Information & Registration Guidelines

The Junior Sailing Program (JSP) offers instruction in basic through advanced sailing to youth aged 8 and older. Instructors are certified in First Aid and CPR. Instruction takes place on the protected waters around Beaufort. 

This exciting program teaches the arts of rigging, sailing, and seamanship, while introducing students to maritime traditions and history. It is designed to teach the basic skills of sailing to beginners and to refine the skills of more advanced students, utilizing a combination of classroom instruction and on-water training. The Junior Sailing Program helps participants develop self-esteem, responsibility, and sportsmanship, while also fostering knowledge of and respect for the forces of nature, with an emphasis on boating safety. 

THE JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY!

YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS TO PARTICIPATE. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FRIENDS

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR JSP 2026 IS OPEN.

PARTICIPANTS IN ALL SESSIONS MUST: 

• Be at least 8 years old when classes begin (NO EXCEPTIONS) 
• Be able to demonstrate their ability to swim successfully 
• Have the parent complete and return the Student Medical and Liability Release Forms 
• Bring a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) 
• Additionally, students should bring suitable clothing and accessories, including water shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle 

THREE CLASSES OF SAILBOATS 

The Junior Sailing Program uses three classes of sailboats, which are commonly used in sailing and racing programs throughout the U.S.  

INTERNATIONAL OPTIMIST DINGHY (IOD OR OPTI) 

The Opti is recognized worldwide as the sail-training and competition boat for youth ages 8-15 and is the ideal craft for teaching sailing to beginners. It has a single, sprit-rigged sail and is 7 feet and 9 inches long. The Junior Sailing Program uses 20 Optis, all built at the Museum’s Watercraft Center and maintained by staff and volunteers. Students who have already attended an Opti Class will be put in the Advanced Opti section to further their skills. 

Who’s it for: 

• Beginning sailors 
• 2^nd Year Opti sailors 
• Maximum student weight of 100 lbs. 

OPEN SKIFF 

Designed specifically for juniors, the six O’pen Skiffs are 100% open, rapid, and responsive, offering kids a machine that delivers maximum fun while helping them learn the skills and reflexes to enjoy racing on current, high-performance equipment. Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world use the O’pen Skiff to train children to sail. Many of the skills learned in the O’pen Skiff can be transferred to other boats as sailors evolve and progress to other forms of sailing.  

Who’s it for: 

• Sailors with 2 years of prior experience 
• Weight between 65 and 100 lbs. 

CLUB 420 (C420) 

The C420 is 13 feet 9 inches long and has two sails – a mainsail and a jib, with a two-person team. Each crew member will learn to rig, launch, and sail this fun and fast daysailer. Racing fundamentals, tuning techniques, and proper boat handling are covered. The Program has seven C420s.  

Who’s it for: 

• Students with sailing experience and knowledge, preferably from at least one session of the Museum’s Junior Sailing Program  
• Minimum weight of 100 lbs. 

If your child does not fit into one of these categories or you would like help deciding, please email [email protected] or call 252.728.2762. 

2026 JUNIOR SAILING SESSION DATES 

TWO-WEEK, HALF-DAY sessions are available, with one group session being held in the morning from 8:30 am – noon and another in the afternoon from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.  

NOTE – This summer we are introducing a ONE-WEEK, FULL-DAY option for the weeks of July 6 and July 17. See details below:

Session 1        HALF-DAYS AM & PM                    6/8/26 – 6/19/26 

Session 2       HALF-DAYS AM & PM                   6/22/26 – 7/3/26 

Session 3*      FULL-DAYS   8:30 am – 4:30 pm   7/6/26 – 7/10/26 
Session 3*      FULL-DAYS   8:30 am – 4:30 pm   7/13/26 – 7/17/26   

Session 4       HALF-DAYS AM & PM                   7/20/26 – 7/31/26 

• *Session 3 – New! 
• Based on strong interest from parents, this summer Session 3 is divided into single weeks of full-day classes, with parents able to sign up for either the week of July 6 or July 13 
• Tuition price for a week of full-day class is the same cost as a two week, half day class.  

• 420s will embark on day-long adventure sails, accompanied by lunch while out. The FULL-DAY option for 420s is perfect if your sailor is looking for something beyond the standard curriculum 
• Skiffs and Optis would break for lunch at midday (minimum of 1 hour). Does your child have the endurance to participate in a full-day program? Get in touch with Susan Payson to discuss [email protected] 

Download important documents here: 

• Handbook 
• Statement of Understanding 
• Medical Form 

REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATIONS 

Reservations cannot be made via email and are confirmed only after payment is processed. Registration costs, less a 10% fee, are refunded when the Museum receives a cancellation notice at least two weeks before the start of the session. There is no refund within two weeks of the session start date. 

JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS 

Need-based financial assistance is available for the Museum’s Junior Sailing Program. Typical awards result in a 50% discount on program tuition. Simply mail or email a letter from the candidate stating their desire to attend the Program, along with a letter from the parent/guardian stating financial need, to Susan Payson, Executive Director, Friends of NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516. For questions about scholarships, call 252.728.2762 or email [email protected]