Full-Day Sailing on the Mystic River

8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Members $380 | Non-members $475

Students spend a full day learning to sail in a friendly, supportive environment on the waterfront of Mystic Seaport Museum. Instruction focuses on sailing terminology, seamanship skills—including knot-tying and rigging—boat handling, and the pure enjoyment of being on the water.

When weather keeps boats ashore, participants continue learning through hands-on sailing-related activities or by exploring the historic Museum grounds with their instructors. Our primary teaching vessels are the Museum’s fleet of historic Dyer Dhow dinghies—the largest such fleet in North America.

Campers should bring their own lunch and will eat at the Sailing Center.

• June 22–26 (ages 10–12)
• June 29–July 3 (ages 8–10)
• July 13–17 (ages 12–14)
• July 20–24 (ages 10–12)
• July 27–31 (ages 8–10)
• August 3–7 (ages 10–12)
• August 10–14 (ages 12–14)

From Shore to Sea

8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Members $380 | Non-members $475

Experience the Museum’s waterfront from both land and sea—and step into the life of a sailor. Mornings are spent exploring Museum exhibits and participating in hands-on activities, which may include climbing the rigging on the historic Joseph Conrad, learning the basics of celestial navigation in the Treworgy Planetarium, and trying a variety of maritime crafts.

In the afternoons, campers head to the Sailing Center to learn small-boat sailing on the Mystic River with our U.S. Sailing–certified instructors using the Museum’s fleet of historic Dyer Dhows.

For alumni of our Joseph Conrad Sailing Camp, this program offers a fun, relaxed way to revisit many favorite activities in a day-camp format.

• June 15–19 (ages 8–10)
• June 29–July 3 (ages 10–12)
• July 6–10 (ages 8–10)
• July 20–24 (ages 10–12)

Trails and Sails: Joint Full-Day Camp with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Members: $380 | Non-members: $475

Hit the trails and set sail in this unique partnership program between Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and Mystic Seaport Museum. Campers spend part of the week exploring miles of forested trails, discovering local wildlife through live animal encounters, and engaging in hands-on nature activities.

On the sailing days at Mystic Seaport Museum, campers learn the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills—such as knot-tying and rigging—boat handling, and the simple joy of being on the water aboard our fleet of historic Dyer Dhows.

Campers will spend Monday and Tuesday at Mystic Seaport Museum and Wednesday through Friday at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Registration is through Mystic Seaport Museum.

• July 13–17 (ages 10–12)

Mystic River Adventure: Joint Camp with Mystic Aquarium

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Members: $425 | Non-members: $475

Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium team up once again to explore the Mystic River from every angle—above and below the surface. Campers begin each day at Mystic Aquarium, where hands-on programs introduce them to the animals that rely on the river, the work of husbandry and conservation staff, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.

In the afternoons, campers travel to Mystic Seaport Museum to take the helm on the Mystic River. With guidance from our U.S. Sailing–certified instructors, campers learn sailing terminology, knot-tying and rigging, boat handling, and the confidence-building fun of operating their own small boat. Campers must come prepared to be on the water each day as they will be sailing the boats themselves.

This unique program allows campers to gain a deeper understanding of the river’s ecosystem as they also learn the skills needed to sail upon it. Registration is through Mystic Aquarium.
Learn More, 860-572-5955

June 22–26 (ages 9–11)
July 27–31 (ages 9–11)

Half-Day Sailing on the Mystic River

Students learn to sail in a friendly, supportive environment along the beautiful waterfront of Mystic Seaport Museum. Instruction focuses on the fundamentals of sailing terminology, seamanship skills—including knot-tying and rigging—boat handling, and the enjoyment of time on the water.

When weather conditions prevent sailing, campers explore the historic Museum grounds with their instructors or participate in hands-on, sailing-related activities. Our primary teaching vessels are the Museum’s fleet of historic Dyer Dhow dinghies—the largest such fleet in North America.

Morning Sessions

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Members: $232 | Non-members: $290

• July 6–10 (ages 8–10)
• August 3–7 (ages 8–10)

Afternoon Sessions

12:30–4:00 p.m. | Members: $232 | Non-members: $290

• June 15–19 (ages 10–12)
• June 22–26 (ages 8–10)
• July 6–10 (ages 10–12)
• July 13–17 (ages 10–12)
• July 27–31 (ages 8–10)
• August 3–7 (ages 8–10)
• August 10–14 (ages 10–12)

Seaport Sea Stars

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Members: $232 | Non-members: $290

Back by popular demand! Our Seaport Sea Stars program introduces young sailors ages 6 and 7 to the concepts of wind, balance, and basic sailboat controls in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Instruction takes place in shallow water and light wind to help campers build confidence and discover that sailing is exciting—not intimidating.

Campers should feel comfortable wearing a lifejacket (required whenever they are near or on the water) and have some basic comfort swimming or floating. This class is taught in Prams—small, single-sail boats similar to Optis—by an experienced U.S. Sailing–certified instructor and a Red Cross–certified lifeguard. Lessons are tailored to each camper’s maturity level, with assistance from Counselors in Training, who may sail with campers as needed.

Our goal is for our littlest sailors to leave with new friends, new skills, and the joy of knowing sailing is fun.

• June 15–19 (ages 6–7)
• June 22–26 (ages 6–7)
• July 13–17 (ages 6–7)
• July 27–31 (ages 6–7)
• August 10–14 (ages 6–7)

Counselor in Training (CIT) Program

June 15–August 14, Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Minimum of two consecutive weeks preferred.

The Community Sailing Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is a free, full-day opportunity for youth ages 13–18 to gain leadership experience, develop job-readiness skills, and begin learning what it takes to become a sailing instructor.

CITs are an integral part of the Community Sailing team. Each week, participants sail with campers, assist instructors with hands-on lessons, and support the day-to-day operations of a busy sailing program.

This experience builds confidence, communication skills, and a strong foundation in seamanship and instruction techniques.

Please read the CIT Handbook prior to applying. Click here to access the application link.

Adult Beginner Sailing (ages 14+)

Mondays, June 15–July 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
OR
Tuesdays, June 16–July 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $180 | Non-members: $225

This welcoming introductory class is designed for adults who have never sailed and want to learn in a supportive, enjoyable setting along the beautiful waterfront of Mystic Seaport Museum. Participants explore the fundamentals of sailing, including why and how a boat moves, basic sailing and gear terminology, rigging and de-rigging, knot-tying, personal safety, dock and water procedures, points of sail, small-boat handling, and basic rules of the road.

Instruction takes place on Dyer Dhows—classic, stable training boats ideal for beginners.

Adult Intermediate Sailing (ages 14+)

Wednesdays, June 17–July 8 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Members: $180 | Non-members: $225

This class is designed for adults with some small-boat sailing experience who want to continue building confidence and refining their skills using our fleet of Dyer Dhows. Instruction is tailored to each participant’s experience level and includes a review of core concepts—how and why a boat sails, sailing and gear terminology, rigging and de-rigging, equipment care, knot-tying, and personal and on-water safety.

Participants will deepen their understanding of points of sail, sail trim, safe boat handling, and the rules of the road while gaining the comfort needed to sail more independently.

Adult Racing (ages 14+)

Mondays, July 20–August 10 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
OR
Tuesdays, July 21–August 11 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $180 | Non-members: $225

Join fellow community members and alumni of our sailing classes for a friendly, relaxed racing series using our fleet of historic Dyer Dhows. New racers will receive guidance on racing fundamentals, while returning sailors can focus on sharpening boat-handling skills, strategy, and confidence on the racecourse.

This program is ideal for anyone looking to experience the fun and camaraderie of small-boat racing in a supportive environment.

Summer Evening Sailing (ages 14+ and children if accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Thursdays, June 18–August 13 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $25 per session, per boat (maximum two people per boat)

Non-members: $30 per session, per boat (maximum two people per boat)

You may register and pay in advance or drop in and pay on-site.

Relax and unwind on the water at the Museum’s Sailing Center. Individuals and families are invited to join our sailing instructor team for an evening of potluck snacks and laid-back sailing on the beautiful Mystic River. Bring your family, friends, and food to enjoy a casual night of community and time on the water.

Participants should have some prior small-boat sailing experience. While staff will be on the river in chase boats, these evenings are open sailing sessions, not instructional classes—a perfect opportunity for experienced sailors to enjoy the river at their own pace. Lifejackets are available, or you may bring your own.