on the shore, out on the lake it may be cooler, so a wind breaker or fleece is always a good idea. Hats and sunglasses are a must.  SPF 30 sunblock is highly recommended.

In the northern lakes the days are warm throughout the summer 70-80's and cool in the evenings 60's. If you have foul weather gear, you should bring it.  On our multi-day classes and cruises most of our students wish they had brought less. One medium sized bag per person plus toiletries should do it. 

Soft sided duffel bag luggage is essential, as there is no storage room on board for a hard sided suitcase. 

Where are you located?
Our base is at Port Sanilac Marina on Lake Huron. Port Sanilac is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula just 75 miles north of the Metro Detroit Area. Our physical address is 7356 Cedar Street, Port Sanilac, MI 48469. Our mailing address is PO Box 40, Port Sanilac, MI 48469. Our office is located at the Port Sanilac Marina right next to the Ice Cream Shop.

Can I see the boats and meet the instructors?
Yes, by advance appointment to insure we are available and there to meet you. Please call 517-416-2888 or email us.

What is the weather like?
Days are warm, but evenings can be cool. We are blessed with steady winds throughout the summer months; rarely do we find ourselves with waves too big for safe sailing.  

However, if sea state and weather conditions are not deemed safe, your captain will have the final say on canceling or delaying the days lesson/charter.  In most cases we are able to reschedule for a different day.

Do you offer courses all year? Which is the best month?
Yes and no; classes are offered from May through October on the Great Lakes. The best months depends on what weather conditions you are used to and enjoy. However the warmest months will generally be July and August. It really begins to get cooler in mid-September and the lakes will begin to ice up by Christmas.  Winters can be enjoyed with our classroom-based workshops as well as organized group or individual instruction opportunities through our partnerships in the Caribbean Islands. There really is no bad month to be thinking about or to be involved in sailing.

Looking for something really different?  Come join us in the winter for iceboat sailing.

Do we take any days off as a free day to go to the casino, shopping or Mackinac Island?
Weather permitting, we sail every day. However, during our 104/106 courses or extended charters we will make port calls along the route and encourage you to spend a little extra time in the UP to enjoy the many other recreational opportunities offered by the area including the fine restaurants and unique shops of St. Ignace, DeTour Village, and other towns along the way. Mackinac Island is often a stop on our cruise itinerary where you may anchor in the harbor or tie up at the state docks which provides you an evening to go ashore and enjoy the Victorian beauty and history that is Mackinac Island.

Where do you sail?
We offer professional sailing instruction on the Great Lakes out of our homeport of Port Sanilac in the southern region of Lake Huron. The five and seven day courses may take us into the picturesque North Channel and Mackinac Strait.

What are your instructor's qualifications?
All our instructors are US Coast Guard licensed Captains and American Sailing Association certified sailing instructors.

How do I make a reservation?
Please call 517-416-2888 or visit our web page to select an available week and provide us a deposit.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
We book about 4-6 weeks in advance. We accept reservations up to a year in advance, so if you have specific dates in mind, it is never too early to reserve exactly what you want.  Additionally, you may find the course and dates you want with one or two seats available by checking our course scheduling page and/or Facebook page for last minute openings.

What are the payment terms?
To make a reservation a 25% deposit is required. Your balance is due upon your arrival. We accept most major credit cards online via PayPal, and your personal checks are welcome.

What is your refund policy?
Your deposit is non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your sailing, we will work with you to find a new date and timeframe that works better for you.

Are there any other fees associated with our course?
No, your books, tests, and certification are included in your tuition.

Plan to bring along your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for while we are out sailing.

ASA 105 Coastal Navigation does require each student to have a set of basic tools which is not included in the course tuition but can be purchased from your local marine supply or from Seahawk Sailing School.

What types of accommodations are there?
The Port Sanilac area offers many fine bed and breakfasts, motels, rental cottages, and campgrounds. We will be happy to put you in touch with one or provide a comprehensive listing for you to choose from.

For extended courses and charters, our yacht will be fully equipped for you to live aboard including fresh linens, towels, and pillows. The galleys are fully equipped for cooking including pots, pans, dishes, glassware and utensils. In Port Sanilac and at marinas and yacht clubs along the way will have shower rooms and laundry rooms.

Are provisions included?
That depends on what course and program you are taking. Provisions are not included in your tuition with most courses as you will be in port each evening.  However, the 104, 106, and 5-7 day liveaboard option classes will spend an evening or two at a remote harbor or anchorage and are fully provisioned. Your instructor will work with you to create a menu for your time underway. That being said, individual tastes are sometimes hard to accommodate and experience has lead us to only provide the basics, as simple meals are easiest to prepare. Please see the gear and provisioning sheet for selections and recommendations. 

For all classes and Captained Charters we will provide water, lemonade, or ice tea.  Guests should feel free to bring along their favorite drink, snacks or meals as they wish. We have an ice-box on board to keep things cold. 

Can we bring along some beer, wine or spirits?
Yes, provided you keep within a few rules of moderation. First, no drinking while underway during a class. That said, we have no problems with raising a glass at the end of the day when we are safely anchored or tied up at the dock for the night.  Lastly, keep things in moderation; drunkenness on board is a safety concern and may result in returning to port early. 

Are there restaurants close by?
Yes, there are many restaurants in our area, most within a short walk from the Port Sanilac Marina.  Port calls during extended courses will also offer nearby establishments.  

Is there a place to park my car?
Yes, we have parking available at our marina.

Can we bring a ride along person who will not take lessons?
Yes, however there is a flat fee of $100 per person per day.

Is there somewhere I can check my email?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available for a fee at the marinas. Many local businesses also offer free Wi-Fi.

Can I bring my pet?
No. Sorry. 

When can I start my live-aboard course?
All classes start on Monday at 9:00am. Plan to arrive as early as 4:00pm on the Sunday prior to your class to check in and relax.

Can we spend a night at anchor?
Yes, if you take ASA 104, 106, or a 5 to 7 day class/charter you will be at anchor at least one night.

Do I need a passport?
If you are taking the 5 or 7 day North Channel cruise you will need a passport or NEXUS card as we will be entering Canadian waters.  You do not need your passport if we stay inside US waters, and the itinerary can be easily be adjusted if you don’t have a passport.

Can you do this course on my boat?
Yes, although we don't prefer to. It's the same price and offered only as a weekday option Monday - Friday.

I have already taken 101, but I haven't done much sailing since. I want to have a refresher course; which course should I sign up for?
Sign up for the 101/103 combined course. This will give you a solid refresher of your previous 101 and then immediately build upon that with new knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Can my son/daughter get certified too?
Yes. There is no minimum age for an ASA sailing certification; however, we find that 12 and up is most reasonable. You and your children can complete the course together. In fact we encourage families to take classes together. Not only is it a great bonding experience but as a matter of safety it insures all members of your crew are equally trained. We can think of no better way to spend time as a family than to share the adventure of sailing. We also support and offer youth programs so that the passion for sailing is passed on to the next generation.

Small children who require constant attention will impact the learning process, and we ask that they not be brought aboard.