June - Evening - Learn to Sail Week
New to sailing? This one-week evening course introduces the fundamentals—boat handling, sail trim, and teamwork. No previous experience required.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to sail, Learn to Sail Week is the place to start!
Key Information
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Skill Level: First-time Sailors and Beginners.
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Registration Opens: Friday, April 24, at 9 AM EDT.
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Registration Closes: Sunday, June 7, at 11:59 PM EDT.
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Tuition: $525 for the full week (5 classes).
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Schedule: 5 to 8 PM, June 8 to 12.
June Learn to Sail Week is a structured, five-day introduction to sailing designed specifically for adults with little or no prior experience. The program runs Monday through Friday from 5–8 PM, creating a consistent learning environment where skills build progressively each evening. Participants begin with the fundamentals—how a sailboat moves, how to steer, and how sails generate power—before quickly transitioning to hands-on practice on the water.
All instruction takes place aboard MSA’s fleet of Ideal-18 keelboats. With a weighted keel for stability and a simple, responsive sail plan, the Ideal-18 allows new sailors to focus on learning without feeling overwhelmed. Each session combines focused instruction with time on the water.
By the end of the week, participants typically reach a meaningful milestone: they are no longer passengers, but active sailors who understand how to control and move a sailboat with confidence.
For many, June Learn to Sail Week is not just an introduction—it is the starting point for a lifetime on the water!
Summer - Thursday Evening - Adult Sailing
The perfect way to end the workday. Sail out of picturesque Manchester Harbor each Thursday evening with a welcoming group of sailors of all experience levels!
Key Information
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Skill Level: anyone! First-Time Sailors to Experts.
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Registration Opens: Friday, March 20, at 9 AM EDT.
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Registration Closes: Sunday, June 21, at 11:59 PM EDT.
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Tuition: $650 for the full season (8 classes).
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Schedule: 5 to 8 PM on Thursday Evenings, June 25 to August 12.
Thursday Evening Adult Sailing is one of the most popular ways to experience Manchester Harbor. Designed as a welcoming, all-skill levels program, the class brings together beginners, returning sailors, and experienced instructors for an evening of learning, improvement, and great company on the water.
Once underway, sailors are grouped according to experience level. New sailors learn the fundamentals—steering, sail trim, points of sail, and boat handling—while more experienced participants focus on refining technique, improving boat speed, flying the Ideal 18's symmetrical spinnaker, and mastering advanced seamanship. But Thursday evenings at MSA are about more than skill development. Sailing out of Manchester Harbor means reaching open water in minutes, with steady sea breezes and sweeping coastal views. As the sun begins to set over the harbor, the fleet returns to the docks, ending the week's most peaceful evening on the water.
For commuters coming from Boston and the surrounding North Shore, it’s the perfect way to end the workday: step off the train, step onto a boat, and spend the evening sailing!
COMING SOON: Learn to Race
MSA’s ASP Learn to Race class is designed for sailors ready to move beyond recreational sailing and experience the excitement of competitive racing! Check back soon for more information.
To join our Adult Sailing mailing list, complete the form below!
Key Information
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Skill Level: Intermediate & Advanced sailors with or without previous racing experience.
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Registration Opens: TBA.
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Registration Closes: TBA.
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Tuition: TBA.
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Schedule: TBA.
Get ready for our Adult Sailing Program's new Learn to Race class!
Designed for sailors who want to take the next step, this class will focus on the basic tactics, strategy, and boat-handling skills that define competitive sailing. Depending on the week, sailors might focus on starting strategy, upwind tactics, sail trim optimization, or mark-rounding technique. From there, crews head out onto Manchester Harbor to practice drills and short training races.
Instruction takes place aboard MSA’s fleet of Ideal-18 one-design keelboats, one of the most respected club-racing platforms in North America, with its signature combination of stability and lively performance. Because every boat in the fleet is identical, success on the racecourse comes down to skill—crew coordination, tactical decisions, and precise boat handling. This makes the Ideal-18 an ideal classroom for introducing the sport of sailboat racing.
For sailors looking to develop racing skills, build confidence on the starting line, and become part of Manchester's vibrant racing community, the Learn to Race class is the perfect entry point!
Adult Sailing Program Information
Since 1971, MSA has offered top-notch sailing instruction to students of all ages. This year, we're introducing additional classes, offering instruction across a wide range of skill levels, and growing our community built on a passion for a lifetime of sailing! All of our classes begin with a short dockside briefing before sailors head out aboard MSA’s fleet of Ideal-18 keelboats. These 18' boats were designed by renowned naval architect Bruce Kirby to provide the perfect balance of stability, responsiveness, and performance. With a substantial lead keel, simple sail controls, and a self-tacking jib, the Ideal-18 is forgiving enough for first-time sailors yet dynamic enough for competitive club racing!
Whether you're wondering what class to register for, need help navigating our registration platform, or want to learn more about our organization, newcomers and returning sailors are encouraged to contact our Program Director, registrar, or other team members, all of whom are eager to welcome you to MSA and get you out on the water!
Navigating Registration
Registration Opening Dates
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Thursday Evening - Adult Sailing: Friday, March 20, at 9 AM EDT.
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June - Evening - Learn to Sail Week: Friday, April 24, at 9 AM EDT.
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Learn to Race: TBA
Tuition Policy
Tuition rates vary based on skill level, equipment type, and class duration. Published tuition rates are shown below.
We're happy to transfer existing registrations to a different class based on ability and interests, subject to availability; please note that transfers may result in a balance, which can be paid via the "manage your online account" link in the confirmation email.
Tuition is non-refundable, but MSA may issue a credit for future registrations. If you're no longer able to attend a class you've registered for, please email registrar@manchestersailing.org or contact the Program Director as soon as possible.
No space left? No need to worry!
After registration opens and prior to the first day of classes, staff and fleet resource allocation may be adjusted to better align with the distribution of interest across classes. If the class you're interested in is fully enrolled, please join the waitlist, as we may be able to increase its capacity to accommodate you if concurrent offerings have unused space! Note: previously confirmed registrations will not be impacted.
