easy
2–4 hours
Moderate fitness recommended to handle paddling and sailing dynamics, but beginners welcome with instruction.
Longshore Sailing School in Westport, CT, offers top-notch sailing lessons and boat rentals on Long Island Sound. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, it’s a community-centered gateway to coastal adventure.
Set on the shores of Long Island Sound in Westport, Connecticut, Longshore Sailing School offers an authentic gateway to water-based adventures for all ages and skill levels. This well-regarded facility is a cornerstone of the local recreation scene, providing a selection of well-maintained boats including 17' Getaway Catamarans, RS Quests, 13' Wave Catamarans, as well as single and double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Whether you’re stepping into your first sailing lesson or looking to rent a reliable craft for a day on the water, Longshore’s staff ensures a safe, approachable experience.
Westport’s location on the Sound presents consistent winds and calm bays, ideal for beginners but engaging enough for seasoned sailors. The sailing school’s structured programs emphasize water safety and sailing fundamentals, making it a trusted community hub for youth lessons and adult courses alike. The surrounding coastal environment provides a diverse backdrop — salt marshes, rocky shoreline, and open water that frequently hosts birds like osprey and heron.
Rentals are straightforward and affordable, with staff providing the necessary gear including life jackets. The school’s commitment to community shows through events like Sound cleanups and scholarship programs for local kids, highlighting a long-term dedication beyond just teaching sailing.
For visitors staying nearby, the proximity to vibrant downtown Westport means you can combine your on-water morning with excellent dining and local culture. Longshore Sailing School stands out because it makes the marine waters of Connecticut accessible, safe, and inviting, positioning Westport as a significant destination for coastal recreation on Long Island Sound.
Weekends and summer days fill quickly, so book online in advance to secure your preferred craft.
Water temperatures can be cool, so clothes that dry fast will keep you comfortable during your outing.
Life jackets are mandatory and provided if you don’t have your own—wear them properly at all times on the water.
Winds vary daily; light breeze days are easier for beginners, while stronger winds offer a more thrilling sail.
Longshore has a legacy as a community sailing hub with roots stretching back decades, emphasizing education and access for all ages.
Longshore organizes regular cleanups and promotes eco-friendly boating practices to protect Long Island Sound’s fragile coastal ecosystem.
Keeps you dry during chilly spring breezes and occasional spray on the water.
spring specific
Protects skin during prolonged exposure under open skies on the water.
summer specific
Provides grip and foot protection when launching and landing boats on rocky or sandy shores.
summer specific
Essential for staying warm during cooler mornings and windier afternoons.
fall specific