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 camps and 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/.
*Please note: You may sign up for just Mondays or just Wednesdays, or both Mondays and Wednesdays. The Monday class will focus on beginner skills and the Wednesday class will focus on beginner/intermediate skills.
Adult Beginner Sailing | REGISTER
Mondays, September 15–October 27 (no class October 13), 5:15–7:15 p.m.
This introductory sailing class is designed for adults with no prior experience. Learn the fundamentals in a supportive setting at Mystic Seaport Museum. Participants will build a strong foundation in sailing by covering the essentials: understanding how and why a sailboat moves, basic sailing terms, rigging and de-rigging, proper stowage and equipment care, personal safety, knot-tying, dock and water safety, points of sail, small boat handling, and the basic rules of the road.
Adult Beginner/Intermediate Sailing | REGISTER
Wednesdays, September 17–October 22, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
This class is open to adults of all experience levels—from those stepping aboard for the first time to those looking to sharpen their sailing skills. Instruction is tailored to the skill level of each participant and includes the theory of sailing (why and how a boat sails), basic sailing and gear terminology, rigging and de-rigging a sailboat, equipment stowage and care, personal safety, knots, safety on the dock and on the water, points of sail, small boat handling, and basic rules of the road.
Fall Frostbite Racing Series | REGISTER
Saturdays, October 18, October 25, November 1, November 8, November 15, November 22, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Frostbite sailing is a great way to keep your sailing skills active in the offseason, and late fall is a beautiful time to sail with lots of wind! Sailors will race in Dyer Dhows.
Homeschool Sailing | REGISTER
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., September 16–October 21
Students will learn to sail in a supportive setting on the waterfront at Mystic Seaport Museum. Instruction focuses on the fundamentals, including sailing terminology, seamanship skills such as knot-tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. When conditions do not allow for sailing, the class also introduces related topics such as river ecology, powerboating, and navigation.
Homeschool Powerboating | REGISTER
Wednesdays, September 17–October 22, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
This 16-hour, hands-on course in Safe Powerboat Handling, offered through US Powerboating, is designed for anyone who wants to learn to safely operate a small motorboat and build confidence on the water. No prior experience or certification is required. Approved by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the course includes Connecticut-specific exam questions and meets the requirements for a State of Connecticut Boating Certificate. Instruction is provided by US Coast Guard–licensed captains who are also certified US Powerboating instructors.
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.
