UMass Boston Sailing Program
Boats
The Sailing program has a fleet of 14 Cape Cod Mercurys for beginners, 5 Laser sailing boats and 3 Club 420's for more seasoned sailors and 3 Olympic Class Solings for more advanced skippers and crews.
Sailing Program Hours
Season: April - October
This year the program will start from Wednesday, April 15, 2009.
Hours of Operation:
- 2009 Spring/Fall: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 pm - 6pm
- 2009 Summer: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12pm - 7pm
Membership
Use of the Sailing Program is FREE with a current and valid UMass Boston Student ID Card. Staff, Alumni, Community Members and Visitors are required to purchase a Sailing Membership Card through the Sailing Program Manager. Membership Cards are available to individuals, families, and groups * .
Fees for the Sailing Program are based on the following rates:
- $190 for 12 months pass
- $119 for 60 day pass
- $48 per person for one hour lesson
Learn to Sail
Participants are taught how to sail using US Sailing standards and they learn the necessary safety and maintenance procedures to make the sailing experience a smooth and enjoyable one.
Requirements
Participants are required to take a Performance Test which evaluates their skill in performing basic sailing maneuvers, demonstrating rigging and unrigging, and showing an understanding of safety precautions and right-of-way rules. Passing this test qualifies participants to take out the lasers and Rhodes on solo rides.
Beginners are required to take a minimum of 3-5 lessons * * with an instructor before becoming eligible to take the Performance Test.
All sailors and guests are required to wear:
- A PFD ( Personal Floation Device ) - Life Jacket
- Athletic shoes ( sneakers or boat shoes)
- no flip-flops , no dress shoes and no sandles
Sailing Lessons
The Sailing Program has well trained sailing instructors who will teach you the following standards and precautions for sailing. Such as:
Sailing and Maneuvering
- Leaving the dock
- Beat, reach, run, jibe and tack
- Getting out of irons
- Proper trim of sail
- Proper trim of boat
- Use of centerboard
- Man overboard procedure
- Landing at dock
Precautions and Safety
- Restricted sailing areas
- Maximum number of people in boats
- Procedure after capsize
- Explain recall signals
Rules of the Road
- Three basic sailing rules
- Right of way between powerboats, sailboats and rowboats
Rigging the Boat
- Knots
- Step mast, rig boom and sail
- Launch the boat
- Care of boat at dock
- Set sail and make boat ready
- Haul, unrig and leave boat on dock
- Roll sail
- Furl sail on boom
- Rig a small sail
- Proper method of cleating the halyard
Racing
The Sailing Program is currently looking for volunteers interested in training to become part of the UMass Boston Sailing Team. Learn to sail, hone your skills and represent the University at racing events in and around Boston. For more information please contact the Sailing Program Manager.
Employment
If you are interested in joing our team of sailing instructors please contact us.
* The sailing program has a 24 sailor maximum capacity per group per day.
* * The number of lessons required may vary based on participant’s comfort and skill level.