GREAT LAKES SAILING CO.
Started in 1983 as Bay Breeze Yacht Charters, Great Lakes Sailing Co. has grown to become the most recognizable name in sailing on the Great Lakes.
Our charter fleet is one of the largest fleets of cruising yachts on the Great Lakes and offers meticulously maintained sail and power yachts for bareboat and captained charter.
Our charter management program offers yacht owners affordable and hassle-free ownership. We currently have over 20 yachts in the fleet owned by folks from all over the country who enjoy sailing our pristine fresh water cruising grounds.
Our sailing school is consistently ranked as one of the top ASA schools worldwide. Over 200 adult students come to us every year for sailing instruction on boats ranging in size from 30-50’. Many Great Lakes Sailing Co. sailing school instructors have been named “ASA’s (American Sailing Association) Outstanding Instructor” and Great Lakes Sailing Co. has twice been named “School of the Year”.
New Yacht Sales from Jeanneau. We work closely with our partner, Michigan Yacht Sales, to commission new boats. Owners enjoy customized instruction and yacht systems familiarization as well as service and support long after the sale. Michigan Yacht Sales received the Jeanneau North American Dealer of the Year award in 2020, 2022, and again in 2023!
John and Brooke Dykhuis-Deely
John and Brooke proudly became the new owners of Great Lakes Sailing Company in the fall of 2025, marking a meaningful transition in the company’s 42-year history. Previously serving as Fleet Manager at GLSC, John brings over 30 years of maritime experience, having sailed tens of thousands of miles across oceans and inland waters around the world. He continues to oversee the day-to-day operations of the charter fleet, sailing school, and service divisions — ensuring the high standards and warm hospitality that guests have come to expect.
Brooke brings a passion for design and a keen eye for customer experience to the company. Her superpower is an exceptional attention to detail — a gift for noticing the small things that make a big difference in how guests feel and how they experience their time with GLSC. Brooke is involved behind the scenes at GLSC and has a career in kitchen and bath design for her “day job”.
Great Lakes Sailing Company is a family-owned, locally-run, business with John and Brooke at the helm, John’s son, JP, in the office and on the docks, and Brooke’s son, Skyler, starting his journey with the company in the summer of 2026. Brooke’s mom, Sally, is also part of the office staff. And don’t forget Zip, their Red Heeler and unofficial “dock-dog”.
It is their hope that GLSC will continue to grow its charter bases and sailing school in Northern Michigan while introducing sailors from across the globe to the natural beauty, welcoming communities, and unforgettable waters of the Great Lakes.
When they’re not behind the desk or on the docks, you’ll likely find John and Brooke out on the water aboard their ketch, Wander Bird. They also love spending time on Northwest Michigan’s trails and roads by bike, foot or skis, and catching live music at The Alluvion.
Lucy Myler
Lucy is the voice on the phone and the face in the office. She is our Operations Manager and handles reservations and customer relations.
With a background in event management, Lucy’s excellent organizational and people skills keep us all on track. Watch out world because she’ll be sailing circles around all of us by the end of summer.
Jake, Dirk, Skibo & Joe make up the service team that keeps the fleet humming along. Rigging, fiberglass, electrical, mechanical and electronics – they do it all. Together they are a very talented team of boat technicians, each specializing in their own specific skill set.
JP heads up our purchasing department and helps ensure that the crew has all the materials to keep the boats safe and shining!
Mike Murphy
Mike is our lead Captain and ASA instructor.
Mansi, Philip, Holly, Karla, Jessica, & Griffin are the magic behind the housekeeping department. They keep everything ship shape and shiny.
Our sailing school instructors consist of over a dozen friendly, professional USCG licensed captains. Click here to meet the instructor staff.
Keefer (aka “Spiderman”) Why are there fewer spiders at Centerpointe Marina? Keefer. He’s the man behind the wand.
Dave Conrad
Dave recently spun off the yacht sales division, Michigan Yacht Sales. Specializing in selling new and used Jeanneau sailboats, as well as brokering fresh water yachts. He is the former owner of Great Lakes Sailing Co. and continues to work closely with the GLSC team.
Dave has been sailing the Great Lakes, Caribbean, Gulf Coast and beyond for over 30 years. He has extensive experience in captaining charter vessels up to 90 feet and managing charter companies in the Caribbean and the Great Lakes. He holds a USCG Masters 100 ton Captain’s license and is an American Sailing Association Instructor certified for levels 101, 103, 104 and 105.
