Junior Programs
Discover the Joy of Sailing with Certified Instructors and a Diverse Fleet
Sailing challenges the mind and spirit as well as the body, providing skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime. MDI Community Sailing provides a safe and comfortable setting for youth to discover the varied pleasures of sailing, both recreational and competitive. Our instructors are experienced, and dedicated to passing on their passion for this rewarding sport. Each day our program operates in four separate sailing areas on several types of sailboats. This allows us to offer students a boat and instruction appropriate for their individual skill level.
Registration is done by the week and all classes run Monday through Friday. Our registration for the 2025 season will open in early March.
All MDI Community Sailing Senior Staff is at least a Level One Certified US Sailing Instructor. Having US Sailing certified instructors is the standard for any safe, quality junior, or adult sailing program. US Sailing is the national governing body of the sport of sailing. To view the qualifications held by a US Sailing Instructor please visit their website at ussailing.org.
Our program was built on the stable Cape Cod Bullseye, which is our primary full keeled one design sailboat, of which we now have seven. Our dinghy fleet has grown to include 9 RS Teras, 12 Optimist Dinghies, 18 Turbo 420's and 9 Zim Club 420's.
We also have available several larger one design sailboats including a Luder 16 an Ideal 18 a J22, 2 Eliot 6 Meters and a Tartan 26’ These are made available if we see the need of juniors seeking more diversity on bigger keel boats.
If you have any questions please email us at info@mdisailing.org
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AM Introduction To Sailing 1
Monday-Friday 9:00am-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 9:00am-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 too 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 Optimist, RS Tera 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 should have an accident, however small, he / she should inform their instructor who will apply first aid if required (all staff holds CPR / First Aid Certification) and make decisions regarding further medical care at that time based on the information provided on the medical form. We will seek to contact you through the phone numbers you have given us. Children requiring the care of a doctor will be taken to a medical facility in Southwest Harbor that has been designated on their medical information form. Please fill out all requested information on the online medical form with your registration. Children without a signed medical form will not be allowed to participate
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. We have six designated parking spaces in front. Our staff will be at our front desk to greet you and your junior sailor.