Sail Portsmouth

Ninety-five feet above the water, your outlook changes forever.

Every summer, Sea Challenge sends 18 teens from across New Hampshire on a weeklong tall ship voyage. They return home with confidence, resilience, and an experience they will always cherish. 

During Sail Portsmouth's Sea Challenge program, students aged 14–18 live and work alongside a professional crew, learning to steer, navigate, set sails, cook, stand watch, and maintain the vessel. They face real challenges in a real environment. And in doing so, they develop skills that will support them throughout their lives, like self-belief, problem-solving, accountability, and teamwork.

The transformation is real. One student, who was convinced she could never climb the shaky ratlines to the top of a 95-foot mast, persisted — and made it. At the voyage's end, students step ashore with new confidence, new friendships, and a shared sense of what they're capable of. As participant Declan put it: "This was the best experience of my life."

Sea Challenge was built expressly for teenagers who face the greatest barriers to access — students identified by guidance counselors, alternative schools, and youth-serving nonprofits across the state as those who would benefit most. 

75% of participants receive financial assistance. Scholarships can cover 100% of costs. Sail Portsmouth's promise is simple: no motivated student is ever turned away for financial reasons.

This summer's voyage: July 17–24, 2026. 18 spots. Download the application form.

Since 1998, more than 350 students have taken this voyage. Your gift today helps make sure the next 18 can, too.

Your gift today:

• $50 — Covers a student's gear and supplies
• $100 — Family membership to Sail Portsmouth
• $250 — Funds a student's first day at sea
• $2,100 — Full scholarship: one student, one life-changing voyage

Know a teen aged 14–18 who would thrive on this adventure? Please share the word. Enrollment is still open!