Marine Mavens
Marine Mavens is for young women, ages 9-17, focused on getting hands-on experience through marine recreation and marine science adventures.
Empowering Young Women on the Water
Ages 9-17
Marine Mavens is an all-female program designed to inspire, challenge, and empower young women through hands-on marine recreation and ocean science adventures. Led by experienced female instructors at NESS, students explore STEM on the water, gain valuable skills, and discover exciting career paths in the maritime and seafaring industries.
From sailing and kayaking to marine science investigations and behind-the-scenes industry tours, every session blends adventure with education.
Marine Mavens Goals
- Sailing dinghies & keelboats: steering, teamwork, and on-the-water awareness
- Fishing & fish anatomy dissection
- Citizen science projects: plankton, tidepools, and water-quality analysis
- Nature exploration at Barn Island and Dodge Paddock
- Advanced sailing in dinghies & keelboats
- Earn US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate
- Citizen science projects: seining, water-quality testing, data analysis
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Marine industry field trips with female professionals
Women on the Water
Women make up only 2% of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers and are outnumbered by men in sailing 7 to 1 (UN, 2019). Marine Mavens is here to change that.
Through this multi-month, all-female program, students gain the confidence, skills, and mentorship they need to explore and thrive in marine and seafaring careers. At NESS, women make up over 75% of our team and hold leadership roles in sailing, science, education, and administration.
We’re committed to:
- Breaking stereotypes
- Building confidence
- Creating a strong, supportive community
- Showcasing women as leaders in the marine world
The tide is turning, but there’s more work to do. Read our International Day of Women and Girls in Science feature highlighting the women at NESS leading the way in science and the sea.
NESS's Marine Mavens Program was featured in WindCheck Magazine!
Meet the Marine Mavens: Finding Their Place on the Water
Join Us!
Experience the thrill of the ocean, the power of STEM, and the strength of an all-female community on the water.
Scholarships may be available, apply today!
2025-2026 Schedule
3:30-5:30PM
3:30-5:30PM
* Activities & times are subject to change.
FALL 2025
9-11 year-olds
Tuesdays
September 30
Snorkeling
October 10
Kayaking
October 14
Sailing
October 21
Sailing
October 28
Tidepool exploration
November 4
Plankton Part I
November 18
Plankton Part II
November 25
Water Quality
FALL 2025
12-17 year-olds
Thursdays
October 2
Sailing/Surfing
October 9
Sailing/Surfing
October 16
Kayaking
October 23
Paddleboarding
October 30
Barn Island Exploration
November 6
Sailing
November 13
Connection Event: Women on the Water
SPRING 2026
9-11 year-olds
Tuesdays
February 10
Marine Mammals
February 24
Marine Mammals
March 10
Dissections
March 24
Geology
April 7
Indoor Sailing
April 21
Barn Island Exploration
May 5
Fishing
May 19
Kayaking
June 2
Sailing
SPRING 2026
12-17 year-olds
Thursdays
February 12
CPR/First Aid
February 26
CPR/First Aid
March 12
CPR/First Aid
March 26
Powerboating
April 9
Stonington Kelp Co. Field Expedition
April 23
Powerboating
May 7
Powerboating
May 21
Powerboating
June 4
Powerboating
