Kim Hapgood, program director at Sail Newport, is celebrating 30 years with the nonprofit public sailing center — three decades that have shaped thousands of sailors and helped establish the organization as a nationally recognized leader in sailing education.
Hapgood joined Sail Newport in 1996 and has since built a comprehensive slate of programs serving sailors from age 5 through adulthood, ranging from beginner recreational courses to advanced race training. She also co-founded the Pell School Science and Sailing program, a fourth-grade curriculum integrating hands-on science learning with sailing that is now in its ninth year.
Serves 30 Years as Program Director (Sail Newport)
“Kim Hapgood has been the heart and soul of Sail Newport for 30 years,” said Executive Director Brad Read. “Kim has literally kept Sail Newport running for three decades.”
Beyond Newport, Hapgood has made a significant mark on sailing nationally, serving as a master instructor-trainer for U.S. Sailing and contributing to the national governing body’s curriculum development. She is a recipient of the U.S. Sailing Prosser Award for Excellence in sailing instruction (2008), the U.S. Sailing Timmy Larr Award for excellence in programs (2021), and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association’s Boater of the Year Award (2018).
Her own sailing career includes winning the Women’s Keelboat World Championship in 1999 and competing on the Women’s Match Race World Circuit.
Hapgood holds a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a master’s degree from Columbia University.
