NCS Program Details

The Whalers Class is for students who are brand new to sailing or have little prior sailing experience. This class, taught in RS Quests, allows students to learn the basics of sailing. Students will first learn to sail alongside 2 - 3 peers and an instructor. This "bigger" boat experience will provide a comfortable environment for basic skill acquisition. After mastering the basic sailing skills, boat parts, points of sail, water safety, seamanship and sportsmanship, students will progress into sailing more independently with their peers and being coached by an instructor in a motorboat alongside. An emphasis will be placed on learning, safety and fun! When the student's individual instructor, as well as the lead instructor of the Whalers class, feels that the student understands the rudiments of sailing and can handle a tiller and main sail on their own, the student is invited to move into either the Discovery or Opti Green class.

The Whalers Class will be held in Polpis Harbor, Monday - Friday mornings from 9:30AM - 12:00PM and Monday - Friday afternoons from 1:15PM - 3:45PM. Additionally, sailors in the morning and afternoon class of Week 4 will participate in the Coffin Cup as part of their class in Polpis Harbor on Friday, July 18, 2025. Opportunities for parents/guardians to spectate will be available during the morning Coffin Cup!

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.

Whalers' 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.