NCS Program Details

The Guppies Program is intended for young sailors interested in gaining confidence and comfort on and around the water; and a basic introduction to the sport of sailing. The program will run for nine one-week sessions (beginning June 22nd), Monday through Friday mornings from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM, and afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Polpis Harbor location, with the exception of the week of the Coffin Cup, which will be a four day week. Please note: The last week of Guppies is held at our Jetties Sailing Center, with morning classes only.

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. Every Monday of each session there will be a parent and student meeting for the first half hour. Students are encouraged to bring a snack and a water bottle. We ask that students wear appropriate shoes (closed-toe) when participating in the Guppies program, Native Footwear, Keen, Crocs and old sneakers all work well. Students will be given a very basic swim check, while wearing a life jacket, to assess their comfort level in and around the water. This will not be a swim test and beginner swimmers are invited to participate in the program; life jackets will be provided and worn at all times.

Ages: Guppies students should be 5 and 6 years old. Students must turn 5 before June 1st. If your sailor turns 7 over the summer AND has already taken Guppies, then they should sign up for Whalers. Students under 5 years old will not be permitted to participate.

Please note: The Guppies program is intended as a one week introductory course and we ask that parents limit enrollment of their sailor to no more than two sessions. By designing the curriculum in this manner, we are aiming to accommodate as many young sailors as possible