July 13, 2026, YARMOUTH, Maine — North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) and Portland Yacht Club (PYC) today announced they have reached a conditional agreement to partner in launching a varsity interscholastic sailing program at North Yarmouth Academy beginning in the fall of 2027.

The partnership reflects NYA's continued investment in distinctive opportunities across academics, the arts, and athletics, while advancing PYC’s commitment to youth sailing and community engagement. Together, the organizations are expanding access to high-level interscholastic sailing in Maine.

Under the proposed partnership, NYA will compete in the New England Schools Sailing Association (NESSA), the regional governing body of the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA), joining one of the nation's most competitive high school sailing conferences.

"This partnership represents exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create for our students," said Head of School Ben Jackson. "At North Yarmouth Academy, we're intentionally expanding programs that encourage students to pursue their passions at the highest level while developing leadership, resilience, and character. Sailing is a natural extension of that vision, and we're thrilled to partner with Portland Yacht Club to bring this exceptional opportunity to our students and to the broader Maine sailing community."

Leading the program will be Tom Sitzmann, who recently retired following a distinguished career at Severn School in Maryland, where he built one of the nation’s most successful high school sailing programs. During his tenure, Severn captured eight National Championships, including the unprecedented achievement of winning both the 2026 Mallory Fleet Race National Championship and the Baker Team Race National Championship in the same season.

As Sailing Director for North Yarmouth Academy, Sitzmann will oversee all aspects of the varsity program. Training and practices will be conducted exclusively at Portland Yacht Club in Falmouth, Maine, utilizing the club's fleet of 12 Flying Junior (FJ) sailboats, one of the premier high school and collegiate training fleets in New England.

"This is an exciting opportunity to bring varsity sailing back to NYA while providing student-athletes with outstanding coaching and first-class facilities," said Sitzmann. "The combination of North Yarmouth Academy's commitment to excellence and Portland Yacht Club's investment in youth sailing creates a tremendous foundation for long-term success."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by North Yarmouth Academy and Portland Yacht Club to expand opportunities for young sailors while helping grow the sport throughout the region.

Portland Yacht Club has made significant investments in youth sailing in recent years, including expanding its fleet of Flying Juniors, Club 420s, and Optimists, while developing one of Maine's fastest-growing junior sailing programs. The addition of an NYA varsity team training at the club represents another important step in establishing Portland Yacht Club as a regional center for competitive youth sailing.

Recruitment of student-athletes and program planning will begin immediately, with the inaugural varsity season scheduled for the fall of 2027.

Additional details regarding coaching staff, practice schedules, and student participation will be announced as the program develops.

Media Contact:

North Yarmouth Academy
Kristi Belesca
Director of Marketing & Communication
[email protected]
207.847.5423

Portland Yacht Club
Thomas Sitzmann
Sailing Director
[email protected]
207.781.9820

About North Yarmouth Academy

Founded in 1814, North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day and boarding school for students from toddler through postgraduate. Located in Yarmouth, Maine, NYA is committed to expanding distinctive opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, and leadership that prepare students for success in college and beyond. Learn more at www.nya.org.

About Portland Yacht Club

Established in 1869 and located in Falmouth, Maine, Portland Yacht Club Portland Yacht Club is a welcoming, inclusive destination for those who have a passion for boating, maritime traditions, seamanship, and racing. PYC is a community of families, friends, and volunteers who share a love of Casco Bay. Learn more at www.portlandyachtclub.org.

 

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