U.S.M.M.A. Sailing Foundation

U.S.M.M.A. Sailing Foundation Our Mission is to Further Maritime Education and Training. We continuously seek vessels for donation to our program that support our mission.

Racing and cruising sailboats as well as power boats ranging from rigid hull inflatables to luxury motor yachts can be used for training and education while participating in one design and handicap racing, offshore voyaging and coastal cruising.

The starting gun has sounded, and Hunter is officially on her way to Bermuda.Last Friday, members of the Kings Point Off...
06/21/2026

The starting gun has sounded, and Hunter is officially on her way to Bermuda.

Last Friday, members of the Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team departed Newport aboard Hunter, the Mills 41 (USA 2388), to compete in the Newport Bermuda Race as part of the SDL Division under the leadership of skipper Avram Lessman and a USMMA offshore crew. For many of the midshipmen onboard, the race represents more than a passage to Bermuda. It is an opportunity to take part in one of offshore sailing's most respected events while building the experience that comes from spending days at sea with a common objective and a crew that depends on one another.

The USMMA Sailing Foundation is proud to support opportunities like this through vessels such as Hunter. Offshore racing remains one of the most effective ways for young sailors to gain practical experience, sharpen their seamanship, and learn the realities of operating offshore.

As Hunter makes her way toward Bermuda, we are proud to see Kings Point represented on the racecourse and grateful to everyone who helps make opportunities like this possible.

Fair winds to the crew, and we look forward to welcoming them safely back to shore.

To learn more about the USMMA Sailing Foundation and our support of the Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team, please contact [email protected].

One of the best classrooms in maritime education does not have four walls.Sometimes, it is 100 miles offshore in the mid...
06/16/2026

One of the best classrooms in maritime education does not have four walls.

Sometimes, it is 100 miles offshore in the middle of the night.

The Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team provides midshipmen with opportunities that extend far beyond racing. Offshore sailing demands leadership, teamwork, communication, and the ability to make sound decisions in dynamic conditions. Every watch stood, sail change completed, and mile sailed becomes part of an education that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom.

The USMMA Sailing Foundation is proud to support the Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team and the opportunities it creates for midshipmen to develop as sailors, leaders, and future maritime professionals. Through offshore racing and training aboard Foundation-supported vessels, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the maritime industry while fostering a lifelong connection to the sailing world.

Many of the lessons learned offshore are the same lessons that define successful mariners: accountability, adaptability, teamwork, and confidence under pressure. These experiences help shape the next generation of captains, officers, industry leaders, and lifelong stewards of the sport.

As the team prepares for a busy summer of offshore racing and training before returning to the collegiate circuit this fall, the Foundation remains committed to supporting the vessels, programs, and opportunities that make these experiences possible. We look forward to watching these midshipmen continue to develop on the water and represent Kings Point throughout the upcoming ICSA season.

Because some of the most valuable lessons a future mariner will ever learn begin the moment the shoreline disappears over the horizon.

To learn more about the USMMA Sailing Foundation and our support of the Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team, please contact [email protected].

Calling all Miami Winter Series fanatics…There are two Etchells sitting on shore right now that would much rather be lin...
06/05/2026

Calling all Miami Winter Series fanatics…
There are two Etchells sitting on shore right now that would much rather be lining up for a start sequence.

The USMMA Sailing Foundation still has two Etchells available. Whether you are an experienced Etchells sailor, considering ownership for the first time, or interested in sponsoring a campaign, we would be happy to have a conversation. The Etchells class continues to offer some of the most competitive one-design racing in the world and brings sailors to premier venues throughout the country. And while winter racing may seem far away, summer is the perfect time to get a boat prepared, assemble a crew, and start planning.

For those new to the class or thinking about getting involved, we are happy to talk through ownership, sponsorship opportunities, campaign planning, and what it takes to get involved. The Etchells fleet has a long history of attracting talented sailors, close competition, and lifelong friendships, and we would love to help introduce more people to the class.

Most importantly, proceeds from vessel sales directly support the Foundation's mission of advancing maritime education, training, and competitive sailing while helping provide opportunities for future sailors and mariners.

If you have interest in either of these Etchells, or know someone who might, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

The Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team has Bermuda on the mind.From May 29–31, the team competed in the Weatherill Race a...
06/03/2026

The Kings Point Offshore Sailing Team has Bermuda on the mind.
From May 29–31, the team competed in the Weatherill Race aboard Hunter, the Foundation-sponsored Mills 41 that will carry them to the starting line of this year's Bermuda Race.

The Weatherill Race served as an important tune-up for the crew, providing an opportunity to continue building experience together, refine offshore procedures, and prepare for the challenges that come with racing offshore. The team finished 6th in the ORC 2 Class, a strong result and valuable preparation as they turn their attention toward Bermuda.

At the USMMA Sailing Foundation, supporting opportunities like these is central to our mission. Through Foundation-supported vessels like Hunter, we help provide midshipmen with hands-on offshore sailing experience that develops leadership, seamanship, teamwork, and decision-making skills both on and off the water. Offshore racing presents unique challenges that cannot be replicated in a classroom, making these experiences an invaluable part of preparing the next generation of maritime leaders.

We are proud to support these midshipmen as they continue their journey toward one of offshore sailing's most iconic races and look forward to following Hunter and her crew to Bermuda.

What often goes unseen is the amount of work that goes into keeping boats and equipment in service throughout the season...
05/31/2026

What often goes unseen is the amount of work that goes into keeping boats and equipment in service throughout the season. Between training, regattas, and day-to-day use, things wear down and occasionally require repair. Maintaining reliable access to functional vessels is just as important as the time spent using them.

Recently, with the help of the Kings Point Waterfront Staff, the USMMA Sailing Foundation supported repairs on a Last Call, a Grady White-type vessel with significant damage to the stern. The work was completed on site to bring the vessel back into full working condition and return it to service supporting Kings Point waterfront operations.

Once repairs were completed, the boat was returned to operational status and back in rotation supporting programs that rely on it for training and daily use.

This type of work directly supports the waterfront’s ability to keep programs running and ensure consistent access for midshipmen and sailors. The Foundation remains focused on supporting the waterfront and maintaining the platforms that make training and access to the water possible.

For more information or to support Foundation efforts, please contact [email protected].

Have you ever considered what happens to a vessel when it is no longer in regular use, or when the time comes to move on...
05/28/2026

Have you ever considered what happens to a vessel when it is no longer in regular use, or when the time comes to move on to something new?

At The USMMA Sailing Foundation, we work with owners who are looking for a meaningful next chapter for their vessels, whether that means helping expand access to sailing, advancing maritime education and training, or ensuring a boat continues to serve a purpose rather than sitting idle. Our mission is rooted in creating as many opportunities as possible for others to experience and enjoy the water as much as we do.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing maritime education, training, and competitive sailing, the Foundation actively solicits vessel and financial donations that directly support hands-on learning opportunities for youth, college sailors, aspiring mariners, and veterans. Through partnerships with programs such as United States Merchant Marine Academy, Warrior Sailing, and other maritime initiatives, donated vessels help provide essential resources that foster leadership, seamanship, career development, and expanded access to the waterfront.

Through our vessel donation program, we accept a wide range of powerboats and sailing vessels, which are then placed into service with maritime training programs and partner organizations. These vessels go on to support seamanship training, waterfront operations, and experiential learning opportunities for students and developing sailors.

In other cases, vessels are transitioned in a way that helps sustain the Foundation’s broader mission, with proceeds directly supporting programs that keep sailors on the water and engaged in hands-on maritime education, while also allowing vessels to begin a new chapter where they can continue to be utilized and enjoyed.
We have experience working with vessels of many sizes and conditions, and we guide owners through the process from the initial conversation through final placement.

If you are considering donating a vessel or exploring options for a boat that is no longer being used, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

This Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service t...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We are grateful for their service, their dedication, and the sacrifices made by military families across generations.

The USMMA Sailing Foundation is proud to support programs that create opportunities for veterans and service members, helping build community and connection through time on the water.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect and remember.

Many people know the USMMA Sailing Foundation for supporting competitive sailing, waterfront access, and maritime develo...
05/15/2026

Many people know the USMMA Sailing Foundation for supporting competitive sailing, waterfront access, and maritime development opportunities, but did you know the Foundation also operates a growing consignment shop designed to help expand access to the sport.

The shop offers a wide range of both new and used one-design sails across numerous classes, from M32s, to TP52s, and beyond, helping make it easier for sailors and programs to enter new fleets, stay competitive, and access quality equipment without the barrier of buying new every time.

In addition to sails, the consignment inventory regularly includes hardware, winches, clutches, rigging, electronics, radios, trailers, shipping containers, and a variety of other equipment that can help support programs, campaigns, and individual sailors alike.

The shop is a reflection of the Foundation’s broader mission and further the sport by providing more people with the resources that keep them on the water and involved in sailing. Whether you are looking to expand your inventory, outfit a program, or simply find quality gear for your next project, the Foundation’s consignment shop is worth exploring.

Check out the link to browse available inventory and support continued access to sailing through the Foundation: https://lnkd.in/eWAPqTHy

The United States Merchant Marine Academy Offshore Sailing Team recently conducted the first buoyancy and durability tes...
05/15/2026

The United States Merchant Marine Academy Offshore Sailing Team recently conducted the first buoyancy and durability test of mark bots, and we are pleased to announce that after close inspection from the team aboard the J/44 during this weekend’s American Yacht Club Spring Regatta, they are in fact unsinkable.

We are happy to report that no mark bots were harmed in the process, though one may now be reconsidering its career choice.
All jokes aside, the team spent the weekend competing in challenging conditions against a strong fleet, with Sunday delivering the kind of breeze that keeps crews fully hiked and, of course, ensuring the marks were set correctly and the course was square ;)

With three teams representing Kings Point aboard the J/44 Comet, C&C 30 Dawgz Out, and IC37 Fortissimo, both platforms made possible through the support of the United States Merchant Marine Academy Sailing Foundation, the team had a strong showing, finishing 3rd ORC W/L 2 and 4th in the ORC division.

The regatta provided invaluable experience for midshipmen competing at a high level while continuing to develop the seamanship, teamwork, and composure that extend far beyond the racecourse. We are proud of the team for continuing to compete hard, learn quickly, and represent Kings Point on the water.

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At the 30th anniversary of Charleston Race Week, more than 150 boats gathered from across the nation to compete in fourt...
04/24/2026

At the 30th anniversary of Charleston Race Week, more than 150 boats gathered from across the nation to compete in fourteen classes across three days. Among them were two United States Merchant Marine Academy offshore sailing teams who tested themselves against one of the most competitive J/70 fleets in the country.

Facing everything from light, tactical conditions and the famously relentless Charleston current to full-hike breeze, the midshipmen rose to the challenge, earning 25th and 27th place finishes in an exceptionally deep fleet. In a regatta known for testing sailors at every turn, they represented Kings Point with grit, skill, and determination.

These opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport are made possible through the resources, training environment, and waterfront access available to midshipmen through support of the United States Merchant Marine Academy Foundation. Experiences like these sharpen seamanship, build leadership, and prepare future maritime leaders in ways that extend far beyond the racecourse.

We are incredibly proud of these midshipmen and grateful for the support that helps make opportunities like this possible.

Address

300 Steamboat Road
Kings Point, NY
11024

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15162047832

Website

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