Youth Sail training PROGRAMS
Sailing Ships Maine programs help youth build self-confidence, develop critical leadership and teamwork skills and open their minds to new life possibilities.
Sailing a training ship is a hands-on team learning experience. Each student has their own bunk aboard ship and together the students and professional crew cook, sail, and explore the islands and waters along the Maine coast. All while learning nautical skills in a non-competitive educational environment. Now accepting students ages 13 to 18.
Set your sights on a unique overnight adventure at sea. No prior experience required.
We look forward to sailing with you!
Overnight Sail Training Program for High School Students - 2026 dates coming soon!
Ages: 13 to 18
Dates: July 28 - August 1, 2025; August 11 - August 15, 2025
Location: South Freeport, Maine (Town Wharf)
Hours: Monday morning at 10 a.m. through Friday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.
4 nights, 5 days, all meals included.
Accredited Program in Nautical Science
Students will become part of the crew and learn all aspects of sailing a cruising sailboat including navigation, sail handling, culinary, anchoring, ship handling, engineering, voyage planning, weather prediction, lookout, and safe operations. Daily schedule includes sailing, visiting islands by small boat, and learning in company with 6 students and 2 crew. Licensed professional captain aboard. Program runs rain or shine.
Cost: $1495
(Financial aid available. Please inquire.)
Day Sailing Program for Middle School Students - Now taking registrations for 2026
Ages: 10 to 13
Dates: June 22 - 26, 2026; June 29 - July 3, 2026; July 6 - 10, 2026
Locations: Falmouth Town Landing, Freeport Town Wharf
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:45 to 4:45
Program Description:
Students will become part of the crew and learn all aspects of sailing a cruising boat including navigation, sail handling, anchoring, steering, rowing a dinghy, weather prediction, route planning, and safe operations. Daily schedule includes sailing, visiting islands by small boat, and learning in company with 6 students and an instructor.
Cost: $345
(Financial aid available. Please inquire.)
Do you want to develop a program for your group?
Sailing Ships Maine organizes educational programs and sailing experiences for groups of students. We work with schools, organizations, scouts, and clubs. Reach out to us at info@sailingshipsmaine.org to schedule a time for a discussion. There is still plenty of time to change your students lives.
Do you have a group of students or adults that would like to sail together?
To inquire about dates for an individual student or to reserve a week for a group or discuss customizable dates/program options aboard a sail training ship, please contact us through email any time at info@sailingshipsmaine.org
Official Sea Time - we support issuance of sea time and academic credit letters for our students
NOTE: For those looking to earn sea time toward their first U.S. Coast Guard license, please note that the USCG will recognize time spent at sea as “official sea time” for those who are 16 year old and above. Before the sail trainees’ 16th birthday, their sea time gained is considered a valuable experience and yet does not count toward official sea time.
Summer ‘25 Sail Training Flyer Download
Please fill out the form below to continue with the application process.
Sign Up for the Overnight Sail Training Program for High School Students
Once we’ve confirmed your spot, click this button to sign up and pay for the 5-Day Overnight Sail Training Program for High School Students:
Sign Up for the Day Sailing Program for Middle School Students
Once we’ve confirmed your spot, click this button to sign up and pay for the Day Sailing Program for Middle School Students:
Sara Jane, our 42’ schooner, Brightside, our 36’ sloop, and Tyrone, a 60’ charter schooner