NEW Family Sail Training

Welcome aboard!

These programs are designed for adults, families, and mixed-age crews who want to learn together on the water. Whether you are sailing solo, with a partner, or alongside a child, you will join us aboard our 37’ sail training sloop Karina in Casco Bay, Maine for hands-on, immersive learning rooted in real experience.

Together, we will build practical sailing skills including reading the wind and tides, maneuvering under power and sail, hoisting and trimming sails, navigating with paper and electronic charts, observing the weather, practicing safety procedures and rules of the road, mooring, anchoring, docking, knot tying, and dinghy handling.

You’ll be sailing and sleeping aboard Karina, which features eight bunks and accommodates up to six students along with a USCG licensed Captain and deckhand. Programs are designed for a range of experience levels, from those new to sailing to those looking to deepen their skills and confidence. Children participate with a parent or guardian, learning seamanship, teamwork, and confidence through shared responsibility aboard.

At the heart of these programs is learning by doing. We sail together, solve challenges together, and grow together, building competence, confidence, and connection with each other and the natural world as we explore Maine’s waters under sail.

Weekday dates, private bookings, and custom group trips may be available depending on schedule. Please inquire with your preferred dates and group size.

Financial Aid is available - please inquire.

 
 

Private Family Sail Training

A private sailing experience for one family, guided by a USCG licensed Captain and deckhand. Learn and live aboard Karina as your family builds sailing skills, confidence, and connection through shared responsibility and discovery. This program offers a supportive, hands-on environment where adults and children learn together, fostering teamwork, trust, and a deeper relationship with the sea.

2026 Dates: July 31-Aug 2
*other dates/lengths may be available - please inquire with desired dates

Price: Please inquire with family numbers and ages of children.

Couples Sail Training

Sail together as a team while building shared skills, confidence, and communication on the water. Designed for partners who want to learn or grow together, this program focuses on practical seamanship, collaborative decision-making, and moving in rhythm under sail. Whether you’re new to sailing or looking to strengthen your partnership aboard, you’ll leave better prepared to sail as a crew of two.

2026 Dates: Sept 18-20

Price: $1300 per couple

Parent & Child Sail Training

Designed for two to three parent–child pairs, this program is ideal for children ages 10 and up and the adults who sail with them. Parents and children learn side by side, building sailing skills, seamanship, and confidence through hands-on participation and shared challenges. Together, you’ll foster teamwork, independence, and trust, strengthening both sailing abilities and family bonds under sail.

Is this right for my child? This program is best suited for children who are curious, comfortable around the water, and ready to participate actively as part of a small sailing crew.

2026 Dates: July 4-7

Price: $1300 per parent/child pair

Interested? Please inquire below for more information.

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.