What should my sailor bring with them to sail? Every sailor should wear sun block, shoes that can get wet and also have a back and/or straps to them (i.e. Crocks or Teva's), a towel, a bottle of water, a hat and/or sunglasses, a bathing suit and layers of clothing so they can take off or put on as many as they need due to the various weather conditions.
Where is the NCS Polpis location and how do I get there? The Polpis NCS location is located within Polpis harbor. To get to the location follow the directions below.
Take the second left off of Milestone Road onto Polpis Road.
Follow the Polpis road for approximately 4.5 miles until you see the sign for the Wauwinet Road.
Turn left onto Wauwinet Road and drive for approximately 1 mile.
Turn left onto the dirt road access to Polpis Harbor. This left hand turn should be between 18 and 22 Wauwinet Road.
Please note if you see the Nantucket Island School of Design & The Arts (NISDA) building, you have gone too far.
If you have any further questions, please call the Nantucket Community Sailing Office at 508-228-6600.
I have a concern or issue to whom should I talk to? Serious concerns should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director. Otherwise, the Program Director/Head Instructor should usually be your first stop for resolving most issues. S/He is the hands on day-to-day program facilitator and will usually have the answer, as well as being empowered to make decisions and correct problems. The best time to talk to the Head Instructor (and your child’s individual instructor) is at the end of class. If this is not convenient, please call and leave a message at the Main Office asking the Head Instructor to follow up with you.
What happens if it is raining? Classes are held in all kinds of weather. Except for the threat of thunder, severe storms or hurricane, we will hold class and sail. Dress appropriately and bring a change of dry clothes for after class. Please call our STUDENT HOTLINE 508.228.6212 one hour before class for the status of class, any changes or special instructions. The Student Hotline is an outgoing message only!!! Do not leave messages on the Student Hotline -- we do not check messages! Call the Main Office if you need to leave a message...508.228.6600.
What do we do if we are going to be late? Please call the Main Office at 508.228.6600 and let them know your child will be late getting dropped off or being picked up, so the instructor can be informed.
What if my child is sick? Please call the Main Office at 508.228.6600 and let them know your child will be out for the day so they can inform the instructor.
Are Optimist sailboats for beginners and Hunter 140's sailboats for intermediate/advanced? No. Most students worldwide sail in Prams/Optimists until age 15. Primarily the Hunters will be designated for three Beginner students & an instructor per boat. The Prams/Optimists will generally be used for Intermediate & Advanced levels (ages 9-13). Intermediate & Advanced students ages 13-17 will sail in 420's.
Where do the Youth Sailing Classes meet? Our Youth Program has been restructured to Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced levels. All Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Levels ages 7-13 will meet at our Polpis Harbor location. All Intermediate & Advanced Levels ages 13-17 will meet at our Jetties Beach site.
What if someone else is dropping my child off for class? Parents are requested to inform the Head Instructor if their child will be arriving and/or departing other than by car, or if someone other than the parent or guardian will be collecting a student from class.
What if my child is reluctant to attend class? A student’s unwillingness to come to sailing can be caused by any number of things: fear, an incident with a fellow classmate, or simply being tired. NCS instructors are well versed in the art of coaxing and motivating reluctant students. If you can get them to class, in all but exceptionally rare cases, we can get them out sailing and enjoying it too.
How are learning disabilities and special medications handled? Should your child have any learning disability or medication that might not be indicated on their application, or that needs further certification, please speak with the Program Director/ Head Instructor. This will enable us to help your child have a positive and rewarding experience at Nantucket Community Sailing.
Where is the Main Office anyway? The Main Office is located in the basement of the Coffin School 4 Winter Street (side entrance). We share space with the Egan Institute of Maritime Studies and our offices are located on the left side. Summer office hours are 8:30 am 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Aside from administrative and scheduling needs, you can buy NCS and Opera House Cup Regatta merchandise and gift certificates here. How do I get to the NCS Main Office/Coffin School? Head up Main Street towards Bank of America, right on Centre Street, then a quick left Liberty Street (the street in between the Bank and the Methodist Church), take 2nd left onto Winter Street. Coffin School is the big brick building with columns. Take path to side entrance to basement.
What if my child gets hurt? Any time an instructor is required to administer first aid for a cut, bruise, or banged head, they will complete an injury report. In the event of an injury we will notify the parent.
How can I volunteer? Call our Main Office at 508.228.6600 or email ncs@nantucket.net.As a non-profit organization we rely heavily on volunteer participation. We are in need of and welcome help for special events, periodic mass mailings, boat repair & maintenance as well as other projects.
