Let's Go Sailing!
As a US Sailing recognized Community Sailing Center, we offer the highest standard of quality instruction and facilities. 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.
At NESS, we aim to get everyone out on the water regardless of age, skill level, or ability. In 2017, in collaboration with Sail To Prevail, NESS launched its accessible sailing program in Stonington, CT. Through our accessible sailing program, NESS provides access to the ocean and takes students out of their comfort zones for personal growth and empowerment.
Our adaptive teaching methods and specialized equipment support individuals with various cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Using our accessible-ready, specifically designed Sonar and Independence 20 sailboat, students with physical and cognitive disabilities will safely learn to sail with an experienced captain and teacher.
Private Lessons
Contact us to learn more or reserve Accessible Sailing private lessons. Scholarships may be available.
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 at adventure@nessf.org
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.
Instruction Time: 7 hours
Price: $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.
Instruction Time: 7 hours
Price: $210
Next Course: Keelboat Check-Out Sail for Renters
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.
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.
$125 for up to 5 guests, 1.5hr
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* For more information email sailing@nessf.org
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.
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! We offer private dinghy, keelboat, and adaptive sailing lessons in CT. We also offer windsurfing lessons to students of all ages. Please call 860-535-9362 or email adventure@nessf.org to make your reservation for a private sailing lesson!
$150/2 hours
$50 for an additional person on certain boats
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.
SAILBOAT RENTAL
$75/2 hours
$90/3hours
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 derigging, leaving and returning to a mooring, tacking, gybing and reefing.
Price: $75
Looking for more? Try a private lesson, Learn to Sail, or Learn to Sail Level 2.
Join in the fun of sailing! The skills and great memories will last a lifetime. NESS’s New London Sailing program does not require any sailing experience and provides a supportive environment where youth sailors of all ages and abilities can improve their sailing skills while having fun! Students will become familiar with water safety on the docks and with an optimist trainer while learning what it feels like to be on the water. Over the week the students will be introduced to the different parts of the boat, knots, rigging, and steering.
New London Community Boating was founded in 1999 with the mission to eliminate the social and economic barriers to sailing for the youth of New London by providing sailing lessons free of charge; and developing self-confidence, cooperation, communication, and leadership skills in all participants. New England Science and Sailing took stewardship of the program in 2015 and is proud to continue NLCB’s mission.
NESS’s New London Sailing Program offers limited, week-long, half-day learn-to-sail programs, free of charge, to New London children and students.
Students may register for one week of open enrollment sessions. Please contact us if you are interested in additional weeks as we will try our best to accommodate your student should there be availability.
Looking for a way to keep your sailing skills fresh while meeting others who share your passion for being on the water? Then join us every other Wednesday evening for our Sonar Social! Open to all adults with basic sailing experience*.
*Sailors must have some experience which will be reviewed and discussed among participants and staff members. When
Wednesday Evenings
June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23
6-7:30pm
September 6, September 20
4:30-6pm
*weather and wind dependent
Cost
$35 per social