Sailing with NESS
As a US Sailing-recognized Community Sailing Center, NESS offers the highest quality instruction and facilities for all ages and abilities.
Let's Go Sailing
Whether you are a novice looking to try a new sport, an intermediate sailor, an adaptive athlete, or even a seasoned racer, NESS is ready to get you out on the water with our sailing programs.
Thank you for sailing with NESS!
Registration for Community Sailing 2026 is coming soon.
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Group Sailing Lessons
Whether you are looking to learn a new sport or brush up your skills, learn to sail at NESS alongside other adults with one of our instructors.
NESS also offers private lessons if you want to learn a particular skill or learn one-on-one or in a smaller group. Contact us to learn more or reserve Accessible Sailing private lessons.
Adult Learn to Sail (Level 1)
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.
- Course: 2 classes, Saturday & Sunday 9AM-12:30PM
- Ages: 16+
- Cost: $210
Next Course: Adult Learn to Sail Level 2
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.
- Course: 2 classes, Saturday & Sunday 9AM-12:30PM
- Ages: 16+
- Cost: $210
Next Course: Check-Out Sail
All adult courses run with a minimum of 2 persons. Sign up with a friend, or check the listings to see what other courses have others registered! NESS may need to reschedule courses that have less than the minimum. We will work with you to find what course best fits your schedule, call or check online for availability.
Private Sailing Lessons
1-5 Sailors, 2 hours
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!
- Cost: Weekday $150/2 hours, Weekend $170/2 hours, $50 for each additional guest
Private Lessons are currently available.
Check-Out Sails & Sailboat Rentals
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.
Check-Out Sail or Refresher
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.
- Cost: New Sailor $75, Returning Sailor: $50
Sailboat Rental
- Cost: $75/2 hours, $90/3 hours
Discover Sails
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.
$145 for up to 5 guests/1.5 hours
Sonar Socials
Sonar Socials allow experienced sailors to freshen up their skills and connect with others who share a passion for sailing.
Each Sonar Social will have up to four 23ft Sonar Keelboats with a max capacity of six adults per boat departing from NESS Stonington. A NESS Sailing Instructor will not be onboard; however, they will be available on a chase boat for support. Crews will be responsible for all operations, including but not limited to rigging, de-rigging, and mooring under sail. Each boat will have a chart outlining the boundary to stay within and a VHF radio to communicate with NESS staff.
Registration includes available positions for crew or lead skipper. To sign up as a lead skipper, you must have completed and passed a NESS Check-Out Sail. Please see our selection of Sailing Lessons available to prepare you to join the fleet.
- Sundays from 3:30-5:30PM, June 22-August 10 *weather and wind dependent
- Ages 16+
- Cost: Crew $35, Skipper $20
Accessible Sailing
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.
Contact us to learn more and start your adventure!
Great Stories: "Magnolia's Guide to Adventuring"
See what’s possible when accessibility, opportunity, and determination meet on the water.
Adventuring with Rett Syndrome is charting a new course—sailing. For Georgina’s mom, Megan, she decided early on to “include her in everything that we wanted to do and places we wanted to go.” Georgina loves adventures, especially when she gets to do what other kids can. So, they met up with Magnolia and the Teslers at NESS.
With the right equipment and a great crew, stepping out of your comfort zone can open a sea of possibilities.
Visit RettRevealed.com to learn more about Magnolia and Georgina's experience at NESS and access tips, resources, and inspiration from families who are living with Rett syndrome.
Helpful links:
RettRevealed.com | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Great Stories: Cynthia’s Return to the Water
After years away from the water, Cynthia, a former Stonington resident, was thrilled to take the helm of Sweet Caroline, one of NESS’s adaptive keelboats. Equipped with supportive bars and custom seating, this 23-foot sailboat allows sailors with limited mobility - like Cynthia, who has reduced mobility following a stroke - to sail with independence and ease.
As she navigated Stonington Harbor, Cynthia smiled seeing familiar sights like DuBois Beach and her old neighborhood. Despite time away from sailing, her skills quickly returned, “like riding a bike,” she said, and the adaptive features made transitions in the cockpit smooth and enjoyable.
Docking back at NESS, Cynthia summed it up best: “That was as fun as an ice cream social!” NESS was honored to help Cynthia reconnect with the water and her community, and we can’t wait to welcome more sailors aboard.
High-Performance Sailing & Foiling
Viper 640
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 a two hour session for up to 3 people
29er
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*
Foiling
Are you an avid sailor who wants to discover the thrill of flying above the water while hydro-foiling? Whether you are an intermediate or advanced sailor NESS has the right platform for you. Sailing on either our UFO or Waszp you will learn key lessons in balance, apparent wind, boat set-up, 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 a two-hour session for up to 3 people.
Youth Summer Sailing Programs
Sailing Youth 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.
