Our mission

The Niantic Bay Sailing Academy’s mission is to promote and develop a forum to educate youth and others in seamanship, general navigation, sailboat racing and to reinforce life and leadership skills, build character and self-esteem through an appreciation of boating and awareness of important natural resources that support these activities.

NBSA featured on Connecticut Public Television's "Resourceful" has premiered!! "Resourceful" highlights grassroots initiatives across a variety of cities and towns to bring a broad and diverse look at the state of Connecticut. This included a visit to the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, highlighting our academy's efforts to inspire our sailing students to embrace the science of sailing as well as a lifetime of environmental stewardship!

Goal of the NBSA Junior Program
The overall goal of the NBSA Junior Program is simple – to provide a fun and safe learning environment for young sailors.  We do this by offering an 8-week program providing instruction for children and teenagers ages 7 – 17 at all levels, from beginning sailing through competitive racing.

Other objectives include:

  • To help young people learn sailing, safe boat handling, seamanship, and sportsmanship

  • To help young people learn techniques of one-design racing and cruising and to help them fully develop their one-design racing skills

  • To promote youth sailing competition

  • To educate our next generation of sailors on the importance of protecting our seas, shores and air through environmental sustainability and conservation STEM Initiatives

STEM Initiatives
We are excited to announce the addition of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to our sailing curriculum. Several of our instructors have been trained through the US Sailing REACH Program for sailing instructors (visit www.ussailing.org/education/youth/reach/ to learn more).  Our goal is to provide authentic, science-based learning experiences to inspire our sailing students to embrace the science of sailing as well as a lifetime of environmental stewardship. We hope you enjoy learning from the various activities your sailor will be participating in this season.

Going Green
NBSA has a commitment to sustainability.  We have several regattas that are certified as Clean Regattas with Sailors for the Sea. The Clean Regattas program is rooted in five interconnected Sustainability Themes: Elimination of single use items, Environmental Stewardship, Green Boating, Responsible Waste Management and Community Involvement.

As you look around the club you will see recycling bins, very limited single use items, STEM & environmental activities being led by our junior sailors and regattas focused on our Sustainability Themes!


Niantic Bay Sailing Academy is a Nonprofit, 501(c)3 Corporation

NBSA Board of Directors
President: Kenneth Shluger
Vice President (Operations): Harlan Fredericksen
Vice President (Programs): Bill Healy
Secretary: Jacqueline Shluger
Treasurer: Jim Miller

Members:
Alex Argeris, Ryan Brothers, Matt Byrnes-Jacobsen, Chris Cooper, Harlan Fredericksen, Bill Healy, Jim Miller, Diane Scully, Bob Shabunia, Jacqueline Shluger, Kenneth Shluger, Jennifer Stivrins, Robb Wyllie


Sail with NBSA

  • Junior Sailng

    We have a great season planned for our Junior Sailors! We engage kids age 7 to 17 and of all experience levels. From beginners to competitive racers, you’ll find a class that fits your child’s comfort level.

  • Adult Sailing

    Beginner to Intermediate Adult Sailors will learn how to rig and handle a boat, sailing safety, use of a compass and charts, coming about and how to cast off and dock – don’t know what that means? We’ll cover sailing terminology too!

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships are available to students. We are especially seeking local youth who may not have otherwise been exposed to sailing, a sport which offers camaraderie, fun, competition and the development of lifelong skills.