Tempest
Sailing &
Restoration
​
Sail with confidence.
Restore with pride.
Own with ease.
Sailing lessons, sailboat rentals, boat restoration, sales, and consignment services — guided by decades of experience.
​
Serving the Traverse City area
At Tempest Sailing and Restoration, we believe the water should feel like home. Whether you're learning to sail for the first time, restoring a beloved vessel, or searching for the perfect boat to call your own, we’re here to guide your journey.
Tempest Sailing & Restoration exists to grow the sailing community — one student, one restored boat, one new owner at a time. We bring decades of expertise, genuine care, and a passion for the water to everything we do.
To inspire a lifelong passion for sailing — where every tack, every gust, and every quiet moment on the water becomes an invitation to grow. We envision a world where learning to sail builds confidence, restores peace, and opens the door to adventure, one horizon at a time.
We are committed to teaching with patience, restoring with integrity, and serving every sailor with honesty and care. From your first lesson to your final docking line of the day, we promise safe, high-quality experiences that build confidence on the water and trust in every interaction.
Meet David
David has spent the last five decades chasing wind, trimming sails, and finding peace on the water. He believes sailing isn’t just a skill — it’s a mindset, a rhythm, and a way of life.
Known for his patience and encyclopedic knowledge of all things nautical, David teaches with calm clarity and genuine care, helping every student build confidence one tack at a time.
​
His greatest joy? Watching new sailors discover the magic of the wind and the freedom of the open water.
​
Are you ready to start your sailing journey?
​
Contact David today!
Sailing Lessons
Whether you're stepping aboard for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, our sailing lessons are designed to inspire confidence, build real seamanship, and cultivate a true love for life under sail.
With patient instruction and hands-on learning, you'll master everything from rigging and knots to reading the wind and handling the helm — all at your pace, in a supportive and welcoming environment.
​
Family-Friendly and Local
Whether you're seven or seventy, learning to sail is an adventure — and we’re here to guide every tack, turn, and triumph along the way.
Sailboat Rentals
Looking for a quiet weekend escape or a full week of adventure under sail on crystal-clear waters? Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just finding your sea legs, we have the perfect boat waiting for you.
​
Our well-cared-for vessels are maintained to the highest standard and ready to launch whenever you are. Every boat in our fleet is inspected, rigged, and prepared so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.
​
With flexible rental options and decades of local expertise, we make it simple and stress-free to get out on the water. We know these lakes, these winds, and these waters — and we're happy to share everything we know to help you make the most of your time on the water.
​
Whether you're planning a family outing, or a week-long sailing adventure, we'll help make it happen.
Weekend and weekly rentals are available throughout the full sailing season.
​
Don't wait — the water is calling. Reserve your boat today!
Sailboat Donation & Consignment
Donate
Do you have a sailboat that’s gathering dust — or leaves? Did you inherit a boat but you're not a sailor? Donate it to Tempest Sailing & Restoration! We’ll restore it, keep it out of the landfill, and use it to teach the next generation to sail.
A forgotten boat doesn’t have to be the end of its story. Your donation helps preserve both the environment and the spirit of sailing.
Consign
Selling your boat doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to the sailing community. Through our consignment program, we’ll help your vessel find its next adventure.
We handle all the details — listings, showings, and buyer coordination — while ensuring transparency and care every step of the way.
​
We treat every boat as if it were our own — because we know what it means to love one.
