ROCKLAND — Midcoast Sailing Center, a program of the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in Rockland, announces two new instructors for the 2023 summer season.

Mylee Smith comes from Vero Beach, Florida, where she teaches at the Youth Sailing Foundation. She has been sailing since she was 13, having developed a keen interest in wind, building kites and sailboats in her backyard, according to the Museum, in a news release. Starting with 420’s, her sailing career took off, skippering, teaching, and trying different types of boats.

“We are thrilled that she’s spending the summer with us here in Maine,” said Capt. Jim Sharp.

Smith will be program director.

Ben Diamond has been familiarizing himself with waterfront operations since he arrived earlier this month. He’s been focused on getting the boats and docks ready for the summer, but he’s really looking forward to getting out on the water, teaching people to sail. Diamond grew up on the shores of Lake Huron and joined a youth sailing program at 8 years old. Since then, he’s been mentoring, teaching, and developing programming. He races with the Rockland Yacht Club during the summer on his own vessel, the Elvis Tuna, joining the local Etchell fleet in the local racing circuit.

Midcoast Sailing Center, a program of the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in Rockland, is opening the summer with some popular standards from the past and expanding programming with some new classes in an effort to make sailing more accessible for area residents and visitors alike.

“We’ve been receiving increased requests for adult sailing lessons, family sailing lessons, and women’s sailing programs,” said Smith. “With our diverse collection of boats, we are uniquely positioned to provide a wide array of programs.”

Youth Sailing continues with a free morning sailing program, SKFF (Sail Kids For Free), providing a week-long experience for kids 8-14 years old. For youth with a bit more experience, there is an afternoon program for $200/week, but a scholarship program is available for those who are unable to afford the fee.

“While we have costs to cover, we feel strongly that money should not be a barrier for kids who want to get out on the water,” said Smith. “The museum’s mission is to help people experience our maritime heritage, and what better way than getting kids out on the water. We are lucky to have donors who feel the same and who want to help.”

“Women on the Water” is a new sailing club for women, led by women. Held Monday evenings from July through August women of any level of experience can join for a 1-time fee of $100 or sign up for $20/evening.

“For beginners, this will provide a safe, fun way to learn while giving experienced sailors who might not have access to a boat the opportunity to enjoy an evening sail while honing their skills” said Smith.

Adult sailing programs will continue to expand with classes on the water and in the classroom. Keeping the learning experiences going year-round with sailing and boat handling classes in the summer and navigation or certification programs year round is the ultimate goal for the program.

For more information on these and other waterfront programs or to learn more about the museum, visit www.MidcoastSailingCenter.org or www.sailpowersteammuseum.org or contact Mylee Smith directly at
MCSC.SKFF@gmail.com