Community Sailing New Orleans

At Community Sailing New Orleans, we use sailing as a platform for learning, exploration, and connection—opening the door to the water for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. As Louisiana’s only community sailing center, we offer inclusive, public programming with no membership required. We provide youth, adult, and adaptive sailing opportunities at little to no cost, ensuring that anyone—regardless of socioeconomic status or ability—can access the water and learn to sail.

In a city where many young people face barriers to recreational activities, STEM education, and career exploration, we are committed to expanding access and opportunity. Our hands-on STEM Design+Build+Sail program blends engineering and environmental learning with on-the-water experience, while Crew to Captain provides a pathway to maritime careers through certifications and workforce development. 

For adults, we offer a full progression of opportunities—from Sailing 101 for beginners to our multi-week Beyond the Basics course, Women in the Wind for female and non-binary sailors, and the Tolmas Military Veterans program. Whether someone is stepping onto a boat for the first time or continuing to build their skills, we provide accessible entry points for all members of our community at every stage of their sailing journey.

Through our wide range of programs, we connect people to the water in meaningful ways and are redefining a sport that has long been seen as exclusive by making it accessible, inclusive, and community-centered.

Our mission is to enable everyone who wants to experience the sport and recreation of sailing to do so. Through financial assistance and intentionally inclusive programming, we remove obstacles and create pathways for participation.

Testimonials

"I loved learning the science behind what we were doing on the water and what actually made our boats go"

"Sailing opened up new adventures for my son, an autistic 15-year-old, making his closed world a bit wider in scope than before this unique experience."

"I absolutely love Community Sailing's Veteran program. Being on the water was therapeutic. It reinforces the notion that challenges can be overcome through teamwork."