Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Stonington Harbor and the Sound in a Sonar Keelboat. Sit back and take in the scenery or try the basics of steering and tacking. No experience necessary. Great for special occasions or to see if sailing might be for you.

Come learn to sail at NESS! Whether you are looking for an introduction to a new sport or to boost your confidence, we have the fleet and instructors to match your needs!

For 1-5 Sailors, 2 hours

Designed to build strong foundational sailing skills, this course is appropriate for beginners or sailors who want a refresher course. We provide a thorough introduction to sailing terminology, rigging and de-rigging, basic sailing maneuvers, sea safety, and marine navigation on a 23ft Sonar Keelboat. This course is geared towards spending as much time on the water as possible.

Next Course: Adult Learn to Sail Level 2

Review and build upon your sailing skills and find other people who share a passion for getting out on the water. This class is designed for intermediate sailors and those who have recently taken Learn to Sail Level 1. Our instructor will boost your confidence and help you hone your sailing skills, such as reading telltales, advanced sail trim, safety drills, solo rigging, and mooring. By the end of this course, you will be a more proficient sailor and have the skills necessary to rent a NESS Sonar 23ft Keelboat.

Next Course: Check-Out Sail, Sailboat Rentals, & Sonar Socials

Freshen up your sailing skills, meet fellow sailors, and enjoy an evening on the water with our Sonar Socials!

Each session features up to four 23ft Sonar keelboats departing from NESS Stonington, with space for up to six adults per boat. Participants sail as a team while building confidence, practicing skills, and enjoying a fun, social atmosphere on the water.

Crews are responsible for all boat operations, including rigging, de-rigging, sailing, and mooring. Each boat is equipped with a VHF radio and boundary chart for communication and navigation.

Registration is available for both crew and lead skipper positions. To register as a lead skipper, participants must have successfully completed a NESS Check-Out Sail. 

Don’t own a boat? Rent one of ours! A check-out sail is required before renting a sailboat at NESS. The sailor must be able to rig, leave the mooring, sail, put the boat back on the mooring, and de-rig on their own.

A Check-Out Sail is required for new renters, and a Refresher may be required for returning Sonar renters. The evaluation consists of rigging and de-rigging, leaving and returning to a mooring, tacking, gybing, and reefing.

Next Course: Sonar Socials

This 21-foot asymmetrical sailboat is a great way to take your sailing to the next level or to try out a new fun boat. Designed for a crew of 3-4 our instructor can take 2 or 3 students at a time. Students will learn about sail shape and rig tuning while sailing upwind and sailing reaching angles while flying an asymmetrical spinnaker downwind.

$240 for 1-3 Sailors, 2 hours 

The 29er is a pure and simple skiff design, offering a fun, high-speed ride. Simple control systems and light rig loads create the perfect sailing package for all ages and genders, especially youth sailors. Sign up as a team or come sailing with one of our instructors on this fun and fast skiff. Optimum weight range for the 29er is 240-320lbs combined.

*Basic trapeze knowledge required* 

Sailing on either our UFO or Waszp, you will learn key lessons in balance, apparent wind, boat setup, and other high-speed sailing skills. Book a 2-hour lesson for a one-on-one lesson with our foiling experts or split the session with one or two of your capable friends. Sailors must have a strong level of dinghy sailing experience and must be fit enough for this high-adrenaline, all-action style of sailing.

$255 for 1-3 Sailors, 2 hours

Youth Summer Sailing Programs enable students of all ages to learn the basics of sailing and advance their nautical skills throughout the summer. Classes fill fast, so interested families are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Financial aid is available to make the ocean accessible to all.

At NESS, we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy that come with being on the water. In partnership with Sail To Prevail, we launched our Accessible Sailing Program in 2017 to bring adaptive sailing opportunities to Stonington, CT.

Using specialized equipment and adaptive teaching methods, our US Sailing-certified instructors empower individuals of all abilities to take the helm, learn new skills, and enjoy the unparalleled experience of sailing. Whether you're a first-time sailor or returning to the water, NESS provides a safe, supportive environment tailored to each sailor’s needs. Scholarships may be available.