Class Descriptions
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For 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.
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.
For 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.
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For 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.
For 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.
For 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.
For 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.
For 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.
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For 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.
For ages: 18+
Learn or refresh sailing skills in a supportive setting designed for adult women of all ages and skill levels. Focus on fundamentals, confidence, and intro to racing.
Boats: Rhodes 19s & Marshall 15s (2-3 students + instructor)
Tuesdays, 2-4 pm | $85/session
For ages: 14 - 17
Intended for our 14 - 17 year old sailors who have participated in a minimum of 420 Blue or 420 Race Team, the Instructor-in-Training Program provides sailors with the opportunity to try out instructing at our Polpis Harbor or Jetties Sailing Center sites under direct supervision and mentorship from our full-time instructors, as well as receive training in how to succeed at sailing instruction.
Sailors must apply for the program and must be accepted by the Program Director. Upon being accepted, volunteers will work with the Program Director to set up a volunteer schedule. In exchange for volunteer hours, volunteers will receive volunteer t-shirts; receive a formal letter from NCS at the end of the summer detailing their time commitment to be used for high school requirements; and be invited to 2-3 training sessions throughout the summer. Training sessions are intended to help prepare volunteers to take the US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor course. This course is required for all NCS Instructors, and students must be 16 years old to take the course. Summer training sessions will mimic anticipated course work and include sessions on: safe power-boating, chalk-talk delivery/presentation skills; and basic sailing theory.
Volunteers are required to:
- Commit to a regular weekly schedule, which includes 2 days at the site each week.
- Commit to a minimum of 40 volunteer hours.
- Be 14 years old at the start of their volunteer work.
- Be Safesport and CDC Concussion certified by the start of volunteering (links to courses will be provided)
- Be First Aid and CPR certified by the Red Cross or American Heart Association, by the start of volunteering
Volunteers completing the Instructor in Training course and becoming Level 1 certified (once they turn 16), are encouraged to apply to NCS for full employment. However, neither of these guarantees an individual a position at NCS.
To apply to the Instructor-in-Training program, students should complete the NCS Employment Application and select "Volunteer Instructor-in-Training" program at the top. Questions can be directed to emily@nantucketsailing.org. Space limited to 6 volunteers.
View this class in a new page for easy printing.For ages: 2 - 4
A fun intro to the water for toddlers (ages 2 to early 4) with a caregiver. Explore boats, paddleboards, and the seashore through games, songs, and sailing.
Jetties Sailing Center | $30/session
For 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. 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.
For 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.
For ages: 18+
Advanced Women's Clinic: For experienced Women's sailors ready to sail without an onboard instructor. Coaching provided from a powerboat.
Boats: Rhodes 19s (2-3 sailors)
Thursdays, 9 am to 12 pm | $135/session
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