Free COMMUNITY-BUILDING Events

Sailing is about more than the miles we cover—it's about the community we build along the way. Inspired by the connections formed through our Women to Women: Sailing Into Your Strength program, these gatherings bring together sailors of all experience levels to share knowledge, stories, and support.

Each event explores a different theme—from preparing to cast off to boat ownership and maintenance.

All are welcome.

-Next Event-
Stories from the making of master & commander

Event Details
📅 Thursday, March 26, 2026
🕠5:30–8:30 PM
🍲 Its a Potluck! Please bring a dish to share.

📍 Portland Community Squash
66 Noyes St, Portland, ME

Master and Commander has seen renewed interest in recent years. The 2003 film starring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey brought the world of Patrick O'Brian’s beloved novels to the screen—blending several stories into one sweeping Age of Sail adventure.

Writer and producer Mimi Munson served as the film’s lead historical researcher, beginning in 2000 during the script adaptation and continuing through the building and outfitting of the ships, costumes, and props—many recreated using maritime antiques from 1806.

In this event, Mimi will share behind-the-scenes stories from the two-year journey of making the film—an experience that many on the 1,000-person crew felt became its own Age of Sail adventure, complete with mishaps, storms, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

Please RSVP Here - Tickets are limited

Previous Events:

Our Favorite Boating Aps

Event Details
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
🕠6:00–9:00 PM

📍 Portland Yacht Club
40 Powderhouse Rd, Falmouth, ME

Join us for a relaxed, community potluck where we’ll swap notes on the boating apps we actually use and love. From navigation and weather to tides, anchoring, and trip planning, this gathering is all about sharing real-world tips, tricks, and best practices that make time on the water easier and safer.

Bring a dish to share, your phone or tablet if you’d like, and come ready to talk through what works, what doesn’t, and how different folks use different tools. This isn’t a formal presentation — just a casual, conversation-driven evening to learn from each other, ask questions, and build community with fellow boaters.

All experience levels welcome. Whether you’re app-obsessed or just getting started, you’ll leave with new ideas (and probably a few new downloads).

How to buy a used sailboat with confidence

Event Details
📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026
🕠 5:30–9:00 PM

📍 Merrymeeting Hall
27 Main Street, Bowdoinham

Thinking about buying a used sailboat but feeling unsure about where to begin? Sailing Ships Maine invites you to a free, in-person community program designed to help prospective boat owners navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

This evening program will walk through the key steps of buying a used sailboat — from defining what you actually need, to evaluating listings, to understanding surveys and long-term costs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to make a smarter second purchase, this session will provide practical guidance and real-world insight.

Topics will include:

  • Choosing priorities for the kind of boat that fits your sailing goals

  • Where to look for used sailboats and how to parse online ads

  • Working with brokers vs. buying privately

  • Understanding common onboard systems

  • Finding a good marine surveyor and knowing what to expect from a survey

  • Estimating true ownership costs

  • Identifying make-or-break issues before you buy

  • Boat partnerships: benefits, risks, and best practices

Potluck Dinner: 6:00–7:00 PM (please bring something to share)
Discussion & Presentation: 7:00–9:00 PM
A full kitchen will be available for use.

So you want to live on a sailboat?

Event Details
📅 Saturday, Nov 1, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM

📍 Centerboard Yacht Club
271 Front Street, South Portland

Do you dream of cruising for a week or more on a sailboat or even living aboard?

Are you dreaming about setting sail on your own cruising adventure—or already living the liveaboard lifestyle? Join us for a special community event bringing together local sailors, seasoned cruisers, and those just beginning to plan their journeys.

This evening will feature a panel of experienced liveaboards and cruisers who will share their stories, lessons learned, and tips for life at sea. From outfitting and provisioning to weathering storms and discovering hidden anchorages, you’ll hear real-world experiences and practical advice.

Whether you’re simply curious, actively preparing, or already out cruising, this is a great chance to:

  • Connect with like-minded sailors and the cruising community

  • Ask questions in an open Q&A with the panel

  • Share your own experiences and dreams

  • Build friendships and find inspiration for the voyage ahead

  • Learn about different approaches to boat ownership and partnerships

Get inspired, ask your questions, and maybe even meet someone you could sail with or share a boat with!

This is a family-friendly event. Bring a snack and/or drink to share. BYOB

Agenda

5:30: Potluck snacks
6:00: Welcome
6:15: Panel discussion
6:30: Q & A
7:00: Socializing




Sailing Ships Maine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law (EIN 47-3101784).

Sailing Ships Maine creates life-changing opportunities for teens of all abilities and income levels so that they may discover the ocean environment and expand leadership skills while being encouraged to consider further maritime training.  Through public events, we support the marine economy, provide access to the ocean and traditional sailing ships and preserve our maritime heritage.