(NMC-CTI) — Community members wanting to immerse themselves in the art and tradition of Micronesian canoe culture still have a chance to participate in Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation and 500 Sails’ popular Basic Traditional Seamanship: Lalayak (Sailing) Certificate Program.
Registration for Cohort 4, now extended to Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, is open to individuals ages 14 and above.
From March 3 to March 28, 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.
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
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.
New registration deadline: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
Register here: https://bit.ly/49ACC4S
For additional information, contact Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation at [email protected] or call (670) 237-9203.
