General Questions
Do I have to bring my own life jacket?
Regatta Point Community Sailing supplies PDFs (personal floatation devise) – US Coastguard type III life jackets for all its patrons. You are welcome to bring your own PDF/ life jacket.
When do I have to wear a PDF / life jacket?
Everyone must wear a PDF/ 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.
Can a sailboat tip over?
Yes- sailboats can tip over. It is a natural part of sailing in small boats.
What should I bring?
- Swimsuit and 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
Optional
- Waterproof camera
- Stand up paddle board, SUP paddle and 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.
If I get hot 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?
Parking is free at Lake Chauncy and Coes Pond.
Parking at Lake Quinsigamond is free after 5. The parking day rate is $8.00 and a season parking pass is is only $60. The season pass is a good at all Mass Parks.
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 help hundreds kids, teens and families afford the learn to sail 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 Quinsiagmond 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.
Scholarship Applications Request can be mailed to:
Regatta Point Community Sailing
PO Box 4008
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Or dropped off at the boathouse, or emailed to info@regattapoint.org
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@regattapoint.org.
Can I rent a sailboat by the hour?
We don’t have sailboats for rental, but they are available to Adult Membership holders! A season pass holder may attend our sailing clinics, or pass a basic checkout to show us that they know how to sail.
Is the boathouse still open 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.
Youth Programs
What time can I drop off/pick up my kids?
Drop off is between 8:45 and 9am.
Pickup is at 4pm.
What should my kids bring to camp?
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Lunch
- Bathing Suit
- Change of Clothing
What if my child will be absent?
Please call (508)757-2140 and let us know if your child will be absent.
How do kids store their lunches?
Kids 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 Members leave for lunch?
The Junior Members are free to leave the park for lunch. They must sign themselves in and out.
Are the instructors qualified?
Yes! All of our camp counselors are qualified. Most counselors are Lifeguard Certified as well, and any training from the US Sailing, US Rowing and American Red Cross is kept up to date. We make sure that we have a 1:10 ratio, with 1 lifeguard or instructor to every 10 campers.
How do kids earn ratings?
We love to recognize the kids for a job well done and they love it, too! We recognize kids as they earn ratings at the end of every camp week. These are based on the skills the kids learn during camp and are completely voluntary to participate in, but the kids love being able to show off their accomplishments! These awards also help us work out the skill levels before kids sign up for more advanced camps.
Sailing Achievement Awards:
- Deck Hand
- Skipper
- Helmsman
Do I have to book multiple weeks consecutively?
Nope! You can book your weeks throughout the entire summer, as well as mixing and matching the weeks to meet your schedule.
What will campers do in the 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 boating activities will the campers do during the day?
At Regatta Point we want campers to experience a variety of bating activities throughout the week. In addition to spending half of the day sailing, campers will spend time learning how to kayak both single and double and learn stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
What will the first day be like?
The first day of camp can feel overwhelming especially for our newer and younger campers. Our staff will spend a great deal of time introducing themselves and going over our camp rules and expectation. We will conduct a swim to so staff can make sure they understand each student’s individual abilities. It is often our most “classroom” filled day of the week, but kids love the corporative games and activities that get kids to know each other.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions just drop us an email! We’d love to provide you with any information you’d like. Our email is info@regattapoint.org
What is your Tax ID Number for my taxes?
Here you go: 04-2309329
Adult Membership Questions
What type of ADULT memberships do you offer?
RPCS offers the following memberships, which include sailing and paddle sports:
- Adult Full Season – one person new to sailing
- Adult Full Season Returning – one person with sailing experience
- Double Adult Membership – two people living the in the same household signing up together
- Adult Student Membership (16+) for any full time student
- 30 day Memberships – try out Regatta Point
- Senior Membership – Over 65
- Military Memberships – for active or retired service members. Thank you for your service!
What is an Access Pass?
Access Passes allow you to have unlimited usage of the Kayaks and SUPS whenever we are open for as long as you want.
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.
Can I get 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?
At the time of membership sign up there is a place to fill in your class choice. You can also sign up by in your membership portal, phone, email, or in person.
How do I earn my helmsman certification?
After completing the beginner I 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 do I take after I have 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.
Paddle Questions
What is Paddle Reward?
When you rent (kayak, paddle board, paddle boat, or row 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?
- Lake Chauncy & Coes Pond – explore the whole lake after getting on the boat.
- 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.
How do I rent?
- Sign waiver
- Pay for first hour
- Go out and have fun!
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.