New England Science & Sailing Foundation

New England Science & Sailing Foundation NESS empowers, educates, and inspires students with ocean-based experiential learning.

At NESS, our mission is to inspire a love of learning and advance academic opportunities through ocean-based experiential programs. We serve students, schools, teachers, and families both on and off the water, offering hands-on learning experiences that are as exciting as they are educational. Our unique STEM-based curriculum combines marine science, sailing, powerboating, and adventure sports to

develop leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills in students from all backgrounds. As the first and only program of its kind accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), NESS provides a transformative approach to education that prepares students for academic success and lifelong learning. Join us to explore the wonders of science, the thrill of the sea, and the power of experiential learning!

08/20/2026

From NESS to Mystic Aquarium! We’re so proud to see former NESS staff member and SEA AmeriCorps member Emily putting her marine science skills to work, helping ensure the water is safe and healthy for the animals in their care.

We love seeing where a NESS experience can lead, and the many ways our community continues to make an impact on the water and beyond!

Check out her behind-the-scenes look at water quality testing at Mystic Aquarium! 👇

Serve Connecticut
AmeriCorps

🤝🌊 Partnership Wednesday 🌊🤝When students learn on the water, they begin to understand why our rivers matter.Thanks to a ...
08/12/2026

🤝🌊 Partnership Wednesday 🌊🤝

When students learn on the water, they begin to understand why our rivers matter.

Thanks to a Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council Community Grant, 7th grade students from Westerly Middle School partnered with New England Science & Sailing (NESS) for unforgettable, hands-on environmental learning experiences.

Students explored the ecosystems of Barn Island, kayaked and sailed local waters, investigated plastic pollution, participated in shoreline cleanups, and discovered how watersheds connect our communities to Little Narragansett Bay and beyond.

These experiences brought science to life ~ encouraging students to ask questions, work together, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

We're also excited to share that the Stewardship Council has awarded NESS another Community Grant for the 2026–2027 school year! This fall, a new group of Westerly Middle School students will once again have the opportunity to get out on the water, collect water quality data, explore watershed science, and build lasting connections to the rivers and bays that make this region so special.

A heartfelt thank you to New England Science & Sailing (NESS) and Westerly Middle School for their continued partnership and commitment to environmental education.

📷 Photos courtesy of New England Science & Sailing (NESS).

Wild and Scenic Rivers; yours to enjoy, yours to protect. 💙

A new season means new ways to learn, explore, get outside, and experience the water with NESS! 📚 Homeschool Programs⚓ M...
08/12/2026

A new season means new ways to learn, explore, get outside, and experience the water with NESS!

📚 Homeschool Programs
⚓ Marine Mavens After-School Program
🏄 Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic & Beach Cleanup
🛥️ U.S. Safe Powerboat Handling Course & CPWO Certification
🦪 OySTARS: Teacher Professional Development

Start Your Adventure → NESSF.org/about-new-england-science-sailing/events/

08/09/2026

The Sound was putting on a show again today! 🌊 Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better…a pod of dolphins decided to make an appearance🐬🐬

The Sound was SHOWING OFF today! 🌊 We discovered DOZENS of baby horseshoe crabs of all sizes AND caught our first-ever C...
07/28/2026

The Sound was SHOWING OFF today! 🌊

We discovered DOZENS of baby horseshoe crabs of all sizes AND caught our first-ever COBIA!

Some days on the water are extra unforgettable ✨

07/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the NESS Mobile Classroom during Saturday's Meet the Fleet event as part of Stonington's Blessing of the Fleet weekend!

Throughout the afternoon, visitors got hands-on with marine critters, interactive games, and one of our favorite experiences of the day: our community seine net! More than 50 of you helped us pull in the net to discover an amazing variety of marine life. Together, we got an unforgettable up-close look at baby pufferfish, pipefish, and many other fascinating creatures that call our local waters home.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you to the Stonington Blessing of the Fleet Committee for inviting NESS to be part of the first-ever Meet the Fleet event. We loved helping introduce this new community experience while celebrating Stonington's long-standing maritime traditions, and we can't wait to see how this event grows in the years ahead!

This week, our Marine Biologists Nature Photography class explored the art and science of nature photography, learning h...
07/24/2026

This week, our Marine Biologists Nature Photography class explored the art and science of nature photography, learning how observation and creativity go hand in hand! 📸

From underwater cameras and creative filters to film photography (with those photos in development 👀), students experimented with a variety of tools while discovering new ways to observe the natural world.

Every photo encouraged them to slow down, look closer, and see their surroundings with fresh curiosity. We can't wait to share their film shots once they're developed!

One Year of the NESS Mobile Classroom on the Road! 🚌In just one year, the NESS Mobile Classroom has brought hands-on oce...
07/20/2026

One Year of the NESS Mobile Classroom on the Road! 🚌

In just one year, the NESS Mobile Classroom has brought hands-on ocean education directly to students and families across our region:

📚 1,479+ students and families reached

🗺️ 375+ square miles traveled across southeastern Connecticut & Rhode Island

🦪 Countless lessons in marine science, local watersheds, and environmental stewardship

From oyster investigations to watershed exploration, every stop has sparked curiosity and inspired the next generation of ocean stewards.

Thank you to the educators, partners, supporters, and students who have made this first year such a success!

One year down, many more miles to go.

Discover the NESS Mobile Classroom at https://nessf.org/experiential-learning/mobile-classroom/

Address

72 Water Street, PO Box 733
Stonington, CT
06378

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(860) 535-9362

Website

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