NESS Partners with Sailing Ships Maine to Offer Liveaboard Sailing Voyages for Teens
At NESS, we believe some of life’s greatest lessons happen on the water.
That’s why we’re excited to partner with Sailing Ships Maine to bring an incredible new opportunity to our community: Liveaboard Sailing Voyages, immersive overnight sailing adventures for teens ages 12–18.
Through our close relationship with the Sailing Ships Maine team, we’ve seen firsthand their commitment to creating meaningful experiences that challenge and inspire young sailors.
Aboard Karina, a Swan 37 sailing vessel, students will spend multiple days living and learning on the water while developing practical sailing skills and important life skills along the way. Guided by a professional Captain and Mate, students will learn to steer, navigate, anchor, cook on board, and work together as a crew while exploring coastal waters and island anchorages.
For more than 12 years, Sailing Ships Maine has led accredited overnight sailing programs for teens from its base in Portland, Maine. Recently named U.S. Sea Education Program of the Year by Tall Ships America and the American Sail Training Association, the organization brings nationally recognized expertise in experiential maritime education to this partnership.
Programs feature small crews, personalized instruction, and immersive learning opportunities that align closely with NESS’s core values of Experiential Learning, Inclusiveness, Personal Growth, and Stewardship.
These voyages are about more than sailing. Participants will build:
- Confidence through hands-on learning
- Leadership through teamwork and responsibility
- Seamanship through real-world sailing experience
- Resilience through adventure and problem-solving
Sound Discovery Weekend
Ages 13-17
3 Days, 2 Nights
June 26-28
A perfect introduction to overnight sailing! Students board Friday evening in Stonington Harbor, prepare dinner aboard, and spend the weekend sailing and anchoring in Long Island Sound while learning navigation and seamanship.
$895 | Includes all meals
Coastal Expedition
Ages 14-18
5 Days, 4 Nights
June 29-July 3
July 20-24
August 3-6
July 20-24
An immersive coastal sailing adventure visiting islands and hidden anchorages. Students learn weather, navigation, cruising systems, and teamwork while living aboard with their crew.
$1,695 | Includes all meals
Marine Mavens
Girls Ages 12-17
3 Days, 2 Nights
July 10-12
August 14-16
August 14-16
Set sail for a weekend of adventure, learning, and connection aboard an all-women’s sailing experience! Spend the weekend building confidence, practicing seamanship and safety skills, and enjoying time on the water together.
$895 | Includes all meals
Living aboard a sailboat offers a unique environment where students step outside their comfort zones, connect with nature, and discover what they’re capable of.
At NESS, we know the transformative power of ocean-based education. Experiences like these help students grow into capable, confident leaders both on and off the water.
We’re proud to help connect families with this unique opportunity and can’t wait to see students set sail on this exciting adventure.
Interested in learning more?
Contact our front office with questions, and we’ll be happy to connect you with the Sailing Ships Maine team.
Sailing Ships Maine delivers accredited experiential education for teens through sailing, rowing, and boatbuilding programs. Since 2015, the organization has helped more than 2,000 students of all abilities and income levels discover the ocean, build leadership and teamwork skills, and explore maritime pathways. Through youth programs and public events, Sailing Ships Maine expands access to the ocean while supporting the marine economy and preserving maritime heritage.
