Children and a woman on a boat in the water with a clear sky.

Youth Sailing Camps & Classes

Hands-on sailing programs for ages 4–18 that build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills on Nantucket’s waters.
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A Path from First Sail to Race Team

Nantucket Community Sailing’s youth programs are designed to meet sailors where they are and help them grow, both on and off the water. From playful first experiences in small boats to advanced racing instruction, our camps offer a clear progression in a safe, supportive environment.

All programs are taught by trained, experienced instructors who prioritize safety, fun, and age-appropriate learning, running in one- or two-week sessions throughout the summer from Monday, June 22 - Friday, August 14, 2026. Availability, dates, and pricing are managed through Active.

2026 Registration Dates

Please review these details before registering for all programs.

  • Islander Registration Opens

    Opens: 12pm 1/20/26 @ 12pm EST; Closes: 1/22/26 @ 11:59pm EST

    • Open to youth residents enrolled in Nantucket schools or homeschooled on island
    • Auto bill option for Friday, February 13

  • Returning Sailor Registration

    Opens 1/26/26 @ 12pm EST; Closes 1/28/26 @ 11:59pm EST

    • Open to families who sailed with NCS Summer 2025 and Island Youth Residents
    • Payment due in full

  • General Registration

    Opens 2/2/26 @ 12pm EST and will remain open

    • Open to all sailors
    • Payment due in full
    • Waitlists will be open and available

  • Clinic & Rental Registration

    Women's Clinic (Beginner & Advanced) and Private Lessons (Toddler, Youth & Adult) opens 2/9/26 @ 9am EST

    Tiny Salts and Rentals Registration opens 6/1/26 @ 9am EST

Two Sailing Locations, One Community

Child on a small sailboat named 'Curious George' on a body of water with trees and a building in the background.

Polpis Harbor

A protected, calm setting ideal for younger sailors and those new to sailing. Programs at Polpis focus on foundational skills, confidence-building, and exploration close to shore.
Visit Polpis Harbor
Group of children and adults standing in front of a wooden shed on a sandy beach, with signs and a Nantucket Community Sailing logo.

Jetties Beach

Located on Nantucket Sound, Jetties offers open-water sailing for older and more experienced sailors. Programs here emphasize independence, teamwork, and seamanship in a dynamic coastal environment.
Visit Jetties Beach

Youth Camp Offerings

Beginner
Guppies (Ages 4–5)

Guppies is an engaging introduction to sailing for some of our youngest sailors, ages 4-5. This program focuses on fun, safety, and basic sailing concepts through age-appropriate games and activities both on land and water to develop confidence and water comfort. Guppies is the perfect first step in a child's sailing journey at Nantucket Community Sailing. Guppies is offered as a one-week session in Polpis Harbor, Monday-Friday, with morning (9:30 AM-12:00 PM) and afternoon (1:15 PM-3:45 PM) sessions.

Guppies registration is limited to two weeks only. If you are interested in additional sessions, please add your name to the waitlist. We will be in contact in the late spring if we can accommodate sailors beyond two sessions

The Coffin Cup will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026. It is open to sailors in the morning class of the session beginning on July 13th. Opportunities to spectate will be available.
Whalers (Ages 6–8)

Whalers is for young sailors, ages 6-8, who are new to sailing or have limited experience. Taught in RS Quests with 2-3 peers and an instructor, this class offers a fun, supportive introduction to sailing. Students learn basic skills, including boat parts, points of sail, steering, water safety, and teamwork. As skills progress, sailors move to more independent sailing with coach supervision. Sailors who demonstrate readiness may even try sailing on their own in an Opti. Once ready, students may transition to the Discovery or Opti Green class. Whalers is offered as a one-week program in Polpis Harbor, Monday through Friday, with morning sessions (9:30 AM-12:00 PM) and afternoon sessions (1:15 PM-3:45 PM).

The Coffin Cup will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 in Polpis Harbor. It is open to sailors in the morning class of the July 13th session only as part of regular programming. Spectating opportunities will be available.
Discovery (Ages 8–12)

Discovery is perfect for sailors ages 8-12 who are ready to build on their basic skills and gain more independence on the water. Discovery is also open to older sailors who are new to sailing. Discovery offers a mix of group instruction in the RS Quest with 2-3 peers and an instructor, as well as single-handed instruction in the Sail Cube. The primary focus in Discovery is to build foundational skills for single-handed sailing. Sailors develop confidence, seamanship, and problem-solving skills while having fun on the water. As sailors progress, they are encouraged to take on more responsibility and refine their technique. Once ready, students may transition to Opti Green. Discovery is offered as a one-week program in June and August and a two-week program in July. Discovery takes place in Polpis Harbor, Monday through Friday, with morning sessions (9:15-11:45 AM) and afternoon sessions (1:00-3:30 PM).

The Coffin Cup will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026. It is open to sailors in the morning class of the session beginning July 6th. Opportunities to spectate will be available.
420 Green (Ages 12–18)

420 Green is designed for sailors ages 12-18 who are new to sailing or ready to transition to more technical double-handed sailing in the 420. While working alongside a partner, sailors will learn the basics of rigging, steering, sail trim, and basic maneuvers. 420 Green is a great starting point for those looking to build a solid foundation in dinghy sailing while preparing for more advanced classes or recreational sailing. 420 Green sailors will also enjoy the opportunity to sail a J70 once per session. 420 Green is offered as a two-week program at Jetties Sailing Center, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Lower Intermediate
Opti Green (Ages 8-12)

Opti Green is perfect for sailors, ages 8-12, who are ready to move from basic sailing skills into more independent sailing in single-handed boats, such as the Optimist dinghy. Sailors will learn the fundamentals of rigging, sail trim, steering, tacking, jibing, and safety in a fun, hands-on environment. Students will also have the opportunity to practice in various conditions, allowing them to become comfortable sailing solo. Once ready, sailors may transition to Opti Blue. Opti Green is offered as a two-week program in Polpis Harbor, Monday through Friday, with morning sessions (9:15-11:45 AM) and afternoon sessions (1:00-3:30 PM). Opti Green will be offered as a one-week class during the weeks of June 22 and June 29.

The Coffin Cup will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026. It is open to sailors in the morning class of the session beginning July 6 as part of regular programming. Opportunities to spectate will be available.

Upper Intermediate
Opti Blue (Ages 9-12)

Opti Blue is designed for sailors ages 9-12 who have demonstrated confidence and independence in an Optimist dinghy and are ready to refine their skills. This class builds on the fundamentals taught in Opti Green, introducing students to more advanced boat handling, sail trim, upwind and downwind techniques, and introductory racing skills. This class prepares sailors for more competitive programs and offers opportunities to participate in local regattas. It is ideal for sailors interested in joining the Opti Race Team in future summers. Opti Blue is offered as a two-week program at Jetties Sailing Center, Monday through Friday from 1:00-4:00 PM.
420 Blue (Ages 12-18)

420 Blue is designed for sailors ages 12-18 who have completed 420 Green. Sailors will work to build strong communication and coordination on the water while advancing their understanding of sail trim, boat balance, and maneuvering in a variety of conditions. Introduction to racing concepts, such as starting sequences, mark roundings, and basic strategy, will be included through drills and opportunities for racing. This class prepares sailors for more competitive programs and offers opportunities to participate in local regattas. It's ideal for sailors interested in joining the 420 Race Team in future summers. 420 Blue is offered as a two-week program at Jetties Sailing Center, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Jetties Sailing Club (Ages 11-18)

Jetties Sailing Club is a fun and flexible sailing option for teens who want to develop recreational sailing skills without the pressure of racing. Designed for students ages 11-18 with intermediate sailing abilities, this program focuses on recreational sailing, skill-building, and exploring Nantucket Harbor with friends. Sailors will have the opportunity to sail a variety of boats, such as Rhodes 19s, 420s, IODs, and J70s, based on conditions and group interest. Multi-week sailors may work toward earning their Open Sailing Pass to independently rent a boat at Jetties Sailing Center. Jetties Sailing Club is offered as a four-day program at Jetties Sailing Center, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:00-4:00 PM.

Advanced
All-Island Opti Race Team (Ages 9-15)

The All-Island Opti Race Team is designed for motivated young sailors ages 9-15 who have mastered the fundamentals of sailing and are ready to compete. This team-based program brings together advanced Opti sailors from Nantucket Community Sailing, Nantucket Yacht Club, and Great Harbor Yacht Club to train, improve, and race in local and off-island regattas. Admission is by invitation only from the Assistant Program Director. Sailors will focus on refining boat handling, improving boat speed, and learning racing strategy, tactics, and sportsmanship. Daily practice includes drills, short-course racing, and debriefs to help sailors grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Sailors must be comfortable sailing independently and eager to race in a variety of wind and weather conditions. The team practices out of the Nantucket Yacht Club Boathouse, Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 PM, with additional regatta travel and weekend events throughout the season. Full-day practices may also be scheduled throughout the season. Participation in regattas, including the Nantucket Race Week Youth Regatta, is encouraged. Team members are expected to commit to regular attendance, bring a positive attitude, and support their teammates. A four-week minimum is required to participate in the All-Island Opti Race Team.
All-Island 420 Race Team (Ages 13-18)

The All-Island 420 Race Team is designed for experienced double-handed sailors ages 13-18 who are passionate about racing and ready to compete at a higher level. This program brings together skilled sailors from Nantucket Community Sailing, Nantucket Yacht Club, and Great Harbor Yacht Club to train, race, and travel as a team. Sailors will focus on advanced boat handling, speed, teamwork, and racing tactics. Daily practices include on-the-water drills, practice races, and debrief sessions to build strong, strategic sailors. Admission is by invitation only from the Assistant Program Director. The team meets at the NYC Boathouse and trains out of Jetties Sailing Center four days per week, from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with additional regattas and events on weekends throughout the summer. Participation in Nantucket Race Week and travel to off-island regattas is strongly encouraged. Sailors are expected to commit to consistent attendance, maintain a positive attitude, and work collaboratively with teammates. A four-week minimum is required to participate in the All-Island 420 Race Team.
Register Here

2026 Youth Program Schedule

Polpis Harbor

Class Age Cost per week Times Weeks offered
Guppies AM 4-5yrs $450 Mon-Fri 9:30AM-12PM 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Guppies PM 4-5yrs $450 Mon-Fri 1:15-3:45PM  6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Whalers AM 6-8 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 9:30AM-12PM 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Whalers PM 6-8 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 1:15-3:45PM  6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Discovery AM 8-12 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 9:15-11:45AM 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/10
Discovery PM 8-12 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 1-3:30PM  6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/10
Opti Green AM 8-12 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 9:15-11:45AM 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3
Opti Green PM 8-12 yrs $450 Mon-Fri 1-3:30PM  6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3
Class Age Cost per week Times Weeks offered
Opti Blue 9-15 yrs $540 Mon-Fri 1-4PM  6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3
420 Green 12-16 yrs $540 Mon-Fri 9AM-12PM 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3
420 Blue 12-18 yrs $540 Mon-Fri 9AM-12PM 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3
All Island 420 Race Team 12-18 yrs $875 Mon-Thur 11AM-5PM (NYC Boathouse & Jetties Sailing Center) 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
All Island Opti Race Team 9-15 yrs $720 Mon-Fri 1-5PM (NYC Boathouse) 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Jetties Sailing Club 11-18 yrs $425 Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 1-4PM 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10

Scholarship Program

Nantucket Community Sailing aims to give local youth every opportunity to learn the life-long skills of sailing. We are able to grant these scholarships thanks to generous gifts from private donors and foundations. Our scholarship structure continues to support families with awards of up to 50% of program fees.

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