(NMC) — Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation, in partnership with 500 Sails, announces Cohort 4 of its popular Basic Traditional Seamanship: Lalayak (Sailing) Certificate Program, offered through the 500 Sails Cultural Maritime Training Center. This three-week course invites participants to immerse themselves in the art and tradition of Micronesian canoe culture, blending cultural learning with practical sailing experience.
From Feb. 17 to March 14, 2026, participants in Cohort 4 will embark on a journey through both classroom learning and hands-on training. Evening sessions, held every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Guma Sakman in Susupe, will explore the theory of sailing and the wisdom of Micronesian seafaring traditions. Weekend sessions, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., will bring those concepts to life on the water — as trainees learn to sail and safely operate a traditional Chamorro Proa, a fast and ingenious canoe designed for the unique waters of the islands. (Note: No class will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.)
Following the classroom sessions, participants will complete 10 practice sails during April 2026 to demonstrate mastery of traditional sailing techniques and safety procedures.
Important participant information
Eligibility: Open to the public, ages 14 and above. Participants under 18 must have parent or guardian consent.
Location: Guma Sakman, Susupe, Saipan.
Swim Test Requirement: All participants must take and pass a mandatory swim test before the program begins. Participants are asked to arrive 15–30 minutes early on swim test day to allow adequate time for check-in and preparation.
Registration deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
Register at https://bit.ly/49ACC4S
For additional information, contact NMC-CTI at cdi@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-9203.
