Last year, nearly 200 children, experienced our outreach programs.  These children were primarily recruited through liaisons with structured organizations throughout Massachusetts.  Thanks to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, through our community outreach programs we are able to offer enrichment opportunities to non-profit groups, agencies and schools at significantly reduced rates.

There are many children in the greater New Bedford community who have safe and healthy available summer activities.  Non-sailors may ask, "why sailing?" when New Bedford already has organizations that offer a variety of sports and recreational activities for low and middle-income youth and families.

For the child at risk or adrift on New Bedford's streets, there are few, if any, activities that teach so many important virtues and lessons about life the way sailing does.  Sailing requires an unmatched combination of physical skills, intelligence, sound judgment, self-reliance and significant responsibilities for vessel, crew and self.  Boys and girls from different cultures and backgrounds work together, learning tolerance, trust and respect for one another.  It is not unusual to find that kids who never excelled in any other activity find their niche in sailing.

The sailing center provides opportunities ranging from a few hours of “fun sailing” on a single day to a week of half-day sailing adventures focusing on teamwork, communication, and sailing skills.  Sailing broadens horizons, stimulates the mind, and engages young people actively with learning and their environment.  Through the classroom of the sailboat students will work together to overcome obstacles, plan and execute maneuvers, and develop their self-discipline and self-esteem as they explore New Bedford's rich historical waterfront.