Become an Island Sailor
Join our community of sailors!
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Bringing together sailors both from the local community and visitors joining us from away, Island Sail is an institution that has resulted in skills and friendships that last a lifetime.
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What you'll learn
Knot tying and seamanship and nautical terminology
Parts of our various boats
Care of boats and equipment
Rigging and De-rigging
Points of sail
Right of way skills when on the water
Personal and boating safety
Wind, weather, and tide awareness
Basic sailing skills like steering, tacking, and jibing
Capsize and Overboard Recovery
Sailing team roles and tasks
Wildlife and our fragile island ecosystems
Age Range
7–18 years
Experience
No previous sailing experience required
Instructor Ratio
5:1 student-to-instructor ratio
June 29 – July 3
July 13 – 17
July 27 – 31
2026 Session Dates
Choose the week that works best for your sailor. All standard sessions run Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
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Each half day session (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) is $250 for non-island residents and $125 for sailors who are year-round Vinalhaven residents.
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Full day sessions (9am-12pm and 1-4pm (except Fridays)) are $450 for non-island residents and $210 for sailors who are year-round Vinalhaven residents.
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This year, there is no Friday afternoon class. All sailors on Fridays will sail in the morning session.
July 6 – 10
July 20 – 24
August 3 – 7
Important Note: Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Some weeks fill up quickly, so we recommend planning ahead!
How to Register
- Fill out the form below with your sailor's details and selected lesson dates.
- Email the completed document to vinalhavenislandsail@gmail.com.
- Pay via credit card, ApplePay, or Paypal on our website, or visit @Island-Sail on Venmo and make a payment indicating in the notes your sailor's name and which sessions you wish to sign up for.
- Our program coordinator will get back to you to confirm your registration.
- PLEASE NOTE that some weeks fill up and there can be a waitlist. Both registration and medical forms must be filled out and payment must be made before we can guarantee your sailor a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weekly schedule for lessons?
See the schedule above for specific dates. Lessons usually run Monday through Friday, except in special circumstances. We offer half-day sessions and full-day sessions for more advanced sailors. Private lessons are also available by appointment on weekends or afternoons
What should my child bring each day?
Sailors should come prepared with a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD), closed-toe water shoes, sunblock, a reusable water bottle, a towel, and a change of clothes. A light windbreaker is recommended for cooler Maine mornings.
How do you ensure student safety on the water?
Safety is our top priority. We maintain a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio and all instructors are US Sailing certified. Life jackets must be worn at all times near the docks and on the water, and we monitor weather conditions closely.
Are there any prerequisites for enrollment?
No previous sailing experience is required for our beginner programs! We welcome children ages 7–18 of all skill levels. The only requirement is that students must be comfortable in the water while wearing a life jacket, so a swim test is necessary for any sailors joining us for the first time.