The Mattapoisett Community Sailing Association is keeping its program on an even keel.

With three summer sailing programs geared for children, adults and ORR High School students, assistant coach Amanda Mayall said the organization aims to educate and encourage a passion for sailing in a relaxed setting.

“Unlike sailing programs at a yacht club that are more geared towards competitive sailing, we try to hold a more laid-back program,” Mayall said. “Just enjoy yourself.”

Mayall works alongside head instructor Mark Thornhill, and said each program starts with the basics – water and boat safety.

“We try to connect kids with the water and hope that they share a passion,” Mayall said. “We want them to be educated about it and have respect for it.”

“Sailing is a lifetime sport. It’s great,” Mayall said. “It’s something I did as a kid and stuck with it.”

The youth sailing program runs for four sessions beginning in late June, and includes 120 students.

The organization was founded in 2007 in memory of local sailing enthusiast William E. Mee.

Mee passed away in 2006.

“He was always on the water in Mattapoisett,” said his sister and Director of the group, Jennifer Mee Collyer.

The group’s organizers work in conjunction with the Mattapoisett Recreation Committee, holding several fundraisers during the year to support the sailing programs.

With the Karl M. Collyer scholarship fund, the group also offers financial assistance to students based on need.

Since its first year, the group has continually grown, Mayall said.  When it began, the sessions for each program ran for two weeks. It has since expanded to six weeks.

“The programs sold out almost instantaneously,” she said. “We get great feedback from the parents, the kids and the community.”

Mayall said she hopes to expand the ORR High School program, creating a racing team to compete against other area high schools.

“We’re in the beginning stages,” she said. “We want to get kids out there. We start off with the basics and get into more advanced boat control.”