Learn to Sail at Community Boating Programs

Boston Sailing Lessons for Youth, Adults, and Physically Challenged

Sep 17, 2009

Community Boating Inc. Boston offers inexpensive sailing lessons for adults, youth and an award-winning program for people who are physically challenged to learn to sail.

Since its inception in 1936 when Joseph Lee Jr. began a summer recreation program for the kids of Boston’s West End, Community Boating Inc. has grown to become an ever expanding and adaptable venue for affordable sailing for everyone – including people with physical challenges.

Community Boating Inc. website states the organization is "committed to the advancement of Sailing for All by minimizing economic and physical obstacles to the sport of sailing."

Accessible Sailing for Physically Challenged

Community Boating Inc. in Boston received the Community Sailing Council Award for Outstanding Program for Disabled Sailors at the 2008 US Sailing Conference in San Diego, CA.

Thanks to the efforts of Community Boating Inc. Executive Director, Charlie Zechel, this not-for-profit sailing organization in Boston modified sailboats to accommodate people with varying physical challenges that would normally prevent them from being able to participate.

Under Zechel's leadership, Community Boating Inc. in Boston partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Office of Public Private Partnerships, and Genzyme Corporation (an international biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge MA) to implement this award-winning program in 2007.

For only $1, people with disabilities can access specially modified sailboats that allow for adaptive sailing instruction, or can simply enjoy a sail on the Charles River. According to their most recent newsletter, Basin Breezes, there were more than 400 participants for the 2009 season.

Youth Programs at Community Boating

Every summer, for more than 60 years, pre-teens and teens (aged 10-18) have been able to learn the skills and discipline necessary to sail and become active members of a team of sailors, many times advancing to become the mentors for the Junior Program as they mature. The Junior Program offers sailing, wind surfing, and kayaking instruction.

To keep the program accessible to all youth, no matter their economic circumstances, the Junior Program is available for $1 for the season that runs from mid-June through mid-August. To participate, youth must have parent/guardian permission, and be able to swim a minimum of 75 yards. The Junior Program had 2500 kids participating during the 2009 season.

Sailing as a Family Sport at Community Boating

With the current financial downturn, many families have cut back on family vacations, but sailing at Community Boating in Boston can be a surprisingly economical family adventure. For only $240/year, an adult can have access to sailboats and all classes and instruction available. With the Junior Program fee of only $1/child, this can truly help reduce expenses for family activities.

Learning to sail at a community boating organization can be an economical way for a family to spend a fun-filled summer together that can create memories and shared interest that may last a lifetime. There are other not-for-profit community boating organizations across the United States that offer similar low-cost sailing lessons for youth and adults.

Community Boating Inc. Boston is located on the Esplanade on the Charles River along Storrow Drive at 21 David Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02114 – 617.523.1038

The copyright of the article Learn to Sail at Community Boating Programs in Sail Boats is owned by Barbara Shema. Permission to republish Learn to Sail at Community Boating Programs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.