Programs for every age and experience level
Select from one of our exciting programs to match your age, skill level, and interest. Scholarships available.
Youth
Youth sailing for ages 8–18 Perfect for new sailors or experienced youth sailors. Programs range from Beginner to Intermediate, to learn to race and intro to keelboat sailing.
Adult
Adult sailing for ages 18+ Get on the water, build confidence, and grow your skills. Programs include Club 420s, RSQuests, and introductory keelboat sailing. Women’s sessions available.
Fun Races / Open Sailing
All ages Monday Night Community Fun Races, Open Sailing, private lessons or corporate events, there’s something for everyone aboard our J/24, RS Quests, Club 420s, Lasers, or Optis.
Adventure
Youth ages 12-18 One-week program designed for sailors with basic sailing skills, a taste for adventure, and eager to develop seamanship and confidence aboard a variety of vessel types.
Team SJJF Racing (Youth)
Youth ages 8+ Team SJJF trains twice a week and competes in regional regattas for students ready to take on the excitement and challenge of sailboat racing. Permission required.
Downloadable 2026 Season Schedules
Meet our Team
Dedicated instructors guide sailors of every age and experience level.
Experienced, passionate instructors—many of them former SJJF students—create a safe, engaging, and fun learning environment. With age- and skill-appropriate instruction, our team helps sailors of all levels learn, grow, and sail confidently.
Our Facility & Fleet
A standout sailing location in the heart of Southwest Michigan
Our riverfront facility combines thoughtful design with a versatile fleet—floating docks, a youth-friendly Opti lift dock, and a shaded pavilion overlooking the sailing area, alongside Club 420s, RS Quests, Lasers, Optis, SailQubes, and a J/24 keelboat. Everything is in place to support safe, engaging, and effective sailing instruction.
Follow our Adventures
Follow us for a glimpse of life on the water—classes, events, and moments in between.
What are you waiting for?
Ready to take the next step? Come aboard for summer fun!
Support SJJF
At SJJF, we’re committed to making sailing accessible by covering at least 50% of operating costs—ensuring affordability for all. But we can’t do it alone. Your support helps us maintain a safe, enriching program with reliable equipment, certified instructors, and top-notch facilities.
Thank you for being a vital part of our mission—your generosity fuels our success now and in the future.
Scholarships
SJJF awards over $10,000 in scholarships annually. Be a part of supporting our ongoing scholarship program—or APPLY for one of our scholarships.
Donors
We’re grateful for our community’s history of giving. Become a SJJF donor through ongoing or one-time donations and help share the joy of sailing!
SJJF Legacy
Even as we look foward, SJJF prides itself on a rich history of service, leadership, and mentorship. Join the many others who are part of the SJJF legacy.
About Us
Join our exciting sailing community – and legacy
The Saint Joseph Junior Foundation is one of Southwest Michigan’s premier sailing schools, serving our community for over 70 years and teaching more than 10,000 students. Our mission is to make sailing and water safety accessible to youth and adults through affordable instruction in a safe, fun learning environment. We are passionate about fostering a love for the water and our natural resources in St. Joseph, Michigan. Our dedicated instructors create a rewarding and safe learning experience where fun is always a priority!
Scuttlebutt
Read what some of our students and parents have to say about their SJJF experience.
My children learned to sail through classes provided by SJJF. They flourished throughout the summer and gained confidence and a sense of accomplishment. They also really enjoyed the Monday night fun races. In one of the races, I had the privilege of sailing with my daughter. I was amazed to see my daughter lead and navigate me through the waves of one of the world’s greatest lakes. It was a moment of great splendor to sail with my children. As a parent, I would highly recommend SJJF sailing classes to other families. My children loved the classes, and it has inspired them to think bigger. Now I hear stories of a life filled with future adventures and goals.
Parent
I had a great experience at the SJJF learning to sail, and I really enjoyed my summer there. I loved how much we were able to actually get out on the water, and by of the end of the program I felt much more confident in my sailing skills. The environment was welcoming and the instructors were friendly and helpful, making it easier to learn. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in sailing and wants to learn more about it.
Sam M.
Student – Learn to Sail
Absolutely phenomenal! I was introduced to sailing much later in life, and I wanted my son to have the the opportunity to engage with our beautiful world in a new and amazing way. When I heard about this program from a friend, I immediately hopped on board, and it was an amazing benefit both to myself and my son as he obtained newfound courage, made new friends and gained a new and wonderful skill that he will be able to use for life. I’m grateful to the Foundation for making these classes available for young people.
Gabe J – Parent
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Contact us
Located in the heart of the St. Joseph waterfront, adjacent to the historic St. Joseph River Yacht Club, and steps from Lake Michigan.
