It's your watch. You scan the horizon, and realize that you now know more about weather than what TV reports used to tell you. You read it, feel it, know how it moves. You've grown to love the wind and its power, its timelessness, its beauty. You stand aboard your boat a sailor, not an observer. You've learned, in some small degree, to harness this natural environment, respect its nature, ride it for all its worth, just as others have done since the beginning.
Suddenly, "Sheet the jib" comes the command, breaking your reverie. Newfound instincts jolt your body into action. You and your team work hard to hoist sails. Luffing at first, you see them fill as the boat leans and begins to pick up speed. Elated shouts rise from the deck. You've unlocked a secret that only sailors know.
Navigation, winds, waves, tides and currents are bound together like intricate puzzle pieces. Whether you journey to uninhabited jewels off the coast of Maine, explore living reefs in the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary on the Florida Keys, or investigate wildlife in the remote shores of Nova Scotia, you'll captain your own high-sea adventure.
This one week sailing course takes place among the intricate bays and numerous islands off the coast of Maine. It is not without physical challenge; moving around on and living aboard a small sailboat takes balance and stamina. But for women seeking the camaraderie of a group setting, the beauty of the ocean and a feeling of accomplishment and perspective that only Outward Bound can provide, this is a perfect choice. This course is also available in the winter and spring in the Florida Keys.
Activities: Sailing, seamanship, solo, service
Lengths: 7 days
Ages: 23+
Special Focus: Women Only
This is a one or two week sailing expedition on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine. It is one of our original courses and, since 1965, has been a big part of how Outward Bound became what it is today. This course takes place on an open sail boat and students live aboard at sea for most of the course. Ideal students are ready for a team experience that is physically challenging and infinitely rewarding.
Activities: Sailing, seamanship, solo, service
Lengths: 14 days, 7 days
Ages: 16-18, 30+
This course is a one week or a 22-day sailing expedition in the waters of the Florida Keys. Master seamanship and snorkel in the warm waters of the Keys. It is an ideal course for those interested in adventure, challenge and being a part of a close knit team.
Activities: Sailing, seamanship, snorkeling, solo, service
Lengths: 8 days, 21 days
Ages: 18+, 30+
