Summer Camps
Registration is open for 2024 Classes
photo by Ashlyn Brown
The Classic Mariners’ Regatta is beautiful classic boats, high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out, and a friendly atmosphere. Since 1984 the Classic Mariners’ Regatta has animated Port Townsend Bay with the Wooden Boat Foundation spirit that is quintessentially Port Townsend. With hand-sewn award pennants and a courtyard dinner, this is a regatta weekend not to miss.
Sailing & On-the-Water Youth Summer Camps
In NWMC youth summer camps, kids can experience maritime life in many ways, from dinghy sailboats and rowboats to marine life. We have 7 weeks of summer day camps for kids ages 5 to 17. Our Lil Scuppers and Jr. programs are tailored to younger campers who just want to mess about in boats, while older kids can hone their on-the-water skills in our Youth Learn to Sail camps!
Note to prior Youth Learn to Sail participants: If you've been part of our Youth Learn to Sail classes before, we've made some changes! Instead of calling them Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, we now have Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 classes. If your child has completed our "Beginner Sailing" camp in the past, they are eligible to register for either "Opti Levels 2 & 3" or "Doublehanded Levels 2 & 3" camps. Which camp they should join depends on their age and size. You can find more details about the specific ages and sizes for each camp in the class information.
Class Descriptions
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Lil Scuppers (Morning and Afternoon Half-day Camps)
Lil Scuppers is our maritime summer camp for the youngest campers, ages 5–7. Kids start with a morning circle, reading or singing. Afterward, they get out on the boats (weather dependent, of course)! They might row, sail, or drive a power boat. It's a joy to see a six-year-old's face light up when they realize they are the one steering the boat! Campers also explore the beaches and enjoy scavenger hunts. There is so much fun packed into this 3-hour camp! Curious where the name, "Lil Scuppers," comes from? Well, when water comes on board a deck, it runs out the scuppers. Much like the water, the experiences flow through the kids and out the scuppers, leaving them doused with fun experiences exposing them to life in the maritime world. Morning classes run from 9 AM to 12 PM. Afternoon classes run from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Junior Discoverers
Experience the sea in this one-of-a-kind summer camp! Jr. Discoverers offers a multitude of ways for kids ages 7–10 to experience maritime life this summer in a fun, hands-on way. From our home in Point Hudson, kids enter the maritime world by exploring the beach, heading out to sea in rowboats, powerboats, and sailboats, and learning about the creatures that live in and around the sea—they even get to spend one day at the Marine Science Center. It's not your typical summer camp! Our staff is skilled mariners who love to have fun and share their passion for messing about in boats. All instructors are trained in CPR & FA. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 10, and runs from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Junior Pirates
Experience the sea in this one-of-a-kind summer camp! Jr. Pirates is a popular end to our summer season for kids ages 7–10 —complete with costumes, lessons about famous pirates, and a good old-fashioned treasure hunt! All while sailing, rowing and exploring our local waters and beaches. Our staff are skilled mariners who love to have fun and share their passion for messing about in boats. All instructors are trained in CPR & FA. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 10, and runs from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Learn to Sail
A year-round windy bay, skilled sailing instructors, and a beautiful waterfront location on the Northwest Maritime Center dock combine to make our sailing lessons for youth some of the best in the region.
Since the early 1990s, our sailing instructors have taught hundreds of people to sail on Port Townsend Bay. In 2006, NWMC and Jefferson County YMCA expanded the fleet to offer new Optimist Dinghies, the most popular learning dinghy in the world. Recently the NWMC has added FJs to the fleet—which are two-person planning hull dinghies. These boats are safe, fast, and fun! In diverse and challenging waters, our excellent instructors teach competent sailing for all conditions. This is the perfect place to introduce your child to sailing or take their skills to the next level. And for the advanced sailors, we have added 420s to our High School Sailing Team fleet. Our sailing classes are ideal for teaching young sailors the skills of boat handling and racing.
Beginner Sailing
New Expanded Hours for 2023! Beginner Sailing is our fun introduction to basic sailing skills. On "capsize day" kids learn in a controlled setting that they are capable of capsizing their boat and getting it upright again. By the end of the class, students should also be able to identify boat parts, rig and de-rig their boat, feel comfortable steering, and demonstrate wind awareness and points of sail. Depending upon the comfort level and size of the student, they will be sailing in either Optis or FJs. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 10 and runs from 9am to 3pm. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer.
Girls’ Beginner Sailing
New Expanded Hours for 2023! A girls sailing class! Beginner Sailing is our fun introduction to basic sailing skills. On "capsize day" kids learn in a controlled setting that they are capable of capsizing their boat and getting it upright again. By the end of the class, students should also be able to identify boat parts, rig and de-rig their boat, feel comfortable steering, and demonstrate wind awareness and points of sail. Depending upon the comfort level and size of the student, they will be sailing in either Optis or FJ's. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 10. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer. Women and Girls’ programs at Northwest Maritime Center welcome those who identify as women and girls regardless of assignment at birth. These programs also welcome people who identify as non-binary or gender nonconforming and want to be in a female-centered environment.
NEW! 3 Day Beginner Intensive
New for 2023! Our 3 day Intensive Beginner Sailing is our fun introduction to basic sailing skills. On "capsize day" kids learn in a controlled setting that they are capable of capsizing their boat and getting it upright again. By the end of the class, students should also be able to identify boat parts, rig and de-rig their boat, feel comfortable steering, and demonstrate wind awareness and points of sail. Depending upon the comfort level and size of the student, they will be sailing in either Optis or FJs. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 10 and runs from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer.
Intermediate Sailing
New Expanded Hours for 2023! Intermediate Sailing is for students who have taken our Beginner Sailing class and have been recommended for Intermediate Sailing. Students in this class must feel comfortable with skills such as: sailing alone, managing tiller hand exchanges, and capsizing. Students can perfect their skills on boats that are forgiving with instructors standing by in chase boats. If you do not know if your child is ready for Intermediate Sailing, please call and ask our registrar at 360.385.3628 x1. Students will sail in Optis, FJs, and 420s, determined by the instructor. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 12 and runs from 9 AM to 3 PM. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer.
Beginner Sailing is a prerequisite.
Girls’ Intermediate Sailing
New Expanded Hours for 2023! A girls' sailing class! Intermediate Sailing is for students who have taken our Beginner Sailing class and have been recommended for Intermediate Sailing. Students in this class must feel comfortable with skills such as: sailing alone, managing tiller hand exchanges, and capsizing. Students can perfect their skills on boats that are forgiving with instructors standing by in chase boats. If you do not know if your child is ready for Intermediate Sailing, please call and ask our registrar at 360.385.3628 x117. Students will sail in Optis, FJs, and 420s, determined by the instructor. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 12. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer. Women and Girls’ programs at Northwest Maritime Center welcome those who identify as women and girls regardless of assignment at birth. These programs also welcome people who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming and want to be in a female-centered environment. This class runs from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Beginner Sailing is a prerequisite.
NEW! 3 Day Intermediate Intensive
New for 2023! This is a fun, immersive, full-day Intermediate Sailing Class for those students who really love sailing! Students should already be able to capsize, sail an Opti alone, tack, and jibe. With instructors and safety boats standing by, students will get to experience twice the fun and twice the instruction while sailing farther. Bring your lunch, drinks, and snacks. Students will sail in Optis, FJs and 420s, determined by the instructor. Class minimum is 6 and maximum is 12. There will be one 3-day Intensive and one full 5-day course. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer. This class is an excellent follow up to the 1/2 day Intermediate class; it should not be the student's first class at this level. This class runs from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Beginner Sailing is a prerequisite.
Full Day Advanced
Back for 2023! Full Day Advanced Sailing is for students who have taken our Beginner & Intermediate Sailing classes and were recommended for Advanced Sailing. Students in this class must be able to do all the skills of the Beginner and Intermediate Sailing classes. Students will explore advanced sailing such as buoy racing, Port Townsend Bay distance sailing, and other advanced technical sailing skills. Class minimum is 4 and maximum is 12. These are popular classes so we ask that you sign your child up for a maximum of 3 Learn-to-Sail classes this summer. This class runs from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Beginner Sailing and Intermediate Sailing are prerequisites.
Youth Program Scholarships
NWMC is proud to offer scholarships to those facing financial barriers, youth service organizations, schools and underserved youth, so everyone can have the opportunity to learn with us, regardless of financial circumstances.
Scholarships are supported in part by the generous support of Wilder Auto. To apply for a scholarship for youth or adult programs, please complete our scholarship application form during the registration process.
If you are in a position to pay more than the suggested price for a youth program, additional funds will contribute directly to making youth programs more widely accessible. Please contact our registrar directly at registrar@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x1.
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Jr. Discoverers – Full Day CampJuly 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9Embark on the ultimate seaside adventure with Jr. Discoverers, where campers explore and engage with marine life through exciting hands-on activities. Tailored for young explorers aged 7–10, our Point Hudson...
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Jr. Mariners – Full Day CampJuly 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16Set sail on an exciting maritime adventure with our Jr. Mariners summer camp, where kids explore the maritime world through the work of real-life mariners and engage in fun hands-on...
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Jr. Pirates – Full Day CampAugust 19-23Get ready for a swashbuckling experience like no other in our Jr. Pirates summer camp for young Buccaneers ages 7–10. Costumed campers have a blast in this pirate-themed summer camp...
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Lil Scuppers Afternoon Half Day Camps5 Day Camps: July-AugDive into a maritime adventure with Lil Scuppers, our nautical summer camp tailored to our pint-sized captains! Each day of camp kicks off with a welcome circle where campers participate...
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Lil Scuppers Morning Half Day Camps5 Day Camps: July-AugDive into a maritime adventure with Lil Scuppers, our nautical summer camp tailored to our pint-sized captains! Each day of camp kicks off with a welcome circle where campers participate...
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Youth Learn to Sail: Doublehanded Level 1July 8-12, August 5-9, August 19-23NEW FOR 2024! Welcome to our beginner doublehanded sailing camp designed for newcomers and those transitioning from Optis. The program emphasizes the development of fundamental sailing skills with a primary...
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Prerequisite: Doublehanded Level 1Youth Learn to Sail: Doublehanded Levels 2 & 3July 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16NEW FOR 2024! Students in this course will be evaluated by instructors who will instruct them at either Level 2 or Level 3. Building upon the foundation laid in Doublehanded Level...
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Youth Learn to Sail: Girls’ Doublehanded Level 1July 22-26NEW FOR 2024! A girls’ doublehanded sailing class! For newcomers and those transitioning from Optis, this program emphasizes the development of fundamental sailing skills with a primary focus on cooperation...
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Prerequisite: Opti Level 1Youth Learn to Sail: Girls’ Opti Levels 2 & 3July 29-August 2NEW FOR 2024! A girls’ sailing class! Students in this course will be evaluated by instructors who will instruct them at either Level 2 or Level 3. Building upon the foundation...
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Youth Learn to Sail: Opti Level 1July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9, August 19-23NEW FOR 2024! Opti Level 1 is an engaging introductory program that teaches the basics of sailing in an enjoyable and safe environment. Using interactive lessons, sailing-themed games, and plenty...
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Prerequisite: Opti Level 1Youth Learn to Sail: Opti Levels 2 & 3July 15-19, August 12-16NEW FOR 2024! Students in this course will be evaluated by instructors who will instruct them at either Level 2 or Level 3. Building upon the foundation laid in Opti Level...
Stay tuned for the 2021 CMR plan!
Classic Mariners' Regatta Criteria
We have opened up the criteria of Classic Mariners to expand the racing fleet beyond wooden boats!
The Classic Mariners’ Regatta is now open to yachts that have been built to a design or in the spirit of sailing yachts prior to 1967. There will be an acceptance committee that will determine if your boat meets this criteria. They will also consider boats that were built in the “Spirit of Tradition.”
Registration & Race Entry: $60
Registration for the Classic Mariners’ Regatta includes:
- Entry for all three Classic Mariners' Regatta sailboat races
- Welcome Gathering and Skippers' Meeting
- Five beverage tickets (Yes, they're good for beers, too.)
- Entry to the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon
Please register in advance for the race; however if you're not arriving until late Friday night, please call 360.385.3628 x104 or email barb@nwmaritime.org and you can register at the skippers meeting on Saturday.
Moorage
If you would like to dock with the Classic Mariners group, which may mean rafting up, please call or email the Northwest Maritime Center office to add your name to the list for CMR raft-up. If you would like a more private dock, please call Point Hudson directly to reserve your own space. Either way, when you arrive at Point Hudson please proceed directly to the Point Hudson Marina office to pay for your moorage. Approximately 1.25 per foot.
Northwest Maritime Center Office: 360.385.3628, registrar@nwmaritime.org
Point Hudson Marina Office: 360.385.2828
A weekend of races!
This year the Classic Mariners' Regatta, SEVENTY48, and Race to Alaska are back to back in a weekend of epic fun and on-the-water adventure! So come on down to the Northwest Maritime Center and Pope Marine Park to watch and race in the regatta, cheer on SEVENTY48 racers as they arrive from Tacoma, take part in the R2AK madness on Sunday during the Ruckus, and see the R2AK teams set off on Monday.
Registration Coming Soon
Schedule
2021 schedule coming soon
All weekend events taken place in the Regatta Headquarters, upstairs at the Northwest Maritime Center
Monday, May 31
Last chance to purchase tickets to Saturday's dinner
Friday, June 4
5:00 PM
Welcome Gathering
• Eat, drink, and meet the other racers
Saturday, June 5
9:30 AM
Mandatory Skippers’ Meeting
• coffee and light snacks provided
12:00 PM
First Classic Mariners' Regatta Race Start; Second race starts immediately following first
5:00 PM
Classic Mariners' Regatta Dinner:
• Menu TBD; $12
• Located at Regatta Headquarters
Deadline for purchasing dinner tickets is Monday, May 31
Sunday, June 6
10:00 AM
Rowing Race
12:00 PM
Final Classic Mariners' Regatta Race Start
4:00 PM
Classic Mariners' Regatta Awards Party
• Located at Regatta Headquarters