Sheridan Shore Sailing School runs half-day summer sailing camps out of Wilmette Harbor on Lake Michigan, with classes grouped by age and experience: Sea Squirts water-comfort sessions for ages 5-6, Beginner and Intermediate Prams for 7-11, Teen Learn to Sail on 420 dinghies for 12-16, Adventure Sailing across dinghies and keelboats for 11-16, and Learn to Race for 12-18. All classes meet Monday through Friday, either 9am-Noon or 1-4pm, in one- and two-week sessions running early June through mid-August, and sailors enroll by session online. A special July week adds an All-Girls Camp for ages 7-18 taught by an all-girl staff and a Science of Sailing STEM class for 9-12 with engineering and environmental tracks.
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 Sheridan Shore Sailing School directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Robert AndersonTook the Adult 101 Sailing class in Spring of 2024. John Kiener was the instructor and I really enjoyed the class. John did a great job with a hands on teaching approach. While there were a LOT of topics covered in one weekend (vocabulary, safety, right of ways, and getting on the boat several times), the class was challenging but not overwhelming. I look forward to continuing my education with Sheridan Shore Sailing School.
★Robert ZupinskiI signed up this season for Adult Sailing 101, Adult Sailing 102 and a private lesson and here is what happened. During Adult Sailing 101 the instructor (first name Katie) took us out (class of 4 ages 30’s – 50’s) on the lake on the very choppy water in rain during a storm. Everyone on the boat was seriously scared. We were wearing basic life preservers, but we were not tethered to the boat in case someone ended up in the water. All of us got sea sickness and 1 person vomited in the boat. During Adult Sailing 102 the instructor (first name John) picked a day with no wind to go out on the lake. With no wind, 4 people in the boat with obese instructor we were going nowhere. Instructor cut the session short. The instructor’s hostile behavior toward me for not following correctly his convoluted instructions had me seriously question at this point competence and teaching approach of entire staff at this facility. During a private lesson (which I requested on the good sailing weather day) the instructor’s (first name Richard) bullying behavior on the boat was appalling. Constantly nit picking, making crude jokes, questioning me all the time leaving no room for me to focus on sailing maneuvers and making this lesson not enjoyable at all. This guy needs to be sent for sensitivity training and have his head examined. When I decided to sign up for Adult Sailing classes at this facility, I was expecting a friendly staff ready to cultivate fondness for sailing tailored for adults. What I experienced was a rude and arrogant instructors seemingly trying to discourage you and set you up for failure.
★★★★★Viola SarahSheridan Shores is the BEST! The sailing coaches are top-notch and the environment is so supportive. Over the past 4 years our son has not only learned to sail, but also had ample opportunities to hone character traits like persistence, teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving. On top of all of this, the young sailors get to spend time on beautiful Lake Michigan. If you are looking for an excellent sailing school experience, Sheridan Shore is where it's at!
★★★★★Cynthia RodriguezSheridan Shore Sailing School is a wonderful place to learn. In addition to learning one becomes part of a large community which feels like a family. The skills and qualities of the instructors greatly compliment the qualities of the students. With patience and a fun outlook one is able to learn and advance quickly in their program. As a junior I have now been on the Loyola Sailing Team for 3 years. It has been a large part of my high school experience and I cannot wait for what else is ahead!
★★★★★Pat GSheridan Shore Sailing School changed my life; not only did it fuel my passion for sailing, it taught me leadership skills which still help me in my life today. I'm sure it is somewhere my kids will go someday too!