Traverse City: Grand Traverse Bay Sail with Local Food & Drinks

Summary

Traverse City sailing day with local flavors and hands-on moments

You’ll board a classic schooner in Traverse City, sail across Grand Traverse Bay with local guides, sample regional food and drinks (wine, beer, spirits), help raise the sails if you want—and soak up Michigan’s colors and stories along the way. Expect laughter, fresh lake air, maybe even new friends by journey’s end.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the schooner in Traverse City and right away I noticed the wood under my shoes felt different—warm from the sun, a little rough. Captain Dave greeted us with this easy smile, like he’d been waiting for us all week. The bay was that kind of blue you only see in Michigan, not quite turquoise but close. Someone handed me a glass of local white wine before I even found a seat. I didn’t expect it to taste so crisp—like apples and something else I couldn’t name. Maybe that’s just how things taste when you’re out on the water.

They let us help with the sails (I barely managed not to trip over the ropes), and then we just drifted for a while. There was this moment when the wind picked up and all you could hear was canvas snapping and gulls somewhere behind us. Our guide pointed out Old Mission Peninsula off to the left—he told stories about shipwrecks and cherry orchards, and I believed every word even if he might’ve been embellishing a bit. Lunch came out in these mismatched baskets: smoked fish, bread from some bakery downtown, cheese that actually squeaked when I bit into it. I still think about that view across Grand Traverse Bay while eating.

I tried one of their cocktails made with gin from a distillery nearby (Li laughed when I tried to pronounce it—probably butchered it). The breeze kept changing directions so sometimes you’d get this sudden cold burst on your face and everyone would pull their jackets tighter at once without saying anything. There were families onboard too; one kid got to sit at the helm for a minute and looked like he might explode from happiness. The whole thing was slower than I expected—in a good way—and by the end nobody seemed in any rush to go back to shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and enjoy food and drinks

• Board 63-ft schooner
• Sail around Grand Traverse Bay
• Help raise the sails
• Sit at the helm
• Learn local history
• Taste locally-sourced food and drinks
• Relax and enjoy the scenery

Top questions

Is food included on this Traverse City sailing tour?

Yes, locally-sourced food from favorite restaurants is included during your sail.

Are drinks provided during the Grand Traverse Bay sail?

You’ll enjoy local beer, spirits, wine, plus cocktails as part of your day.

Can I help sail or steer the schooner?

Yes—you can help raise sails or sit at the helm under crew supervision.

Is this day sail suitable for families?

It’s family-friendly; all ages are welcome aboard this Traverse City sailing tour.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes—just call ahead directly if you need vegetarian or gluten-free meals.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meet directly at the dock in Traverse City.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Service animals are welcome on this sailing experience.

Do I need previous sailing experience?

No experience needed—the crew will guide you through everything safely.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on sailing aboard a 63-ft schooner from Traverse City around Grand Traverse Bay, tastings of local food from favorite area restaurants, regional beer, spirits and wine—all with stories and guidance from an experienced captain and crew before returning to shore relaxed and well-fed.