NCS Program Details

The Guppies Class is a basic introduction to the sport of sailing intended for independent young sailors interested in gaining confidence and comfort on and around the water. Although Guppies is open to sailors ages 4-5 year-olds, we recommend this class for our older, more independent, 4 - 5 year-olds. Sailors must turn 4 by June 1. The Guppies program includes a mix of basic learning activities and games with a focus on building confidence, safety and fun. Activities include rigging, steering and sailing a pram, harbor tours, sailing in a larger boat, water-based scavenger hunts, basic craft projects, and other sailing and marine related games and activities. Please note, sailors should take no more than two sessions of Guppies.

The program will run Monday - Friday mornings from 9:30AM - 12:00PM and afternoons from 1:15PM - 3:45PM at the Polpis Harbor location. Sailors in the morning and afternoon session of Week 4 will be invited to participate in the Coffin Cup on Friday, July 18, 2025. Opportunities for parents/guardians to spectate will be available during the morning Coffin Cup!

NCS recognizes that separating from a caregiver can be challenging for our younger sailors. Our instructors will hold the class on shore for 15 minutes at the start of each day. Parents/guardians of sailors who might be having big feelings about separating are advised to remain on shore with their sailor for the first 15 minutes of class. After 15 minutes, the coaches will ask that the sailor either remain independently at class (and the caregiver leaves) or that the student leaves with their caregiver.

NCS offers shore programming on days that it is too windy to sail. If a shore day is necessary, class time may be shortened. NCS will contact parents/guardians directly via email and text regarding any adjustments to pick-up times.

Guppies students will wear a life jacket at all times at class (on shore and on the water). Students may bring their own PFD (USCG Type III), should they choose. We ask that students wear appropriate shoes (closed-toe) when participating, Native Footwear, Keen, Crocs and old sneakers all work well. Private lessons may be also be booked on our Jetties Sailing Center website; lessons are offered Monday - Saturday.