Our Vision: Add Vision Statement

Our Mission: Developing Character Through Sailing Education

Our Values:

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We Are Community Sailing School!

Our History & Mission

The Community Sailing School (CSS) traces its history back to the founding of the Pontiac Sailing Education Foundation (PSEF) in 1984. Since then, thanks to the contributions of countless volunteers and supporters, we have been able to grow our program to the success that it is today.

Our mission of Developing Character Through Sailing Education reflects our beliefs that sailing is more than just another sport, it’s a way for young people to build confidence, problem-solving, and develop leadership, among other skills.

Because of this, our organization is expanding our reach into areas that are underserved in the areas of youth development, after-school and summer programming, youth sports, adaptive sports, and women’s and girls empowerment. Ultimately, we want to extend the benefits of the sport we love to more people who needs them.

The Community Sailing School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and relies on your support to continue bringing quality sailing programming to Metro Detroit – Please consider a gift today!

Our Impact

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Schools Served

Program Participants

Accepted into College

National Champions

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Our Sailing Center and Fleet

Located on Oakland County’s Cass Lake, CSS is the Metro Area’s premier sailing school, and a US Sailing Accredited Community Sailing Center- the first and only one in Michigan. Operating out of a dedicated sailing center in Orchard Lake Village our 1,372 square foot building is home to classroom space, a boat workshop, kitchen facilities, gathering space, and offices. In 2025, through a partnership with Dodge #4 State Park, we opened a satellite location across the lake where our Summer Learn-to-Sail program is based.

Our large fleet of sailboats and safety boats are maintained by our staff and dedicated volunteers. Participants have access to Optimist, SailQube, O’Pen Bic, c420, Laser, ILCA, Hobie Wave, RS Toura, and Lightning classes of boats that are used in both our learn-to-sail and racing programs. These boats are great for both novice and advanced sailors.

Our Programs

Summer Learn-to-Sail

This program features a fun-forward approach to learning the foundations of sailing in a weeklong day camp setting. Participants also learn STEM concepts, social-emotional learning and safety education. Participation in the program is on a weekly basis, with more than ten weeks available in the summer.

Summer Learn-to-Sail

Summer Racing Team

Expanding on the foundations of the Summer Learn-to-Sail program, the Summer Race Team provides a valuable introduction to sailboat racing for participants who want to move past the basics. Participants will learn the basics of sailboat racing and compete in local regattas.

Summer Racing Team

Interscholastic Racing Team

For both participants new to sailing and those who already have experience, interscholastic racing is a way for kids to sail more during the year. It provides kids with a sense of belonging and connection that is unique to being on a youth sports team. Participants can compete in regattas as part of a team representing their school.

Interscholastic Racing Team