Find Your Place on the Water
From a child’s first sailing lesson to competitive youth racing, adult powerboat training, traditional rowing and maritime craft, the Friends offer hands-on programs that build skill, confidence and connection to North Carolina’s coastal heritage.
Friends Membership Is Required
Boating, sailing and community-club participation is available to current members of the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Programs for Every Stage of the Journey
Learn the basics, build advanced skills, compete, explore traditional craft or simply enjoy time on the water with a welcoming community.
Learn, Grow and Compete
Junior Sailing introduces young people to seamanship and boating safety, while the Youth Sailing Team helps experienced sailors advance into competitive racing.
Confidence at the Helm
Adult Powerboat instruction combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on training designed to build safe and capable boaters.
Tradition, Craft and Community
Row traditional gigs, preserve small-craft skills or explore the detailed art of maritime model building alongside people who share your interests.
Boating and Sailing Programs
Choose the program that best matches the participant’s age, experience, interests and goals.
Junior Sailing Program
Hands-on sailing, seamanship and safety instruction for youth ages 8 and older.
Explore Junior Sailing →
Youth Sailing Team
Advanced coaching, teamwork and regional racing opportunities for experienced youth sailors.
Meet the Sailing Team →
Adult Powerboat Class
Practical instruction that develops safe operation, confidence and decision-making on the water.
View Adult Powerboat Training →
Beaufort Oars Rowing Club
Traditional rowing, outdoor exercise and friendship aboard Museum-built Crestwood Gigs.
Explore Beaufort Oars →Traditional Craft and Maritime Clubs
These Friends-supported clubs keep traditional skills, boats, research and craftsmanship active within the community.
Traditional Small Craft Association
Celebrate traditional boatbuilding, sailing, rowing, seamanship and time together on the water.
Explore the Local TSCA Chapter →
Carolina Maritime Model Society
Build, research and display historically informed maritime models with fellow enthusiasts.
Explore the Model Society →More Than Time on the Water
Friends programs connect practical learning with confidence, responsibility, maritime tradition and community.
Build Skills
Develop practical boating, sailing, rowing, teamwork and decision-making abilities.
Practice Safety
Learn water awareness, equipment care, weather judgment and responsible boat operation.
Preserve Tradition
Keep traditional vessels, skills, craftsmanship and maritime stories active and accessible.
Find Community
Connect with instructors, sailors, rowers, builders, volunteers and maritime enthusiasts.
Your Next Maritime Experience Starts Here
Become a Friends member and explore programs that bring maritime education, recreation, competition and tradition to life.