Junior Programs
Discover the Joy of Sailing with Certified Instructors and a Diverse Fleet
At MDI Community Sailing, safety and quality instruction come first. Our junior programs provide a supportive, well-supervised environment where youth can learn to sail, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills on the water.
All senior staff are at least US Sailing Level One certified instructors, ensuring students receive instruction that meets national safety and teaching standards. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to working with each sailor at their individual skill level, whether they are stepping onto a boat for the first time or advancing toward more competitive sailing.
Each day, our program operates across multiple sailing areas and boat types, allowing us to match students with appropriate instruction and equipment as they progress. This approach ensures a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate learning experience for every sailor.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Our Classes
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AM Introduction To Sailing 1
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 11:45am
Geared toward the youngest age group with a minimum 6 years of age (or entering 1st grade in fall). This class will offer basic fun oriented activities teaching parts of the boat, rowing, rigging and knots. Students will be encouraged to board a sailing Pram or RS Tera close to the waterfront. Bullseye group sails with instructors on board will also be offered.
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AM Introduction To Sailing 2
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 11:45am
Geared toward the ages 9-11 this group will build on skills taught in AM Intro To Sailing 1. Students will be encouraged to steer an Optimist Dinghy or RS Tera. Turbo 420 sailing may also be offered. Students will sail further from the waterfront and be taught more on sail trim, maneuvering a sailing dinghy through tacks and jibes and sailing in stronger winds. The basics of sailboat racing will be covered to those with interest.
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AM Turbo 420 / Tera Sailing
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 11:45am
Older novices and intermediate sailors with the prerequisite size and skills can participate in this 420/Tera class. Students will be introduced to sailing our Turbo 420's, a centerboard sloop with main, jib and spinnaker. Skipper-crew teamwork will be emphasized as well as an introduction to racing. Single handed sailing in our RS Teras will also be offered.
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PM Basic Dinghy / Bullseye
Monday - Friday 12:45 - 3:45pm
Geared for students who have previously participated in our morning classes and or are still just “getting comfortable” under sail. Students will be further introduced to sailing an RS Tera, Optimist or Turbo 420 in light to moderate wind conditions and learn to navigate a windward leeward course. These sailors will be offered basic instruction while also learning the concepts of sailboat racing. Students may also steer and crew aboard a Bullseye with an instructor.
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PM Intermediate Dinghy / Bullseye
Monday - Friday 12:45 - 3:45pm
This group is for older intermediate sailors with the required skills and size/weight to steer/crew independently aboard a Turbo or Club 420 dinghy and or an RS Tera. Racing tactics and rules will be covered. On high wind days Bullseye sailing will be offered and or sailing on our larger one design sailboats.
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PM Racing Team
Monday - Friday 12:45 - 3:45pm
Geared for sailors who are eager to pursue excellence and competency in racing on RS Teras and Club 420s. Opportunities may also be presented to crew on Luder 16/IOD races. Students will have a primary focus on racing and also have the opportunity to compete in local and regional regattas. Subjects covered will include but are not limited to pre race boat set up, rigging and tuning for speed, start techniques, capsize and recovery, sail trim, tactics, mark rounding, spinnaker and trapeze work, rules of racing and team work. This group will sail in a wide range of wind conditions.
General Information
Accidents
If your child has an accident, however small, they should inform their instructor. Instructors will address minor injuries directly and apply first aid when required. All staff hold CPR and First Aid certification.
If an injury requires further attention, the instructor will notify a head instructor, who will make decisions regarding additional care based on the information provided on the medical form. Instructors are trained to respond appropriately in all situations, including when immediate support is not available.
Parents will be contacted using the phone numbers provided on the medical form. Children requiring the care of a doctor will be taken to a medical facility in Southwest Harbor as designated on the medical information form.
Lost and Found
Lost articles of clothing or other belongings will be kept until Friday of the next week. Please label all of your child’s clothing.
What to Bring
A filled water bottle
A healthy snack for possible break periods
US Coast Guard-approved life vest with whistle attached
Rain Gear every day, also a sweatshirt and or light jacket
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel
Sneakers or other closed-toe boating shoes (no flip flops)
Parking and Drop-Offs
Please do all drop-offs and pick-ups at the front side of our facility on Clark Point Road. Our staff will be at our front desk to greet you and your junior sailor.