There’s no better place to get out on the water than Mystic Seaport Museum. No matter your age or skill level, it’s easy to find the right sailing class for you. With full and half-day camps, homeschool and afterschool sailing, adult sailing, racing, and more, there is a perfect fit for everyone.
The Sailing Center at Mystic Seaport Museum is a US Sailing accredited community sailing center, and sailing classes are taught by experienced US Sailing certified sailors. Our junior and adult programs are for beginner and intermediate sailors using Dyer Dhows, prams, and c420 dinghies.
Safety is our first priority at the Sailing Center. All staff are certified in Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED. All staff have been trained to prevent and respond to emergencies on and off the water. We adhere to strict policies regarding safe powerboat operation, concussion response, and on-the-water management. Our staff includes Red Cross certified lifeguards, US Sailing certified sailing instructors, and US Coast Guard licensed captains. All summer camps are licensed by the State of Connecticut. Staff and campers wear PFDs and sunscreen and carry water bottles at all times while on the waterfront. We have an 8:1 sailboat to safety boat ratio at all times.
We are pleased to announce that we have scholarship funding available for our Community Sailing (ages 6-15), Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Camp (ages 10-15), and Schooner Brilliant (ages 15-18) summer camps and spring and fall programs. Up to 100 percent of the cost of the program is available depending upon need. To apply complete the application. For more information, please email reservations@mysticseaport.org/.
Full day sailing on the Mystic River (8:30am-4:30pm)
Students learn how to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the waterfront of beautiful Mystic Seaport Museum. The class emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills including knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. This class is unique because if participants are unable to sail due to weather conditions then they are able to explore the grounds of historic Mystic Seaport Museum with their instructors, or participate in fun, hands-on activities related to sailing. Our primary teaching boat is the Dyer Dhow dinghy. We also have a fleet of Prams for our younger campers.
Campers over 12 with prior sailing experience will be qualified to sail c420s. Campers bring their own lunch and eat at the Sailing Center.
Members $360 Non-members $450
Specialty full day camps
Trade Winds: Joint Full-Day Camp with Mystic Seaport Summer Day Camp and Community Sailing (8:30am-4:30pm)
June 23-27, Aug. 4-8 (ages 10-12)
This camp provides the perfect balance for those who want some time on land and on the water. Campers spend their mornings exploring Mystic Seaport Museum exhibits and participating in crafts and hands-on activities. Then in the afternoons, campers learn to sail small boats on the Mystic River with our U.S. Sailing Certified instructors in Dyer Dhows.
Members $360 Non-members $450
Trails and Sails: Joint Full-Day Camp with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (9:00am-4:00pm)
July 14-18 (campers at Seaport Monday and Tuesday only; Wednesday-Friday at Nature Center) (ages 10-12)
Hit the trails at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and learn how to sail at Mystic Seaport Museum on the beautiful Mystic River. The Nature Center offers miles of hiking and exploration, live animal encounters and more! While at Mystic Seaport Museum campers will learn the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills including knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. Campers will spend Monday and Tuesday sailing at Mystic Seaport Museum and Wednesday-Friday at the Nature Center. Registration is through Mystic Seaport Museum.
Members: $360 Non-Members: $450
Intermediate 420 Sailing (8:30am-4:30pm)
July 21-25 (ages 12-14)
Intermediate Sailing is for campers with a beginner level of sailing experience who would like more experience in the boat before progressing on to racing. At this level, students learn more boat parts and more advanced knots as well as developing the confidence to steer the boat on their own. We teach seamanship, spinnaker handling, and basic right of way rules. This course focuses on mastering independent decision making, and becoming more confident at boat handling. The 420 is a double-handed dinghy that has two sails. Named for the hull’s dimensions of 4.2 meters. It is most commonly used for college and high school sailing.
Members $360 Non-members $450
420 Race Week (8:30am-4:30pm)
Aug. 11-15 (ages 12-14)
Campers put their sailing knowledge to the test as they begin to learn more advanced sail theory and racing skills. Instructors focus on boat handling techniques, proper boat and sail trim while also covering the racing rules of sailing as well as racing strategies and tactics. This camp is not a beginner level camp: it is highly encouraged that newer sailors take the intro to 420s or the intermediate sailing camp before doing race week.
Members $360 Non-members $450
Introduction to Racing in Dyer Dhows/Prams (8:30am-4:30pm)
Aug. 4-8 (ages 10-12)
This camp is for campers with some experience sailing Dyers/Prams and have an interest in learning how to race in a fun and supportive environment. Instructors teach more intermediate boat handling techniques, sail and boat trim, while covering the racing rules of sailing as well as racing strategies and tactics. Boats used are Dyer Dhows and Prams/Optimists: single handled boats with one sail.
Members $360 Non-members $450
Mystic River Adventure: Joint Camp with Mystic Aquarium (9:00am-4:00pm)
June 23-27 and July 28-Aug. 1 (ages 9-11)
Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum are sailing the Mystic River together again! Participants in this joint camp start their day at the Aquarium with hands-on programs to learn about what lives in and around the Mystic River by meeting with husbandry staff and peeking behind the scenes, as well as the conservation of local aquatic ecosystems. Then campers travel to Mystic Seaport Museum where they will be actively sailing in boats on the Mystic River each afternoon. Campers will need to come prepared to be on the water each day as the campers will be the ones sailing the boats. Campers will enjoy learning the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills including knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. This camp provides your camper with the unique opportunity to see the Mystic River from above and below as they also learn to sail. Registration is through the Mystic Aquarium (Learn More | Mystic Aquarium), 860-572-5955.
Members $425 Non-members $475
Half day sailing on the Mystic River (8:30am-12:15pm)
Students learn how to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the waterfront of beautiful Mystic Seaport Museum. The class emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills including knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. This class is unique because if participants are unable to sail due to weather conditions then they are able to explore the grounds of historic Mystic Seaport Museum with their instructors, or participate in fun, hands-on activities related to sailing. Our primary teaching boat is the Dyer Dhow dinghy. Campers over 12 with prior sailing experience will be qualified to sail c420s.
Members $208 Non-members $260
SPECIALTY HALF-DAY CAMPS
Seaport Sea Stars (8:30am-12:15pm)
Back by popular demand, sailing camp is once again available for campers ages 6 & 7! Our Seaport Sea Stars program will introduce the concept of wind and basic sailboat controls. Our main goals are safety and fun. We teach in shallow water and light wind so that campers can have a fun and memorable experience that will inspire them to continue to learn how to sail. We hope that our littlest campers leave with new friends and the impression that sailing is fun and not scary. Campers should feel comfortable wearing a lifejacket (required to be worn at all times campers are near or on the water) and have some level of comfort swimming/floating in the water. This class is taught in Prams (small boats with one sail similar to Optis) by an experienced U.S Sailing certified instructor and Red Cross certified lifeguard. Our sailing instructors will tailor the lessons to the maturity of each camper with the help of our Counselors in Training to sail with campers as needed.
Members $208 Non-members $260
Introduction to 420 Sailing (half day in the afternoon, 1:00-4:00pm)
June 16-20 (ages 10-14)
The Beginner 420 class is an entry level class for older students interested in learning the basics of sailing or for our students familiar with Dyers/Optimists looking to move up to a bigger boat. This class teaches boat safety, knots, and boat parts. Students also learn basic maneuvering, points of sail, and docking. This camp is designed as a way for newer sailors to learn at a comfortable pace in in a friendly and supportive environment. The skills covered in the program provide a foundation for further pursuit of the sport. No sailing experience necessary. The 420 is a double-handed dinghy that has two sails. Named for the hull’s dimensions of 4.2 meters. It is most commonly used for college and high school sailing.
Members $208 Non-members $260
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING PROGRAM
June 16 – August 15, M-F 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., minimum of two consecutive weeks preferred
The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program for Community Sailing is a free program for youth ages 14 -16 who will receive leadership development and job readiness skills while also learning how to become a sailing instructor. Each week CITs will work as an integral part of the Community Sailing program. They will sail with campers, help teach lessons, and assist with the day-to-day tasks of running a sailing camp. This is a full-day program, Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm. Click here to access the application link.
Homeschool Sailing
Students will learn how to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the beautiful Mystic Seaport Museum waterfront. The sailing class emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. On days where sailing is not possible, students will also have the opportunity to learn about river ecology, powerboating, and navigation.
REGISTER HERE for Homeschool Sailing.
Homeschool Powerboating
This is the US Powerboating (Safe Powerboat Handling–US Powerboating) 16-hour, hands-on, on-the-water course—intended for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat handling skills. No previous experience or certification is required. The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course which includes Connecticut-specific exam questions meeting the requirements for a State of Connecticut Boating Certificate. This class is taught by US Coast Guard Licensed Captains that are also US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Instructors.
REGISTER HEREfor Homeschool Powerboating.
Adult Beginner Sailing
Tuesdays, June 24-July 15, 5:30-7:30pm
This class is for those adults who have never sailed and have always wanted to learn in a friendly and fun environment on the waterfront of beautiful Mystic Seaport Museum. Participants will be introduced to the theory of sailing (why and how a boat sails), basic sailing and gear terminology, rigging and de-rigging a sailboat, personal safety, knots, safety on the dock and on the water, points of sail, small boat handling, and basic rules of the road. This class is taught on Dyer Dhows.
Members: $160 Non-members: $200
Adult Racing
Tuesdays, July 22-Aug. 12, 5:30-7:30pm
Adults that have some sailing experience or that took Adult Beginner Sailing can continue to learn intermediate and racing skills. This class is also open to adults who have never sailed and have always wanted to learn in a friendly and fun environment. Our sailing instructors will divide the class as needed to teach to individual skill/experience level. This class is taught on Dyer Dhows and c420s.
Members: $160 Non-members: $200
Private sailing lessons are also available. Please contact the Sailing Center at 860-572-5369 to arrange the timing, and Reservations at 860-572-5331 to register and make payment.
Matt Forte, Supervisor of Sailing Programs
matt.forte@mysticseaport.org or 860-572-5369
During their week of camp, Boy Scouts can earn the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge: there is a Merit Badge Counselor on staff and we can also conduct a boy scout swim test if needed. You must indicate that you want to earn the Merit Badge on camp docs or communicate with the camp director on the first day of camp. This is to ensure that we take the time to individually cover all badge requirements with your scout.
Register online for any program, call 860-572-5331, or email reservations@mysticseaport.org.
Participants will receive a 75% refund if they cancel before 30 days prior to the camp. No refunds will be given if cancellation is made within 30 days prior to the camp.
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for Day Camps provides 16- to 18-year-olds the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a residential sailing camp environment. This is a volunteer position in which CITs refine teaching, teamwork, leadership and youth development skills under the guidance of camp staff.
Please read the CIT Handbook prior to applying. Click here to access the application link.
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
info@mysticseaport.org
Copyright © 2021 Mystic Seaport Museum
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
