TRAVERSE CITY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Windjammer: Sailing Grand Traverse Bay from West Bay Beach
A two-hour, 2:30pm daily windjammer cruise from West Bay Beach that offers authentic sailing in the lively winds with coastal views of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas.
Windjammer: Sailing Grand Traverse Bay from West Bay Beach.
Set aboard a classic windjammer operated by Nauti Cat, this two-hour cruise leaves from West Bay Beach and runs during the bay's liveliest winds. Guests stretch out on onboard nets or sip drinks from a casual dive bar while routes—chosen to suit wind direction—unfold panoramic views of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coastal panoramas of Old Mission and Leelanau
The cruise offers changing coastal views of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas as the route shifts with wind direction.
Relax on the nets or at the onboard dive bar
Guests can stretch out on the nets or enjoy drinks from an onboard dive bar while underway, combining relaxation and the motion of an authentic sailing vessel.
An authentic windjammer experience in lively winds
The excursion is timed for the breeziest hours on Grand Traverse Bay so passengers experience the wind-driven character of a traditional windjammer.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
You board near West Bay Beach, settle into the nets or the cockpit with a drink, and watch the shoreline recede as the wind fills the sails. The two-hour cruise moves with the prevailing breeze, trading views of Old Mission and Leelanau as the captain adapts the route to conditions—part relaxed afternoon at sea, part sailing-focused outing.
THE VIEWS
Coastal panoramas of Old Mission and Leelanau
The cruise offers changing coastal views of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas as the route shifts with wind direction.
THE BOAT LIFE
Relax on the nets or at the onboard dive bar
Guests can stretch out on the nets or enjoy drinks from an onboard dive bar while underway, combining relaxation and the motion of an authentic sailing vessel.
THE SAIL
An authentic windjammer experience in lively winds
The excursion is timed for the breeziest hours on Grand Traverse Bay so passengers experience the wind-driven character of a traditional windjammer.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise departs at 2:30pm daily and runs approximately two hours.
Guests can stretch out on the nets or sip drinks from the onboard dive bar during the cruise.
Embarkation is arranged from the West Bay Beach area; the meeting address is 615 E Front St and the operator is Nauti Cat.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Windjammer cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours.
When does the cruise depart?
Departure is at 2:30pm daily.
Where do I meet for boarding?
Boarding is from the West Bay Beach area; the meeting address is 615 E Front St.
Will I have places to relax on board?
Yes — guests can stretch out on nets or relax in other onboard areas during the cruise.
Are drinks available during the cruise?
Yes — the vessel operates an onboard dive bar where guests can purchase drinks.
Do routes stay the same each trip?
No — routes vary with wind direction, offering changing coastal views of the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas.