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 25th), Monday through Friday mornings from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and afternoons 1:00pm to 3:30pm at the Polpis Harbor location; with the exception of the week of the Coffin Cup which will be a four day week.

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 Footware, Keen, Crocs, 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 1 session. By designing the curriculum in this manner, we are aiming to accommodate as many young sailors as possible