Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 LEADERBOARD

Sail Maine - spreading the good news about sailing

by Lee Mylchreest on 21 Jul 2013
Summer sailing in Maine - setting a great example SW
The US state of Maine, with its rocky coastline and picturesque waterways, is a sailing gem when it's warm enough. So one of the best things about summer in Maine is the chance to get out on the water, and there's a non-profit group in Portland is helping people do just that.

For the last ten years, Sail Maine has been offering sailing classes to kids and adults, letting them experience sailing at a bargain price. And for some of those kids, it's about more than fun. Sailing may be changing their lives.

They may just be high school kids. But they've learned some lifetime lessons here. On the water. In the wind. And sometimes, on their own. But then, Myles Everett's parents brought him to Sail Maine.

They teach kids and adults to lose their fear of the water, and learn the thrill of sailing.

'I was always a Legos kid growing up,' said Everett. 'I liked to build things and see how things work. And I think that plays into it.'

Sail Maine now have nearly five hundred grade school and high school kids in the program...and teach about 200 adults to sail each year.

Jeff Cumming, the Executive Director of Sail Maine says the program teaches sailing and self confidence. Cumming says he's seen it many times with brand new students.

And they also admit, there's something about challenging the ocean... being out there in a very small boat..learning what people have learned for thousands of years. Forcing you to face nature, and yourself.

Sail Maine says they also provide scholarships to the program, so sailing isn't just for rich kids. The program has a budget of nearly $500,000.

They say about sixty percent of that comes from fees, but the other forty percent comes from contributions and fund-raising.

What an example they are setting to other organisations in sailing nations across the world.

What opportunities are there, where you live, for kids and adults who would like to get on the water but just don't know how to go about it?
Vaikobi 2024 FOOTERNavico AUS Zeus3S FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTER

Related Articles

52 Super Series Palma Vela Sailing Week preview
The champions are looking to achieve lift off with new Platoon Aviation The reigning 52 SUPER SERIES champions, Harm Müller-Spreer's German flagged crew, start their title defence on Sunday on Majorca's Bay of Palma.
Posted on 24 Apr
Triana & White Shadow finish Ocean Globe Race
Trinity Landing pontoon in Cowes was a busy spot Tuesday afternoon Trinity Landing pontoon in Cowes was a busy spot Tuesday afternoon with Triana FR (66) SWAN 53 and White Shadow ESP (17) SWAN 57 finishing the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race after 48 days of racing.
Posted on 24 Apr
David Linger takes 6th in Global Solo Challenge
His journey was at times extremely difficult, even after arrival Sunday April 21st, at 2:03 pm local time, after 175 days, David Linger crossed the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge taking 6th place on his Owen Clarke designed Class40 #15 Koloa Maoli.
Posted on 24 Apr
The road to Plymouth
2024 Cadet World Championship is heading to the UK Teams from across the world will be heading to Plymouth, one of the most historic and important naval towns in the UK, this summer for the Cadet World Championship from 3rd to 10th August 2024.
Posted on 24 Apr
Cup Spy April 23: Swiss gain confidence
Alinghi Red Bull Racing had a good session in their new AC75, in a building breeze and foiling fast Three America's Cup teams sailed - two in new AC75s and the third two-boat testing/trialling in AC40s. Alinghi Red Bull Racing had a good session in their new AC75, in a building breeze foiling comfortably and fast at the end of the session.
Posted on 24 Apr
Transat Ready: Solo Skippers Optimised For Success
All eyes turn to Lorient for the start of the Transat CIC With the Vendée Globe on the horizon, excitement is building as the IMOCA skippers hurtle towards the world's premiere offshore challenge.
Posted on 24 Apr
Henri-Lloyd New Arrival: The Storm Dri Backpack
Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use. The Storm Dri Backpack is waterproof, submersible and capable of holding all your kit essentials with a 30 litre capacity.
Posted on 24 Apr
The Ocean Race will return to Genova
A key stopover for The Ocean Race Europe in 2025 The Italian city of Genova and The Ocean Race will extend their close relationship with The Ocean Race Europe bringing a fleet of foiling IMOCA race boats to the Mediterranean port in the late summer of 2025.
Posted on 24 Apr
69F Cup ready to rock at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The entry list includes some teams with great specific experience on the 69F Eights international team are gathered at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for the opening GP of the 69F Cup: the points will be on the table between Friday and Sunday but trainings are under way on the northern Garda Lake.
Posted on 24 Apr
The Famous Project: MOD70 Limosa in Portugal
Reaching the Portuguese Algarve port of Portimao this morning The Famous Project's all girl crew of the MOD70 Limosa reached the Portuguese Algarve port of Portimao this morning to successfully complete their main objectives.
Posted on 24 Apr