Volume 1 — Issue 3 — June, 2026

Sail Salem’s nineteenth season is officially underway, and we could not be more excited, grateful, and thankful to everyone who helped make this moment possible.

In this issue of Underway, and in several editions to follow throughout the summer, we are pleased to introduce you to our Camp Director and the outstanding group of instructors who truly make the Sail Salem experience so special. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and love of sailing create an environment where young sailors develop confidence, forge friendships, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the water.

They are the heart and soul of Sail Salem. We are proud of the talented crew that guides our campers each day and look forward to sharing their stories with you in the weeks ahead.

Behind every first launch of the season are countless hours of preparation by our Board members, volunteers, instructors, staff, and supporters. Boats have been rigged, equipment inspected, docks prepared, permits secured, and plans put into place- all with one goal in mind: providing another safe, fun, and memorable summer on the water for our young sailors.

As campers arrive and sails are raised, we are reminded that Sail Salem is much more than a sailing program. It is a community built on teamwork, friendship, confidence, and a shared love of the sea. Each summer brings new faces, returning families, and opportunities for young people to discover skills and strengths they never knew they possessed.

We are deeply appreciative of the many individuals and organizations whose generosity of time, talent, and financial support make Sail Salem possible. From our resolute instructors and volunteers to our donors, community partners, and families, your commitment ensures that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and life lessons that sailing provides.

As we embark on our nineteenth season, we look forward to another summer filled with adventure, learning, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Fair winds to all, and welcome aboard!

— The Sail Salem Board of Directors

Meet Schuyler Ward
Our 2026 Camp Director

Schuyler Ward has worn many hats at Sail Salem—as a Board member, sailing instructor, mentor, and Co-Chair of our Marketing and Communications Committee. He also serves as Head Coach of the Salem High School Sailing Team and Indoor Track program.

Growing up on Cape Cod, Schuyler learned to sail through community sailing programs at the Chatham Yacht Club Sailing School. Those early experiences shaped his belief that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the confidence, independence, and joy that sailing can provide.

Today, Schuyler helps bring that vision to life at Sail Salem. Whether coaching on the water, mentoring young sailors, promoting our programs throughout the community, or helping guide the organization’s future, he is passionate about creating opportunities for local youth. As he shared in WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle feature on Sail Salem, his goal is to “pay it forward” by giving today’s young sailors the same opportunities that helped shape his own life.

We are grateful for Schuyler’s leadership, energy, and commitment to making sailing accessible to all.

Meet Nico Gilbert
Head Instructor, Opti Program

Nico Gilbert is a student at Suffolk University in Boston, where he is pursuing a pre-law track. During the academic year, he competes as a prosecutor on the university’s Mock Trial Team, combining his interests in public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy. Outside the classroom, he enjoys skiing in the winter and spending time with friends and family on the tennis court.

A lifelong sailor, Nico spends much of his summer racing in local yacht club regattas and enjoying time on the water. He has been part of the Sail Salem community for nearly a decade, first as a camper and now as an instructor entering his fourth year on staff.

What keeps Nico coming back each summer is his passion for sailing and the opportunity to share that passion with others. He especially enjoys watching young sailors gain confidence as they learn new skills and discover their way around a sailboat. For Nico, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing campers develop a love for the water while creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Sail Salem is proud to have Nico as part of its instructional team, where his enthusiasm, experience, and dedication help inspire the next generation of sailors.

Meet Jasper Westhoven
Head Instructor, 420 Program

Jasper Westhoven grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where a love of the water has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. He began sailing at the age of eight through the Swampscott and Nahant community sailing programs, where he quickly developed a passion for the sport and the challenges of learning to sail.

As his skills progressed, Jasper joined the competitive sailing programs at Pleon Yacht Club, sailing on the Opti, Laser, and 420 race teams. These experiences helped him develop strong sailing, racing, and teamwork skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the discipline and sportsmanship that sailing requires. He later attended St. John’s Prep, where he continued his involvement in the sport as a member of the school’s sailing team.

After spending several years living in Germany, Jasper recently returned to Massachusetts and is currently pursuing online studies in Finance. His international experiences have broadened his perspective and strengthened his adaptability, independence, and problem-solving abilities.

Jasper is excited to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for sailing with the next generation of sailors. He enjoys helping young people gain confidence on the water, learn new skills, and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a sailboat. Outside of sailing, he enjoys running.

Good News Salem Families!

We have lifted the two-week registration limit!

Several weeks still have openings, and campers may now sign up for as many weeks as they would like, space permitting. More weeks means more sailing, more friends, and more summer fun!

Visit our Sailing Programs Page to view available weeks and reserve your spot. We look forward to welcoming more young sailors aboard this summer!

We Care!

Sustaining the ocean and protecting the local coastline is vital to our mission. Our STEAM education program teaches responsible stewardship of our marine environment and is an important part of our camp curriculum.

Providing Unforgettable Experiences

Sail Salem connects our community to the sea through historic sailing, maritime education, and hands-on experiences on the water. Your donation helps maintain our watercraft and equipment and expand our STEAM educational program. Every gift helps keep our sails full and our mission moving forward.

Our community is the wind behind our sails.
Thank you for being a part of it!

Sail Salem does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran/military status, or genetic information and is funded, in part, by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.