Sail along the coast of Rhode Island this summer with your children and let them do all the work. With sailing schools throughout the state, kids will learn to hoist sails, bear away and come about (and what those terms mean). While visiting the Ocean State this summer, sign your kids up for one of these five sailing schools.
Community Boating Center
Located in Providence, the Community Boating Center is a not-for-profit organization that offers sailing lessons for children and teens between 8 and 17. Kids will gradually progress from beginner to racer at a speed perfect for them. Four, nine-day sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from June to mid-August. Course rates vary. For more information, visit CommunityBoating.com.
Edgewood Sailing School
Visit Cranston, Rhode Island this summer and sign the kids up for lessons at the Edgewood Sailing School. Whether your child has no experience or a lot, the school offers different courses for all levels. By the end of the session, children will have a new love for sailing and an appreciation for Narragansett Bay. Ten-day classes run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from June to August and rates start from $295 per child with a $25 registration fee. For more information, visit EdgewoodSailing.org.
The Herreshoff Seamanship Camp
Kids can learn problem-solving and sailing skills, along with confidence on the water, at Bristol’s Herreshoff Seamanship Camp. Children between 7 and 17 can sign up for full- or half-day courses aboard a 16-foot Herreshoff sloop. Ten-day sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (noon for half-day sessions), from June to August. Rates start from $310 per child for the half-day program and from $540 per child for the full-day program. For more information, visit Herreshoff.org.
Sail Newport
Located in Newport, Sail Newport is a not-for-profit sailing school that teaches kids and teens to really enjoy the sea sport. Kids 5 to 17 can take part in the lessons that are focused on the fun and safety of sailing. Courses run from June to August, with sessions lasting between four and 10 days (depending on age of child) and 2.5 to six hours. Rates start from $125 per child, but vary by age. For more information, visit SailNewport.org.
URI Sailing Center
Send your kids to college this summer for sailing lessons — the University of Rhode Island Sailing Center will take them from beginner to racer in no time. Children between 10 and 16 will sail the Great Salt Pond in Wakefield and will learn how to sail, dock, steer and take care of a boat. Courses run for four weeks, from May to August and offer various three-hour time slots each day for beginner, youth and intermediate level sailors. Rates start from $350 per child. For more information, visit web.uri.edu/campusrec/sailing/.
More From Family Vacation Critic:
10 Best Family Boat Rides
5 Great European Bike Tours for Families
11 Best Spring Break Spots for Families
Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.
