Great Lakes Sailing is a US Sailing-accredited sailing and racing school based at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. Its youth program, Sail HER Dreams, is a 501(c)(3) academy for girls ages 10 to 18 that runs Monday through Thursday 9am-4pm and pairs sailing instruction with marine science and STEM, with the stated aim of closing the gender gap in both fields. The school's other offerings are short lessons rather than camps: a two-hour US Sailing First Sail introduction, family sails suitable for children 10 and up, and a weekly women's community sailing group.
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 Great Lakes Sailing directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Mark DAs a first sailing experience i had a great time thanks the Erica and the great group I was put with. We learned some quick basics about the lake and the effects that wind would have on the water and our sailing experience. I would highly recommend testing the waters and doing this. Hopefully next season I'll have more time to be on the water developing my skills. Ideally id like to be able to solo sail and enjoy the amazing lakefront.
★★★★★Steve McCarthyI’ve been taking private sailing lessons from Erica for the past year and am loving it. She’s an amazing teacher, very patient and knowledgeable. I always have so much fun too. She employs multiple teaching methods including visuals to help you understand crucial elements such as wind position. My eventual goal is to be able to sail a small boat myself so I can go out even with people who don't know how to sail. I crave the deep mastery that this requires. I am confident that if I keep studying under her I will be able to achieve this goal. I can’t recommend Ericka enough, I have taken sailing classes in the past in Seattle, WA and she is my favorite instructor without a doubt. -Steven
★★★★★Melissa NavaSuch an amazing experience! Captain Erica made us feel confident and at ease while learning how to sail. She is a great instructor who always has a positive attitude! Each of us had time to learn different parts of the boat and how to steer. I’m really happy to have found and support this woman-owned business! I am excited to return for more lessons 😊⛵️
★★★★★Donishia DuncanWe had an absolutely fantastic day with Erica! It was an incredible first sailing experience for us. Erica made sure our safety, education, and comfort were top priorities, all while ensuring we had a blast! I highly recommend this experience for anyone looking to enjoy a perfect day out on Lake Michigan in Chicago, or for those taking their first steps into the world of sailing.
★★★★★Tori di genovaIt was a happy first time sailing Lesson for me. Captain Erica is amazing! Luckily, the waves were higher on the 2nd of July,which added to the fun to learn the basics of how to navigate the ⛵️ sails! It was really nice to share the experience with new enthusiastic and adventurous people! I can't wait to go back! What a great idea this Sailings MEETUP Group is! I would highly recommend it to everyone who loves the lake in the summer,loves boats, but doesn't have one yet 😉 to go and have fun !