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 PLAN

  • FRIDAY AFTERNOON
    Early boarding and provisioning followed by reception cocktails and chart briefing.
  • SATURDAY MORNING
    Boat systems briefings to get you well familiarized with your boat. Then cast off. Let the adventure begin!
  • WHERE TO?
    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 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.

Cruising flotilla-style is a great way to meet people and see the area. You’ll get the local knowledge while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow sailors. The fleet will stay in touch via group text and VHF radio and will be sharing photos and videos on a special Facebook page set up for the event. Each morning you can dinghy over to the host boat to discuss the next destination or meet in the marina clubhouse. Or sleep in and check in via text or radio! Sail during the day, maybe stop and explore some islands and beaches along the way and then check out the local restaurants or have a fleet cookout in the evening. 

6-Day ASA 104 “FLOTILLA STYLE”

Normally taught as a 3-day course, this extended 6-day course offers a more relaxed pace covering cruise planning, mechanical and electrical systems, advanced anchoring techniques, more in-depth navigation, heavy weather tactics as well as the live aboard experience. Preparing you for that bareboat charter or for further cruising on your own boat. Provisioning (food and beverage) is not included in the course cost but provisioning is split between students after a discussion on the topic with the instructor.