NESS Kicks Off Summer with Free Community Event June 23

Stonington, CT – The New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) is kicking off the summer season with their annual NESS Fest on Saturday, June 23 (11am-3pm) at their Stonington location at 72 Water Street. This free event will feature fun activities including sailing, powerboat tours, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. This event is open to the public. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

NESS's Director of Advancement Marggie Slichter explains, "NESS Fest is a great opportunity for us to give back to our community. It's a full day of fun that's all about getting people out on the water, whether it be through kayaking, SUPing, sailing, or on a powerboat. We're also looking forward to some fun land-based events this year!" 
  
The Haven Brothers food truck from Providence will be onsite with food available for purchase. Matt Beaudoin from Mystic Knotwork will be at the event teaching attendees how to tie either a survival bracelet for their wrists or a small lanyard for their boat shackles. Supplies will be provided at no cost, though a donation to NESS would be appreciated. Mystic Knotwork is a 61-year-old family operation in Mystic most famous for their sailor bracelets, though they also make decorative knots for homes, weddings, and events. 
  
NESS Fest participants are welcome to enjoy ocean adventure activities, tour the facilities, meet the staff, and learn more about NESS's summer programs. No prior experience in water sports is necessary and participants will be supervised by trained and experienced NESS staff members. 
  
As an ocean adventure nonprofit, NESS provides STEM-based education programs, on the water and off, for students from all walks of life. With its fleet of sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, windsurfers, and SUPs, in 2017 NESS taught over 8,500 students ages four to adult. This summer, NESS is introducing boat tours to its already impressive lineup of courses and classes. The nonprofit is also expanding its adaptive sailing program for people with disabilities. For more information, call 860-535-9362 or visit www.nessf.org. 

New England Science & Sailing Foundation, Inc. (NESS), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ocean adventure education organization that engages students in experiential learning to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Marine sciences, adventure sports, powerboating, and sailing are platforms for inquiry-based learning, personal discovery, teaching respect and responsibility for the sea, and creating connections with the community. NESS operates year-round with families, schools, and organizations to provide high-quality programs that blend an innovative curriculum with exciting ocean adventure activities. For more information, visit www.nessf.org.