Ocean Academy

Kids Need Adventure, Not Screens
Join an unplugged live-aboard sailing voyage that builds your child's joy and resilience. Join us for a voyage this summer!

It's an experience that becomes a part of who you are. Voyages begin and conclude in Vineyard Haven Harbor, Massachusetts. Martha's Vineyard Ocean Academy (formerly FUEL) offers immersive and transformative experiences at sea for youth aboard the tall ship Shenandoah. These voyages of self- discovery foster resilience and social-emotional skills that empower participants to navigate their lives me

aningfully. There is an urgent need to cultivate purpose, happiness, and resilience in young people today. Research indicates that youth face a growing crisis of anxiety and alienation, significantly impacting their emotional well-being, physical health, and academic performance. In response, the Ocean Academy has designed a curriculum based on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, which fosters social-emotional skills that strengthen happiness, a sense of purpose in life, and resilience. The PYD framework encompasses confidence, character, compassion, connection, competence, and a desire to contribute. To evaluate participants' growth in these six areas, we conduct a retrospective survey that students complete at the end of their 5.5-day voyage. The data from our study, collected from 430 students over the first two years, demonstrate significant improvement across all six categories. Students are growing socially and emotionally aboard Shenandoah while learning to be stewards of their communities and planet and developing mariner skills that are helpful for everyday life.

08/25/2026

Vineyahd Kids set sail on our summer finale cruise!

08/24/2026

Some smiling faces from a recent voyage aboard Shenandoah!

08/21/2026

Anchored alongside SSV “Tabor Boy” in Cuttyhunk during an early August charter.

08/18/2026

On our 10-day Extended Voyage, we sailed to Padanaram, where we headed ashore for ice cream and a game of capture the flag! Along the way, our sailors are building confidence, resilience, and friendships - all while having a whole lot of fun.

08/09/2026

Shenandoah in Menemsha by Michael Blanchard Inspirational Photography

08/05/2026

Full moon over Shenandoah by Michael Blanchard Inspirational Photography

07/29/2026

That’s a wrap on the Coastal & Celestial Navigation voyage where students learned to navigate by chart, compass, stars, and sea aboard Shenandoah.

07/28/2026

Learning in a classroom works for some. Learning by doing works for all. Michael Gass, a member of our Board of Advisors and a leader in experiential education, has spent his career exploring how hands-on experiences shape the way young people learn and grow. We’re grateful to have his perspective helping guide Ocean Academy’s mission.

07/17/2026

Another great week aboard Shenandoah is coming to a close tomorrow.

Over the past several days, this crew learned the fundamentals of splicing, knots, and ropework while sailing, swimming, exploring, and making new friends along the way.

07/11/2026

Another great week aboard Shenandoah comes to a close today.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Sea Shanties & Music voyage. We’re feeling energized to welcome our next group aboard.

Address

PO Box 1233
Vineyard Haven, MA
02568

Website

http://www.mvoceanacademy.org/

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