Atlantic Challenge USA empowers young people and adults across generations through hands-on maritime experiences that promote mental resilience, physical confidence, and compassionate leadership. Rooted in traditional 18th-century Bantry Bay gigs and part of a global network of community boatbuilding, rowing, and sailing programs, we strengthen community bonds, intercultural understanding, and personal growth on and off the water.
Our programs include seasonal public rowing, expedition-based training throughout Penobscot Bay, traditional oar-building workshops, volunteer work parties to care for our boats, and participation in the biennial Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship. Through shared effort, challenge, and connection, we build strong individuals and resilient communities.
Our programs include seasonal public rowing, expedition-based training throughout Penobscot Bay, traditional oar-building workshops, volunteer work parties to care for our boats, and participation in the biennial Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship. Through shared effort, challenge, and connection, we build strong individuals and resilient communities.
Our Global Community
Atlantic Challenge USA is a member of Atlantic Challenge International, a global network dedicated to the development of young adults, the deepening of global understanding, and the building of friendly ties across cultures. Every two years, teams from a dozen nations gather in a new host location for the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship, a weeklong celebration and friendly competition that showcases traditional seamanship skills through rowing, sailing, docking, knot-tying, and navigation events.
Our Boats
The boats we primarily use are Bantry Bay gigs, replicas of 18th-century French Navy captain’s gigs once used to transport admirals. These 38-foot wooden vessels are powered by three dipping-lug sails and ten oars. Sailing and rowing a gig demands high levels of cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility, making each voyage a powerful exercise in teamwork and trust.
Our Commitment
Atlantic Challenge USA is committed to cultivating a culture of respect, equality, listening, learning, healing, and growth across all of our programs. We strive to create welcoming and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ participants and for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color. We believe the outdoors, and access to the water, should be open and meaningful for everyone.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our programs take place on the ancestral, unceded lands and waters of the Wabanaki and Penobscot Nations, who have cared for this place for thousands of years. We recognize our responsibility to continue learning, to honor this history, and to work toward justice for Indigenous people who continue to live here today including through education, relationship-building, and advocacy for just public policy.
We Are Listening
We are committed to continual growth. If you have feedback, ideas, or suggestions that can help us build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Atlantic Challenge USA community, we welcome hearing from you. Please contact us.
Atlantic Challenge USA is a member of Atlantic Challenge International, a global network dedicated to the development of young adults, the deepening of global understanding, and the building of friendly ties across cultures. Every two years, teams from a dozen nations gather in a new host location for the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship, a weeklong celebration and friendly competition that showcases traditional seamanship skills through rowing, sailing, docking, knot-tying, and navigation events.
Our Boats
The boats we primarily use are Bantry Bay gigs, replicas of 18th-century French Navy captain’s gigs once used to transport admirals. These 38-foot wooden vessels are powered by three dipping-lug sails and ten oars. Sailing and rowing a gig demands high levels of cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility, making each voyage a powerful exercise in teamwork and trust.
Our Commitment
Atlantic Challenge USA is committed to cultivating a culture of respect, equality, listening, learning, healing, and growth across all of our programs. We strive to create welcoming and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ participants and for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color. We believe the outdoors, and access to the water, should be open and meaningful for everyone.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our programs take place on the ancestral, unceded lands and waters of the Wabanaki and Penobscot Nations, who have cared for this place for thousands of years. We recognize our responsibility to continue learning, to honor this history, and to work toward justice for Indigenous people who continue to live here today including through education, relationship-building, and advocacy for just public policy.
We Are Listening
We are committed to continual growth. If you have feedback, ideas, or suggestions that can help us build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Atlantic Challenge USA community, we welcome hearing from you. Please contact us.
Atlantic Challenge USA
c/o Arista Holden, Executive Director
PO Box 481
Belfast, Maine 04915
+1 (207) 610-9554
[email protected]
We are a registered 501(c)3 tax deductible non-profit. Our EIN: 83-3459645
We are members of the TSCA, and the Belfast Chamber of Commerce
c/o Arista Holden, Executive Director
PO Box 481
Belfast, Maine 04915
+1 (207) 610-9554
[email protected]
We are a registered 501(c)3 tax deductible non-profit. Our EIN: 83-3459645
We are members of the TSCA, and the Belfast Chamber of Commerce