Youth overnight 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.
Our mission is to take students aged 14-18 on a voyage of self-discovery. During their time with us, students will join our crew of licensed professional mariners on six-passenger sailing vessels, where they will live in community for a week, learn nautical skills, build friendships, explore their environments, and fully participate in all the work required to travel and live on a sailboat.
These trips are a chance for students to disconnect from social media and build meaningful skills and connections. Our goal as educators is to facilitate their learning, while encouraging them to invest themselves fully in the experience and build community, skill, and awareness of our local environment.
“One thing that really stood out to me … was how amazing our captains were. This was my first time on a schooner, and I did not know how anything worked. [The] captains made sure I didn’t feel left out when it came to learning the sails, even whenever I was nervous I was gonna mess up.”
“I definitely have a more positive attitude in general [after this trip]. I think being away from my phone and in nature for just a week has definitely had an impact on how I approach phone and social media usage now. I also think it’s just taught me to be grateful for the small things.”
“I really enjoyed this trip … being able to meet new people and learn new things. I had a lot of fun sailing by boat and exploring islands. I am really thankful for being able to explore the coast of Maine and learn some of its history. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
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
Now taking registrations for 2026
Ages: 14 to 18
Dates: July 6 - 10 and Aug 3 - 7
Location: South Freeport, Maine (Town Wharf)
Hours: Monday morning at 9:45 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, 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 and deckhand educator aboard. Program runs rain or shine.
Skills & Experiences
Become immersed in the environment
Read weather from nature signs
Navigate by using charts and local landmarks
Spend nights under the stars
Explore islands
Swim in chilly coastal Maine waters
Build lasting friendships
Practice knots and traditional sailor crafts
Learn about the flora and fauna in Casco Bay
See seals, harbor porpoise, ospreys, and other wildlife
Learn to steer and sail
Experience the beauty of coastal Maine
Cost: $1495
Student Group Registration & Financial Aid
Sailing Ships Maine offers educational sailing experiences for student groups through schools, organizations, scouts, and clubs. To participate, we need a group of 6 or 12 students. If you are interested in registering a group of students or if you need to apply for individual financial aid, please reach out to info@sailingshipsmaine.org.
Sign Up for the Overnight Sail Training Program
Click one of these buttons to sign up and pay for the 5-Day Overnight Sail Training Program:
Sara Jane, our 42’ schooner, Brightside, our 36’ sloop, and Tyrone, a 60’ charter schooner
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.