Holland, Michigan · Established 1982
More than a sailing school.
At MBJA, kids as young as five learn to read the wind, trust themselves, and find a community that lasts long after the season ends.
Start here
Find the right program
Every sailor starts somewhere. Pick the age or stage that fits, and we'll take it from there — no experience required.
Ages 5–6
First time on a boat
A gentle half-day introduction with games, safety, and a lot of smiles.
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Ages 7–11
Optimist sailors
Three levels that take a beginner from partner sailing to confident solo sailing.
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Ages 12–17
420 sailors
Teamwork, adventure sailing, and the skills that lead to high school racing.
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Grades 6–12
School teams
Spring and fall team racing under your school's banner.
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Ages 18+
Adults
Evening keelboat classes aboard our J22s — beginners welcome.
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Any age
Ready to race
Opti and 420/Laser race coaching, Friday club races, and Team Mac regattas.
See the classWhy sailing
Sailing school leads to greatness in all aspects of life.
We teach skills that build confidence, encourage sportsmanship, foster a competitive spirit, and create friendships that outlast the summer.
- 40+
- Years on Lake Macatawa
- 5–Adult
- Ages we teach
- 6
- Boat classes in our fleet
- 501(c)(3)
- Nonprofit, scholarships offered
Where our sailors go
A dependable resource for the Holland sailing community
Our graduates have become collegiate All-Americans, members of the U.S. Optimist Dinghy International Travel Team, and professionals across the sailing industry.
But the impact we're proudest of is simpler: the number of kids who leave here with sound water-safety fundamentals and a lifelong love of the water.
Read our historyScholarships
Cost should never keep a kid off the water. Financial assistance is available for every summer program.
See if you qualifyGive to MBJA
Tax-deductible gifts fund our fleet, our coaches, and scholarships for Holland-area families.
Make a donationGift certificates
A gift certificate from someone who loves you — good toward any MBJA class.
Ways to supportWind and weather at Macatawa Bay
Check conditions before you head down to the sailing center.