New London Youth Sailing
NESS welcomes students and children from New London to the water, free of charge, through our week-long community sailing program at Green Harbor.
Open Doors. No experience required.
Every summer, NESS welcomes New London students to the water through our free week-long community sailing program at Green Harbor Beach. Whether your child is stepping onto a boat for the first time or already dreaming of life on the water, Green Harbor is a place to build confidence, make friends, and discover what’s possible.
Through hands-on sailing, exploration, and teamwork, students learn skills that extend far beyond the boat. They practice communication, problem-solving, and leadership while gaining a deeper connection to their local waters and community.
For many students, Green Harbor is their first time sailing, or even their first time in the water. A single week can spark curiosity, build confidence, and create memories that last long after the sails come down.
No sailing experience. No equipment needed. No cost. Just a week of adventure, learning, and connection on the water.
In 2012, NESS launched its New London Initiative with a commitment to expanding access to ocean-based education for New London students. In 2015, NESS assumed management of New London Community Boating at Green Harbor Beach, continuing its mission of making sailing and ocean-based learning accessible to every student.
Since then, NESS has invested in New London programming and partnered with local schools, organizations, and community leaders to connect thousands of students with the ocean through experiential learning.
Why Green Harbor Matters
The ocean is more than a place to sail; it’s a place to grow.
At Green Harbor, students learn to trust themselves and each other while navigating real challenges in a supportive environment. We’ve watched hesitant beginners become confident sailors, curious students become ocean stewards, and a week on the water become a turning point in a young person’s life.
