Unsalted Sailing Flotilla
JUNE 20-25, 2026
“Wherever The Wind Takes Us”
(Saturday-Thursday)
Experience the thrill of unsalted sailing on the Great Lakes! Join the flotilla and explore stunning islands, secure anchorages, and charming harbor towns while enjoying the safety and camaraderie of flotilla-style sailing. This is cruising with support, shared adventure, and the freedom to truly sail.
We embrace a purist approach and ditch a fixed itinerary in favor of a flexible schedule guided by wind and weather. This means more sailing, less motoring, and more opportunities to experience the Great Lakes the way sailors love best.
With expert guidance and countless learning opportunities along the way, you’ll have the chance to enhance your skills and confidence in real cruising conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or newer to sailing, this flotilla offers the perfect balance of learning, exploration, and fun.
Choose to sail as a bareboat charter, hire a captain, or enroll in a special ASA 104 course, and join us for a Pure Michigan adventure like never before.
THE DRIFT
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Early boarding and provisioning followed by reception cocktails and chart briefing.
SATURDAY MORNING
Individual boat systems briefings to get you well familiarized with your boat. Then cast off. Let the adventure begin!
WHERE TO ON SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY?
All depends on Mother Nature. Suttons Bay, Northport, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Power Island, Ingalls Bay, Omema, and Old Mission are all very good possibilities during the event. Maybe even venture up to Petoskey area or Boyne City!
Along the way we’ll take in the restaurants and wineries, beaches, quaint harbor towns and incredible scenery. It’s a good balance of group activity and time set aside for just you and your crew.
Most destinations will have both a marina option and an anchoring out option for the overnight but marinas can be full so anchoring might be the only option at times. Be sure to bring along your dinghy and propane grill for the real cruising experience.
THURSDAY
Return to CenterPointe Marina for a 4PM departure
Available Yachts
Recalibrate – Jeanneau 490 (Captain Only)
Ideal for those who want a fully captained, luxury flotilla experience.
Becca T – Jeanneau 440
Osprey – Jeanneau 440
Emma Joy – Jeanneau 419
O’Murchadha – Jeanneau 410 (Captain Only)
Ann Gale II – Jeanneau 41DS
Themiscyra – Catalina 385
Meande r – Jeanneau 379
Nautical Heeler – Jeanneau 350
Cruising flotilla-style is a perfect way to meet new people and truly experience the area. You’ll benefit from local knowledge while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow sailors. The fleet will stay connected through group text and VHF radio, and we’ll be sharing photos and videos on a dedicated Facebook page created just for the event.
Each morning, you can dinghy over to the host boat to chat about the day’s destination, meet in the marina clubhouse, or sleep in and check in by text or radio. Sail during the day, stop to explore islands and beaches along the way, then enjoy local restaurants in the evening or gather for a relaxed fleet cookout.
6-DAY ASA 104 “Flotilla Style”
Normally taught as a 3-day course, this extended 6-day program offers a more relaxed pace with additional time to build confidence and experience underway. Topics include cruise planning, mechanical and electrical systems, advanced anchoring techniques, in-depth navigation, heavy weather tactics, and the liveaboard cruising lifestyle — all designed to prepare you for bareboat chartering or extended cruising on your own boat.
Provisioning (food and beverages) is not included in the course fee. After a discussion with the instructor, provisioning plans and preferences will be coordinated among the group, with costs shared between students.
LAST CABIN AVAILABLE
There’s just
one cabin left for our upcoming Unsalted Flotilla and it includes earning your ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification with Captain Paul!
Spend 6 unforgettable days sailing the stunning waters of Northern Michigan while building real-world cruising confidence in a fun, supportive flotilla setting.
The remaining double-occupancy cabin is $3,620, with an additional $100 for the ASA 104 certification, plus 6% sales tax.
If you’ve been thinking about advancing your sailing skills while enjoying an incredible week on the water, this is your sign.