ROCKLAND — The Sail, Power, and Steam Museum will once again host its free youth sailing program, SKFF – Sail Kids For Free, through its Midcoast Sailing Center in Rockland Harbor. This 1-week morning program was created to provide access to sailing for kids 8-14, regardless of their ability to pay. 

“There are so many kids in our area who don’t have ready access to the water, to lessons, to sails,” said Museum co-founder and Board Chair, Capt. Jim Sharp, in a news release. “This is a great opportunity for kids to get out on the water, away from their phones, to learn about the environment around us, and most importantly to learn to enjoy the independence of captaining their own vessel.” 

Studies have shown that sailing strengthens confidence, leadership, and resilience – safely, outside, away from electronic devices, according to the museum. 

“Our programs are diverse and growing,” added Program Director Mylee Smith. “We offer SKFF – but also lessons for more experienced sailors, both youth and adult.” 

SPSM will also host adult sailing lessons, charters, and other educational programming. 

“These programs are perfect complement to a museum whose mission is to celebrate, honor, experience, and tell the story of Maine’s maritime heritage,” said Smith.

For more information on SKFF or other programs of the Midcoast Sailing Center (a program of the Sail, Power, and Steam Museum), email MCSC.SKFF@gmail.com or call 207-701-7625. www.sailpowersteammuseum.org or www.midcoastsailingcenter.org.