Where Our Voyage Began
In 1984, Thomas Godfrey founded ARC Sail — Vinalhaven’s non-profit youth sailing school. His mission was to build an instructional program for the vacationing and local community’s children, supported entirely by volunteer efforts.
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For much of the intervening time, our organization was led by the indomitable Commodore Karen Gates, who worked tirelessly to provide quality sailing instruction to the island's youth.Â
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Currently run by a small but mighty board primarily made up of parents, we are working to create a team that leads the organization into the future, recruiting past instructors and sailors to the board.Â
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Vinalhaven is a working waterfront that welcomes a variety of recreational users in the summer.
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As part of that community, we instill in our sailors a respect and appreciation for all users. Island Sail is a fun sailing program organized and led by kids for kids with support from adult volunteers. We operate out of the historic Skoog Boat House at the Vinalhaven Land Trust - Skoog Park, on the Sands Cove Road.
The Curriculum
The Island Sail curriculum helps young sailors develop safe sailing skills. Instructors deliver brief classroom sessions, perform demonstrations, and supervise on water practice sessions. Sailing is a team sport. Whether just for fun or serious racing, working well together is the key to success. We recognize and reward collaboration, camaraderie, and good sportsmanship in the classroom and on the water.
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Our fleet, docks, and boathouse require regular maintenance. Sailors are responsible for keeping the facility in ship-shape condition. Vinalhaven is a working waterfront that welcomes a variety of recreational users in the summer.
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Island Sail hosts three annual regattas, two with sailors from the North Haven Casino and another purely intra-Island Sail.
