Great Lake, Great Facility, Great Sailing
With over 200′ of St Joseph River frontage, floating and hydraulic docks, a launch basin and viewing pavilion, SJJF offers quick access to Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters.
Our fleet of Optis, SailQubes, Club 420s, Lasers, RS Quests, and a J/24 keelboat ensures quality learning platforms for all skill levels.
Our Fleet
There’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned sailors.
Optis & SailQubes
Optimists (Optis) – 7′ 7″ long, Single-handed dinghy. “Designed for sailors weighing 50-120 lbs., the Optimist Dinghy has become the world standard for introductory junior trainers. Optimist sailors learn the essential steering and sail-trimming skills necessary to continue in the sport of sailing. Its flat, stable hull provides a confidence-inspiring introduction to sailing; and, as young sailors progress, they can graduate to the Optimist racing circuit. With a simple rig and a light, durable hull, Vanguard Optimists have become the #1 choice of junior sailors.” Used by many sailing schools and specifically designed for children.
Club 420
Club 420 – 13′ 11″ long. Double-handed dinghy. Ideal for crews young and old, the Club 420 is manageable for sailors coming out of the Optimist class and enables young sailors to learn teamwork, trapeze, and spinnaker techniques. It strikes an ideal balance between performance, durability, and accessibility. As a one-design boat, it keeps racing fair and skill-focused, while its responsive handling and two-person setup teach teamwork and advanced sailing skills. The Club 420 is simple and safe for beginning sailors and yet quick enough to keep collegiate All-Americans interested.
RS Quest
RS Quest – 14′ long. Double-handed (and adaptable for larger crews) dinghy. Designed as a modern training and club boat, the RS Quest is stable, forgiving, and easy to handle, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate sailors of all ages. Its wide hull and simple rig promote confidence and safety, while optional asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze allow sailors to progress into more advanced techniques. Durable and versatile, the RS Quest works equally well for instruction, recreational sailing, and team-based community sailing programs, offering fun, teamwork, and skill development without being intimidating.
Laser
Laser – 13′ 10″ long. Single-handed dinghy. The Laser is one of the most widely sailed boats in the world, valued for its simplicity, durability, and pure emphasis on sailor skill. With a single sail and uncomplicated controls, it is easy to rig and safe for beginners, yet demanding enough to challenge elite racers. As a strict one-design boat, it rewards technique, fitness, and tactical decision-making rather than equipment advantages. The Laser’s versatility makes it ideal for instruction, recreational sailing, and high-level racing, from local clubs to international competition.
J/24
J/24 – 24′ long. Fractional-rig keelboat with a crew of four to five. The J/24 is one of the most successful one-design keelboats ever built, especially popular in the 1980s and still widely sailed today. It combines solid performance with a forgiving hull and fixed keel, making it approachable for sailors transitioning from dinghies to keelboats. Simple systems and durable construction suit it well for club racing and training, while its strict one-design rules keep competition fair and skill-based. The J/24 emphasizes teamwork, sail trim, and tactics, making it a staple of community sailing and competitive fleets.
Safety matters.
Water safety is the heart of our mission. We don’t just teach those skills, we maintain an environment that promotes safety. Our hydraulic Opti lift dock provides safe, easy access to the water, enabling students to rig their boats, set sail, and dock safely – all at water level. Our inner basin features floating docks and a launch ramp for access and rigging.
Instructors supervise students and provide on-water instruction from our fleet of well-maintained safety boats, each equipped with a VHF radio and a formal emergency action plan coordinated through our local Coast Guard station.