Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to bring my own lifejacket?
Regatta Point Community Sailing supplies PFDs (personal floatation device) – US Coastguard type III life jackets for all its patrons. You are welcome to bring your own PFD/ life jacket.
When do I have to wear a PFD/lifejacket?
Everyone must wear a PFD/ life jacket when on the dock or in a boat.
Who is responsible for my safety?
The person who rents the equipment is responsible for the safety of everyone. Regatta Point will help under the good Samaritan Law, but is under no obligation to help. You must boat responsibly.
What should I bring?
- Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic)
- Sunglasses with lanyard (polarized recommended)
- Hat with visor
- Closed-toed water shoes
- Small water bottle or hydration system
- Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler
- Sunscreen
Optional
- Waterproof camera
- US Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD
- Extra change of clothes
- Towel
- Lip balm with sunscreen
What We Provide
Use of all necessary paddling equipment: boards, paddles, PFDs, etc.
Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs and they are always welcome, they just have to be on a leash.
Can I jump in the water?
For safety reasons, you cannot jump off the docks or boats. There is a designated swim area in each location.
Do I have to pay for parking?
The parking day rate at both locations is $8.00 for MA residents, and a season parking pass is is only $60. The season pass is a good at all Mass Parks. You can pay for daily parking at the parking station, or through the Yodel app.
What is your tax ID number?
We are a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit and our tax ID number is 04-2309329.
What is the Gordon Battye Scholarship Fund? How do I apply?
In 2010, Joan Battye seeded the scholarship with $500 in the name of her late husband and former assistant manager Gordon Battye. Since 2010, this scholarship has helped hundreds of kids, teens and families afford the rowing, sailing, and boating programs at Regatta Point Community Sailing.
Gordon Battye’s love for the lake inspired the scholarship fund in his name to support access to RPCS / Lake Quinsigamond for anyone in our community regardless of age, ability, race, gender, religion, or economic status.
To apply, please fill out the Gordon Battye Scholarship Fund Request Form. You may request a copy of the form by emailing us at info (at) regattapoint (dot) org.
Scholarship Applications Request can be dropped off at the boathouse, emailed to info (at) regattapoint (dot) org, or mailed to:
Regatta Point
PO Box 4008
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Is camp still on when it’s raining?
Yes! As long as there is no thunder, lightning, heavy winds, rains, or other weather risks we will be open.
All classes keep going; we have amazing indoor spaces. If the forecast is for heavy winds, rain or other weather risk, we do stop boating operations, delay openings or close early. You can always call the boathouse, check out our facebook page, or look on the website to find out.
What should I do if I have other questions?
We’re always happy to help with class/camp selection, placement, and other inquiries. Contact us at 508-757-2140 or email us at info (at) regattapoint (dot) org.
What time can I drop off/pick up my child?
Sailing & Boating Camps
Drop off is between 8:45 and 9am
Pickup is at 4pm
Rowing Camp
Drop off is between 7:45 and 8am
Pickup is at 12:30pm
What should my child bring to camp?
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Lunch
- Bathing Suit
- Change of Clothing
- Rowing Camp: Socks
What if my child will be absent?
Please call (508)757-2140 and let us know if your child will be absent.
How do campers store their lunches?
Campers leave their lunches in bags in the cubbies or lockers. If their lunch needs to be kept cold, make sure to pack it in a cooler.
Can Junior/Teen Sailing campers leave for lunch?
The Junior/Teen campers are free to leave the park for lunch. They must sign themselves in and out.
How are the instructors qualified?
All of our camp counselors are qualified. Most counselors are Lifeguard Certified as well, and any training from the US Sailing, US Rowing and the American Red Cross is kept up to date.
Do I need to book multiple weeks consecutively?
Nope! For campers taking multiple classes, you can book weeks that meet your schedule.
What will campers do in rain or bad weather?
We all hope for a perfect Summer when it comes to weather but we know that doesn’t happen. In the case of rain we will still have camp. If the rain and winds are light, campers will still go out on the water and get a little wet. If the rains are heavy or the weather looks harsh, we have shelters at all of our locations where campers can be safe. During our indoor time staff will still cover some boating lessons. This can include knots, parts of the boat and safety lessons. Please note there may be days in which the weather is sunny and warm but the winds make it unsafe to go on the water. During these days our staff will continue to work on boating techniques but in a safer environment.
What type of adult memberships do you offer?
| Adult Membership Levels | Paddle | Sail + Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Works in Worcester & Hopkinton | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Access to paddle equipment (kayaks, SUPs) | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Guest privileges in same boat (tandem kayaks) & Discounts on additional guest rentals | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Discounts on paddling adventures and clinics | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Use of storage lockers and member space | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Invitation to social events | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Enrollment in the sailing classes of your choice, from beginner to advanced | ⚫ | |
| Access to sailing equipment (certification required) | ⚫ | |
| Opportunity to achieve US Sailing Small Boat Certifications | ⚫ | |
| Guest privileges in your sailboat (certification required) | ⚫ | |
| Discounted private sailing lessons | ⚫ |
Can I bring guests?
With a RPCS membership you can bring in a guest to kayak even on the first day! You can take out guests with any boat that you are certified for. Boats for our members are on a first-come first-served basis. For kayakers, you can take a guest in a tandem or buy a buddy pass for $10.
How do I get certified if I already know how to sail?
If you are an experienced sailor, a checkout with one of our instructors is easy to arrange. It takes about an hour. To arrange one, email info (at) regattapoint (dot) org.
Can I book a private lesson?
Yes. Simply call our office 508-757-2140 and book your time, register and pay. You must register and pay beforehand in order to ensure we have an instructor available.
How do I sign up for classes?
When you sign up for a membership there is a place to fill in your class choice. You can also sign up in the membership portal (sailing) or RegattaCentral (rowing).
How do I earn my helmsman certification?
After completing the Beginner I Sailing class, you can sign up in the office for your helmsman test. Times are available starting at 4 pm on weekdays and during our weekend hours. There needs to be at least a 5 knot wind to complete the test.
What classes can I take after my helmsman certification?
The class after your helmsman is called Beginner II Sailing. The class teaches you how to use a jib, balance a boat, and working together with two sailors.
What is a Paddle Reward Card?
When you rent a kayak, paddle board, or paddle boat, pick up a frequent Rental Card and have it punched in the office every time you rent. Rent 5 times and get the 6th rental free!
Who can rent a boat?
Adults 18 years old and older may rent and use any boat.
Young adults 12 – 17 may rent boats with signature of parent or guardian and direct adult supervision (from the same boat, in an adjacent boat, or from our dock).
Children under 12 may only rent boats when accompanied by an adult.
Where can I go?
- On Lake Quinsigamond, any renter can explore the area from the Route 9 bridge to the north end of the lake any time.
For your safety, you can become certified (for paddle boards and kayaks only) to explore the entire lake after participating in a brief safety training. The cost of whole lake certification is free. Just watch the video once a year and answer the questions on the test.
What are the key safety rules?
We are committed to maintaining a safe boating environment. These rules help to ensure your enjoyment:
- On Lake Quinsigamond, stay on the north end of the lake (unless certified for the whole lake)
- Wear proper fitting lifejackets at all time
- Do not swim or jump from boat
- Only land at the Regatta Point dock or facility.
What level is right for my child?
Whether you’re a seasoned rower or a beginner, our program welcomes all skill levels.
- Recreational Team: Ideal for those with additional after-school commitments, or those who just want “a taste” of rowing. Train in singles, doubles and quads with a focus on skill development and fun.
- Novice Competitive Team: A perfect starting point for those new to racing. Receive comprehensive training and work towards personal and team goals.
- Varsity Competitive Team: For those ready to take their rowing to the next level. Experience challenging training and competition, guided by our experienced coaching team of former collegiate rowers and coxswains.
I’ve never rowed before. How can I get involved?
We welcome teens with any amount of rowing experience–even none! Come to one of our free learn-to-row days, join a summer camp, or jump right in by signing up for a team.