New England Science & Sailing Foundation

06/11/2026

BIG NEWS: Double your impact for NESS!

From now through June 17 — the day NESS first opened its doors 25 years ago — every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor!

No matter the size, every gift goes 2X as far to power the next generation of transformative experiences on and around the water for students.

Help us unlock the full match today!
➡ https://nessf.org/support-ness/

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

We are incredibly grateful to have attended The Salvation Army of New London’s annual fundraiser and to have been recognized with the Red Shield Community Impact Award.

Receiving this honor from an organization we admire so deeply is truly humbling. For the past 5 years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with The Salvation Army to provide New London students with hands-on science, sailing, and adventure-based learning experiences that build confidence, inspire curiosity, and expand what’s possible.

The evening was a powerful reminder that real community impact happens when organizations come together around a shared purpose: investing in students and helping them thrive.

Congratulations to The Salvation Army in Connecticut and Rhode Island team on a beautiful event, and thank you to Captains Brandon and Gigi, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who makes this important work possible. We are honored to stand alongside you in creating opportunities for students and families throughout our community.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for all that’s still ahead. ❤️💙

06/04/2026

Over the past 25 years, we've watched students arrive unsure of themselves and leave with newfound confidence.

We've seen students who were hesitant to step onto a boat become leaders among their peers.

We've seen curiosity turn into passion and experiences turn into aspirations.

Through NESS’s $25 for 25 Years Campaign, YOU can help ensure that more students have the opportunity to discover confidence they didn't know they had, develop leadership skills, and envision new possibilities for their future.

Give the Gift of Opportunity: NESSF.org/support-ness/

05/26/2026

Lily’s remarkable journey with NESS has come full circle! From a junior sailor to an instructor, mentor, and fierce advocate for women in sailing, she embodies the essence of being inspired, empowered, and transformed through her NESS experiences.

For 25 incredible years, NESS has touched the lives of over 50,000 students, igniting a lifelong passion for the ocean in many. From first-time adventurers discovering their love for the water to educators, leaders, and devoted advocates, Lily’s story is just one of the countless tales highlighting the impact NESS has made over the years.

As we celebrate 25 years of fostering confidence, curiosity, and connection through sailing and ocean education, we invite YOU to join us in writing the next chapter with our $25 for 25 Years campaign!

Your gift can create a monumental impact. Every donation opens doors for future sailors, students, and leaders to learn, grow, and forge lifelong connections through NESS.

Let’s celebrate this milestone together and help shape the future!
https://nessf.org/support-ness/

05/23/2026

25 Years. 50,000+ Students. One Community. 🌊 25 Days Until NESS Turns 25!

Over the next 25 days, we’ll be sharing the stories, memories, milestones, and moments that shape NESS: from students and educators to alumni, families, volunteers, and supporters.

This isn’t just a look back. It’s a celebration of the community that makes it all possible, and the future we’re building together.

To mark 25 years of hands-on learning, ocean exploration, and discovery, we’re inviting our community to join us in one simple campaign: $25 for 25 Years 💙

One small gift can help ensure the next generation of students experience the same confidence, curiosity, and connection to the ocean that NESS has inspired for 25 years.

Join the celebration. Share the journey. Help shape what comes next! NESSF.org/25for25

05/13/2026

Get certified and take the helm with confidence this week! ⚓️

Earn your Connecticut Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) with the 3-day U.S. Safe Powerboat Handling Course at NESS.

3-Day Course Schedule:
Thursday, May 14 | 5–9PM
Friday, May 15 | 5–9PM
Saturday, May 16 | 10AM–4PM

This comprehensive course combines classroom instruction, proctored exams, and hands-on boat handling to build the skills you need to safely operate a vessel in Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Sound.

Led by experienced USCG Captains at NESS, you’ll practice essential skills including safe speed and high-speed maneuvers, navigation, person-in-the-water drills, and docking — all on the water with expert guidance.

▶ Visit https://nessf.org/experiential-learning/adult-family-programs/ to reserve your spot in this week’s certification course!

05/11/2026

Summer favorites at NESS are back & registrations are OPEN!

⛵ FREE New London Youth Sailing Programs at Green Harbor
Ages 8–14
Build your confidence on the water and learn the basics of sailing, safety, and more: https://nessf.org/experiential-learning/youth-programs/summer/

🎣 9th Annual Francis Pandolfi Porgy Fishing Tournament
Ages 4+
Prizes, friendly competition, and a chance to fish from shore or aboard NESSie: https://nessf.org/experiential-learning/adult-family-programs/porgy-fishing/

Spots fill fast, register now and join us on the water this summer!

04/29/2026

⛵ Set Sail This Summer at NESS!

Registration is open for:
• Group Sailing Lessons: Learn to Sail Level 1 & 2
• Sonar Socials
• Youth Summer Sailing Camps

From first-time sailors to experienced crew, there are programs running all summer long on the water!

Whether you are a novice looking to try a new sport, an intermediate sailor, an adaptive athlete, or even a seasoned racer, NESS is ready to get you out on the water with our sailing programs.