Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program

Schedule and Fees   |  Course Descriptions   |  Staff

The Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program is pleased to continue our mission of providing low cost sailing opportunities for youth in the Portland area.  We operate under the auspices of the nonprofit organization SailMaine, a group specifically dedicated to promoting sailing opportunities in coastal Maine.  The CBJSP staff of certified U.S. Sailing Instructors offers classes for all ages and ability levels, from 8 year-old beginners to 18 year-old seasoned racers.  Classes are held at our site on the Eastern Prom in Portland, adjacent to Portland Yacht Services.  With over 90 boats and an experienced staff, the Casco Bay Junior Sailing Program is a perfect fit for any young sailor.

Classes are held in 3 three-week sessions throughout the summer which meet for mornings or afternoons five days per week.  We sail in Cape Cod Frosties, Optimists, 420s, and Ynglings, and participate in events like the Junior Olympics, group sailing expeditions, trips on the 72' schooner Bagheera and 88’ schooner Wendameen, Hawaiian Day and other theme days, and our own John Ford Regatta in August.  With the generous support of the Libra Foundation’s Summer Champs program, many Portland youth attend free of charge, and scholarships are readily available for those who do not qualify for Summer Champs (a complete listing of fees is below, as well as contact information regarding scholarships).  A swim “test” in the ocean must be passed by each sailor on the first day of class before participating.  Sailors from other programs or with other experience are welcome—we will place your sailor in the most suitable class (weight and ability may be factors in class placement).  Sign up soon to secure a spot in this popular and growing program, and let us teach your child how to sail!  It is sure to be a summer they will never forget.

Feel free to contact Program Director Sarah Helming (sarah AT sailmaine DOT org or 650-2085) for more program information.

A variety of full and partial scholarships are offered for this program through SailMaine, Portland Parks and Rec., and private donors.  Please contact Sailing Master Jeff Cumming (sailmail AT sailmaine DOT org or 650-7878) with questions about scholarships.  Do not let financial issues prevent your child from sailing this summer; we can help.

Follow these links for more detailed information on the program:

Schedule and Fees   |  Course Descriptions   |  Staff