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.
Overnight teen sailing programs offered on schooner Brilliant.
Additional classes offered in SeaClass.
Tuesdays, September 15–October 20, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Members: $184| Non-members: $230
Learn to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the beautiful Mystic River. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing—from essential terminology and seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, to boat handling and the sheer joy of being under sail.
On days sailing is not possible, the adventure doesn’t stop. Students will have the opportunity to learn about river ecology, powerboating, and navigation.
Instruction takes place on Dyer Dhows—classic, stable training boats ideal for beginners.
Saturdays, October 17–November 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Members $166 | Drop-in option: $28 per session
Non-members $207 | Drop-in option $35 per session
This series welcomes sailors who want to keep their skills sharp during the off-season. Late fall is a beautiful time to sail on the Mystic River with lots of wind!
Sailors will race in Dyer Dhows each Saturday afternoon in a fun and supportive environment. Racing begins at 1:00 p.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m.
Overnight adult sailing programs offered on schooner Brilliant.
Additional classes offered in SeaClass.
Wednesdays, September 16–October 21, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
Members $322| Non-members $403
This course welcomes both new and experienced sailors looking to build confidence and improve their skills on the Mystic River.
Beginner sailors will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing, including why and how a boat sails, basic sailing terminology, rigging and de-rigging, equipment care and stowage, essential knots, personal safety, and safe practices on the dock and on the water. Students will also learn points of sail, basic boat handling, and the fundamental “rules of the road.”
Intermediate sailors and returning students will refine their existing skills while building on these foundations with more advanced sailing techniques and concepts.
Saturdays, October 17–November 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Members $166 | Drop-in option: $28 per session
Non-members $207 | Drop-in option $35 per session
This series welcomes sailors who want to keep their skills sharp during the off-season. Late fall is a beautiful time to sail on the Mystic River with lots of wind!
Sailors will race in Dyer Dhows each Saturday afternoon in a fun and supportive environment. Racing begins at 1:00 p.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
Matt Forte, Supervisor of Sailing Programs
matt.forte@mysticseaport.org or 860-572-5369
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.
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 handson
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.
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.
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 from Mystic Aquarium at 860-572-5955.
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
Afternoon Sessions
12:30–4:00 p.m. | Members: $232 | Non-members: $290
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.
Tuesdays, September 15–October 20, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Members: $184| Non-members: $230
Learn to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the beautiful Mystic River. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing—from essential terminology and seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, to boat handling and the sheer joy of being under sail.
On days sailing is not possible, the adventure doesn’t stop. Students will have the opportunity to learn about river ecology, powerboating, and navigation.
Instruction takes place on Dyer Dhows—classic, stable training boats ideal for beginners.
Thursdays, September 17–October 22, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Members: $184| Non-members: $230
Explore the Mystic River with us, and step into a living classroom right in our own backyard. This tidal estuary—where fresh and salt water meet—is full of life, and we’ll experience it firsthand.
Through hands-on exploration, we’ll learn about the flora and fauna of the river, trace its hydrology and salinity, and see how the tides sustain this vital habitat. Along the way, students build a personal connection to the natural world and why it’s worth protecting.
Perfect for anyone with a budding interest in science, wildlife, and the stewardship of our waters.
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.
