Marine Exploration Program- After School
Sail Newport’s Marine Exploration Program brings middle school students to the waterfront to sail, powerboat, and explore careers in the marine industry. Students use Narragansett Bay as their classroom to investigate the environment around them, with sailing and powerboating as the vessel. Students interview career experts for the careers they could one day pursue!
Who?
6th – 8th-grade students from Thompson Middle School
Where?
Harbor Classroom – Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor
Indoor Classroom – 11th Hour Great Room, Sail Newport Sailing Center
What?
Session Descriptions
| Sailing | Powerboating | Marine Science Activities | Marine Industry Careers |
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Special thanks to those who add real-world experience to MEP! IYRS, Ocean Hour Farm, Moore Brothers Co., Cole Brauer Ocean Racing, SafeHarbor Newport Shipyard, Newport Classic Cruises, Newport Harbor Masters, Newport Fire Boat, NOAA Ocean Application Branch, Oliver Hazard Perry, Doyle Sails Newport, Seamen’s Church Institute, Sailors for the Sea, and more!
Why Sailing?
We believe that sailing improves the quality of life for all ages. Especially for our youth, it’s important to unplug and reconnect to nature. We have observed many thousands of students build their self-esteem, learn teamwork, develop communication skills, learn how to behave in a sports-man-like manner, become inspired by seeing marine life, and become ocean stewards. An all this happens while having fun! As students learn how to make a boat sail, the are challenged by learning to adapt to waves, weather and wind and changing conditions on their boat.
As an additional element to learning about sailboats and powerboats, the Marine Exploration Program will introduce career paths available in the maritime industry This program will connect students to the science and history of the Narragansett Bay through hands-on activities.
Schedule and Sessions
Level 1: Sailing, Powerboating, Science, and Introduction to Marine Industry
Level 1: Sailing, Powerboating, Science, and Introduction to Marine Industry
Session 1: Sailing+Science
- Ten meeting days total
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- After school: 2:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: Powerboating
- Eleven meeting days total
- Tuesday and Thursdays
- After school: 2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m
Session 3: Sailing+Science
- Ten meeting days total
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- After school: 2:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m
Parent Questions
Q, Will my child wear a life Jacket?
A. Yes, Sail Newport provides life jackets and students are required to wear them at all times when on the docks or boats.
Q. What should my child wear on sailing days?
A. Shoes that can get wet, fleece or warm sweatshirt, rain jacket, comfy pants (suggested: Change of clothes, towel)
Q. Who else will be on the boats with my child?
A. Every boat is managed by an experienced sailor so students are never on boats without supervision onboard.
Q. How will my child get to and from Sail Newport?
A. A bus will be provided to take students from Thompson Middle school and return.