Learning to sail is a local tradition in Bristol, but the pricey sport can be out of reach for some. This summer, the Herreshoff Marine Museum is opening its sailing classes to all.

The museum is offering scholarships to children who want to learn to sail but may not be able to afford the $300 tuition for the week-long class. The scholarships, funded in part by a grant from the Champlain Foundation, typically cover about 75 percent of the class cost. Prospective recipients must fill out an application and write an essay on why they want to learn how to sail. Contact Sailing Director Mariah Coughlin at m.coughlin@herreshoff.org for an application.

The children's sailing programs, open to kids ages 7-15, begin June 22. Each session runs Monday-Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. There are nine weekly programs scheduled, running through the middle of August. There are also half-day camps available, running from 8:45 a.m. to noon, for $170. A full schedule is available at herreshoff.org.

Students learn all there is to know about sailing, from the basics of tying proper knots to navigating, tacking and handling a boat on the open water.

"The camp is based on seamanship," Ms. Coughlin said. "It's a lot of being on the water, learning an appreciation and respect for the water."

Children learn to sail on 16-foot Herreshoff sloops, sailing four to a boat with one instructor. The classes are limited to 30 students to allow greater individual attention. After three days learning the basics, the students embark on a sail to Hog Island on Thursday, before parents can come see what their children learned during Family Day on Friday.

The children's program is growing in popularity in Ms. Coughlin's second year conducting the classes. The program grew by 50 percent last year, and she expects another 50 percent growth this year. Adults aren't left out of the fun. Adult classes are also available throughout the summer. A package of four classes costs $175. Visit herreshoff.org for more information and a full schedule.