The Island Sail school started operating in 1985 on inner Carver's Harbor as ARC Sail. In 1986 we moved operations to Lane's Island on the inner harbor. In 1993 we moved our program to the Vinalhaven Land Trust's Skoog Memorial Park on Sands Cove. The Vinalhaven Land Trust has been very generous loaning us the use of the Skoog Boat House which has made the program possible to date. In 1999 we changed our name to Island Sail.

ARC Sail was started by the hard work of Mr. Thomas Godfrey. He secured boats from a local source, found instructors on the island, and acquired a dock in Carver's Harbor. Mr. Godfrey was instrumental in the creation of the sailing school by inspiring others to volunteer their time and effort. After starting up the sailing program he lead and managed the school's as the Commodore for the first seven years.

           Mr. Thomas Godfrey

We also are most thankful to Mr. Michael Bunker Sr. In 1984, as the public school's shop teacher, his shop classes built the sailing program's first boats: five Optimus. Without the thoughtfulness of Mr. Bunker, and others like him, the sailing program would never have gotten started.

           Mr. Michael Bunker Sr.

Island Sail typifies the Vinalhaven way of self reliance and volunteerism. The program has continued only because of the efforts of volunteers and generous people. Join Island Sail and become a part of the tradition of providing a low cost sailing school program for children and adults. Volunteering at Island Sail is an opertunity to give back to the island and become a part of the island community.

Return To Island Sail Home Page