Since 2017, Sail Newport has partnered with the Newport Public School System in offering the Pell Elementary School Science and Sailing Program to all Newport fourth graders. This unique experiential educational program couples a learn-to-sail program in our “harbor classroom” with shoreside STEM classroom sessions.

STEM topics, such as weather, geography, marine life, water, mapping, soil, salinity, ocean health and others are included in the classroom and on the water curriculum. Students engage more meaningfully when they learn through hands-on discovery and exploration. 

Sailing connects students to our most valuable natural resource – Narragansett Bay and the oceans beyond. Learning to sail develops competencies such as teamwork, self-confidence, resilience, courage, perseverance, problem-solving, and decision-making. At Sail Newport, we believe deepening these important life skills empowers children for a more successful future.

Thank you to our individual donors, and the following supporters:

11th Hour Racing
The ACT Foundation
Dockwa
Enbridge Fueling Futures
The Gruben Charitable Foundation
Orsted and Eversource through the Revolution Wind project
The Peter and Melinda Gerard and Loti Falk Family Fund
The Rhode Island Foundation
The Robert Dudley Harrington, Jr. Charitable Foundation

Sail Newport Education Program Mission

The mission of the Sail Newport Education program is to provide hands-on educational opportunities for children in our community to be exposed to life on and under the waters of Narragansett Bay and beyond. The education program at Sail Newport will expose and educate participants to the fundamentals of sailing, sustainability, marine science, weather and ocean conservation in partnership with related non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Sailing Program

  • No special gear required
  • Sail Newport will provide life jackets and rain gear
  • No prior experience on the water is necessary
  • Taught by certified, highly-trained instructors

Land-based Curriculum

  • 4th-Grade STEAM Education elements
  • Science
  • Social studies
  • Weather
  • Mapping
  • Land forms
  • Soil
  • Erosion
  • Sustainability
  • Content developed, supported and taught by the 4th-Grade teachers

Pell School Sailing Program Wins Awards

The Newport Public Education Foundation presented an award to Sail Newport for the innovative Pell Elementary School Sailing Program. The Noreen Stonor Drexel 2018 Partner in Education Award was accepted by Brad Read, exec. dir., Kim Hapgood, prog. dir., Donna Kelly, school coord and instructors.

The award reads:

“In recognition and gratitude for serving the children and families of Newport by providing a classroom on the ocean, access and opportunities for our future leaders, realizing anything is possible, building self-esteem, confidence, character and leadership. June 1, 2018”

Additional awards for the Sail Newport Pell School Sailing Program include:

  • State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – Senate Citation
  • State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Citation
  • City of Newport – Certificate of Recognition

Award Gallery

Have questions?

If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact:

Sail Newport Program Director, Kim Hapgood
Telephone: (401) 846-1983
email: [email protected]

Pell School Principal, Traci Westman
Email: [email protected]

Donate to this program, Eve Formisano, Development Director
Telephone: (401) 846-1983
email: [email protected]