All About High School Sailing

As mentioned, NESSA is the governing body for high school sailing in New England. All of high school sailing falls under the ISSA (Inter-Scholastic Sailing Association). Again, unlike other high school sports, in sailing, schools compete regionally and nationally, and includes public as well as private schools. Eligibility to compete begins in the 9th grade and has no age limitations (other than the fact that the student must compete for the school in which they intend to matriculate). 

There are active districts in six other regions besides New England, and hundreds of schools across the country that compete year-round. In the fall, there are some double-handed events as well as the single-handed national championships (The Cressy). During the spring, teams compete in both fleet racing as well as team racing events with their goal being to make it to the national championships. (The Mallory for fleet racing and the Baker for team racing) These events are hosted by a different district each year.

If you have not already registered to become a member school, you can do so from the NESSA website. Once you become a member, you will be eligible for the national qualifiers as well as other events with your team.