BaySail's Windward Bound is a live-aboard sail-training camp for teens ages 14 to 17 aboard the tall ships Appledore IV and Appledore V out of Bay City. During multi-day voyages on the Great Lakes, participants stand watch and learn every aspect of running the ship, from navigation to cooking, alongside hands-on freshwater science and ecology. The nonprofit offers full scholarships to a number of participants each year.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact BaySail directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★LeeAnn AustinI had the pleasure of sailing Thunder Bay in Alpena aboard the Appledore IV. Captain Matt and his crew are fantastic- very knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the price.
★★★★★Shawn OlsonHad an amazing cruise July 12, 2025, in Tawas Bay! Perfect weather helped, but the Captain and crew were friendly and knowledgeable, made me feel safe, and are clearly excited about their mission. Highly recommend; bring some $ for tips to the crew!
★★★★★Mary McAllisterWe had an amazing time on our trip from Mackinaw Island!! Captain Matt and his crew Red and Wesley were so kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable and entertaining! I can’t say enough about this awesome experience! I highly recommend it to anyone!
★★★★★Blesse StewartThis was such a nice experience! Supposedly a sunset sail but due to rainstorm and gloomy weather with chilly winds, customers including us were given majority voting choice to keep going or reschedule. We all opted to return to the dock and my fiancé and I ended up rescheduling the very next day at 11am which ended up being such a lovely time and perfect day!! We weren’t crowded at all and just got to soak in the sunshine, cool breeze of wind, and special time spent uninterrupted with a loved one. Captain and crew were very nice and knowledgeable too. They also patiently obliged to my several requests to take photos of me and my fiancé. My only regret was not having some snack or food prepared lol and some cash on hand for tips because they sure deserved a good one. With such a reasonably priced ticket and a good team I’d love to do this again!
★★★★★Pided PiperIt was so fun and exciting they even put the sails up And the wind was full of furry. 28 knots. But the big tall ship with a very able captain captain kept it nice and straight there were some big waves on the lake Michigan so we came back a little early and that was fine I have a great time I even got splashedCrashing through the Waves That was such an amazing sailboat made of solid steel end it almost look brand new the crew was so nice and polite it Was so fun watching them work the sails with a 30 mile an hour wind the two ladies where are incredibly strong to pull them ropes Anyways I highly recommend the cruise I want to go on the night cruise but it was all sold out so you better get your tickets before it's all sold out peace and love Mark