Youth SUMMER 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 tall ship is a hands-on team learning experience. Each student has their own bunk aboard ship and together the students and licensed 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 10 to 18.

Summer 2025 - Enrollment Open for summer voyages

Set your sights on a unique overnight adventure at sea. No prior experience required.
We look forward to sailing with you!

We are offering two programs for different age groups:

Overnight Sail Training Program for High School Students

Ages: 13 to 18
Dates:
July 7 - July 11
July 28 - August 1
August 11 - August 15
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

Ages: 10 to 13 
Dates: Various dates through out the summer, please inquire
Location: South Freeport, Maine (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 2 crew.

Cost: $395
(Financial aid available. Please inquire.)

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

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

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.