About Us

SJJF Mission

The mission of the St Joseph Junior Foundation is to provide sailing and water safety instruction to youth and adults at an affordable price, and to provide a safe, fun environment in which they can learn and appreciate our natural resources, the waters of St. Joseph, Michigan.

St Joseph Junior Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1953 to teach water safety and sailing skills to children and adults in Berrien County, Michigan.

We are supported through our summer sailing program as well as the donations from many people who care so much about our community and wish to enjoy it to its fullest.

The school was founded in memory of Phil Upton, son of Whirlpool Corporation’s founder Louis Upton. Phil drowned in a sailing accident in the 1930’s at college.

Over 10,000 students have taken classes at the SJJF over the past 70 years.

Located in the heart of the St Joseph River, adjacent to the St Joseph River Yacht Club and West Basin marina, and right across from downtown shops, SJJF serves students from all around SW Michigan – and beyond.