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. 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.

The program will run Monday - Friday mornings from 9:30AM - 12:00PM and afternoons from 1:00PM - 3:30PM at the Polpis Harbor location. 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.

On the first day of each new session, students will have a basic swim check. While life jackets are provided and required, each NCS student should be comfortable in and around the water and have basic swimming skills. 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.