In the Community
Connecting Nantucket to the water through access, education, and partnerships.
Outreach
Community access is at the heart of Nantucket Community Sailing’s mission. Through partnerships with local organizations, NCS provides free and adaptive sailing opportunities for youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
These programs introduce new sailors to the water in a supportive environment while fostering confidence, teamwork, and independence. Outreach initiatives are made possible through donor support and community collaboration, ensuring that sailing remains an inclusive experience for all.
Programs & Initiatives
Nantucket STAR |
NCS and Nantucket STAR (Sports and Therapeutic Accessible Recreation) team up at the Jetties Sailing Center throughout the summer to work with students of all abilities. Programming is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in July. Students work with instructors and volunteers to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and sometimes windsurfing. For more information, please visit Nantucket STAR. |
Adaptive Sails |
For sailors with disabilities interested in sailing, please consider Nantucket Community Sailing's Adaptive Sailing Lesson. Adaptive Sailing is offered as a Youth Private Lesson with a discount code. First-time, as well as experienced sailors, ages 5 and up, are welcome to join us for a sail at our Jetties Sailing Center or Polpis Harbor location. NCS aims to accommodate both physical disabilities and all intellectual abilities, as we are able, as well as sailing specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum, and those going through physical or emotional therapy. Thanks to our donors, there is no cost for these sails. These sails will carry on the wonderful legacy established by Paul Callahan's Nantucket's Sail to Prevail, which is no longer operating on Nantucket. Please contact NCS Program Director emily@nantucketsailing.org to schedule a sail! |
Nantucket Boys & Girls Club |
NCS and the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club work together at the Jetties Sailing Center every Monday and Wednesday afternoon in the summer season. Students take sailing lessons with NCS instructors, and learn to kayak and paddleboard. For more information, please visit Nantucket Boys and Girls Club |
Sails for Old Salts |
In 2013, the Saltmarsh Senior Center joined forces with NCS to offer "Sails for Old Salts." These outings have been tremendously successful and popular. The sails are held on private sailboats and meet at the Town Launch. For more information, please contact Laura Stewart at the Nantucket Saltmarsh Senior Center. For Summer 2026 sails, please book directly here online after June 15, 2026. |
PASCON |
NCS has worked with PASCON (Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket) for the past several years to offer therapeutic sails to PASCON clients. Sails are offered Monday - Friday throughout our season at our Jetties Sailing Center. PASCON guests may bring a friend or caregiver with them, and sails should be scheduled in advance with PASCON. These sails are generally held from 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm. |
Nantucket High School Sailing Team |
Nantucket Community Sailing provides the Nantucket High School Sailing Team with sailboats, coach boats, safety equipment, and uniforms. The program aims to develop Nantucket sailors into high school and collegiate level team racers. In team racing, not just speed, but tactics, communication, and finishing as a team result in victory. Throughout the spring season Nantucket competes against 13 other schools from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and South East MA. The most successful sailors on the team have all started building their skills sailing in NCS summer programs. Many of our sailors are continuing their racing careers at UVM, MIT, URI, BC and BU. |
Our Community Partners
Nantucket Community Sailing is grateful for the generous support that makes our scholarship and community outreach programs possible. We are proud to work alongside local foundations and businesses committed to expanding access to the water and strengthening our island community.
