Youth Maritime Programs
Due to COVID-19 limitations, we have paused registration for school programs for now. Contact nancy@nwmaritime.org for inquiries, and sign up for our email list.
Our Goal
Our work with youth is at the center of our mission—to create powerful maritime experiences that educate and inspire people to adventure. We are teaching a whole new generation of sailors to appreciate our maritime heritage and preserve our traditions, while inspiring kids to discover their own adventures.
Summer Programs
Kids can experience maritime life in many ways, from rowboats and sailboats to boatbuilding and much more. We have a series of popular week-long sailing day camps for kids ages 5 to 17. Summer camps are divided into two programs—Messing About in Boats, for 5 to 10 year-olds, and Learn to Sail for 8 to 17 year-olds.
Year-Round Open-Enrollment Programs

Girls’ Boat Project
Currently paused due to COVID-19
For girls age 11-14 (6th to 8th grade)
In the Girls’ Boat Project, middle school girls gain skills and have fun in the maritime trades, both on and off the water. They learn woodworking and boat building techniques while taking advantage of nice weather days to sail and row on the water. The program culminates with a one-day sailing adventure. The program is led by female role models from the Northwest Maritime Center staff who are skilled in boat building, woodworking, and sailing. Learn more about the Girls’ Project at our blog.
Girls’ Boat Project meets on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 PM, October through May, with breaks for school holidays.
Contact Chrissy McLean at chrissy@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x113 if interested!

Marine Explorers
Currently paused due to COVID-19
For 4th-8th graders
Salish Sea Expeditions’ Marine Explorers is a boat-based science and sail expedition program that engages students in oceanographic research, nautical science, and seamanship aboard the 61-foot sailing research vessel, Carlyn.
While on-board, students will conduct marine science research under the careful guidance of the Salish crew. The students will collect, analyze and communicate the findings of their research, and split their day learning to navigate and sail the 61-foot sailing vessel.
To learn more and register, visit the Salish Sea Expeditions website here.

High School Sailing Team
Currently paused due to COVID-19
For Port Townsend School District high school students
The Port Townsend High School Sailing team is an extremely successful and positive program which has sent some of our local sailors to district and national competitions. They sail in the spring, on Vanguard15s, FJs and Lasers. Their motto is, “Sail Fast and Have Fun!” Many team members become sailing instructors in our summer youth camps.
Contact Robin Mills at robin@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x103.
“I like being trusted, bonding with our team, and having to work a little bit. We had to figure things out for ourselves, which I really enjoy.”
—Blue Heron 7th Grader
Meet the Staff

Thank you, Wilder Auto, for sponsoring youth scholarships!





