Sailing Classes

Adult Sailing Classes

Ready to set sail?

Get on the water and learn with Regatta Point: join our sailing classes held weekdays from 6:00-7:45pm and experience the thrill of learning!

Beginner I and II Courses

In our beginner sailing courses, you’ll learn how to:

    • Speak the language of sailing, understand key terms and how to apply them.
    • Tie essential knots: the Cleat Hitch, Figure Eight, Square Knot, versatile Bowline, and many more.
  • Set up and dismantle a sailboat.
    • Cast off and return to dock safely through different techniques.
    • Use different sailing techniques for various points of sail.
    • Sail efficiently through the skill of wind awareness.If you’re more experienced and want to get even better at sailing, you’ll learn to:
    • Use important navigational rules to ensure a safe and confident sailing experience.
    • Use safety positions and sailing signals, so you’re prepared for diverse situations on the water.
    • Master advanced maneuvering techniques, like the technique of ‘escaping irons’. 
  • Use sails to achieve helm balance.
    • Use telltales to adjust sail, enhance boat performance, and increase speed.
  • Right a capsized sailboat.

Basic Keelboat Certification

At Regatta Point, you can attain a basic keelboat certification. Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to skipper an up-to-twenty-seven feet long keelboat. You’ll also learn how to:

  • Understand personal preparation to set sail
  • Learn the parts of a keelboat, understand sail controls, and know protective measures against electrical hazards.
  • Master advanced sailing theory, boat dynamics, wind reading, and other expert concepts such as “sailing by the lee”.
  • Know how the wind, tide, and currents can affect your sailing, and learn to navigate in various wind situations.
  • Become a pro navigator by developing basic chart reading skills, understand local Aids to Navigation objects, and avoid collisions by learning a few rules.
  • Master all aspects of the rescue process, and learn different overboard rescue methods (like the “Quick-Stop” and “Figure-8”).
  • Learn all the crucial Safety and Emergency Procedures, and learn to protect yourself and others against overheating, hypothermia, and seasickness; as well as use flares and distress signals.
  • Understand anchoring procedures for emergency situations, as well as different techniques.
  • Arrive under sail and-or power safely in various wind conditions.

Intermediate and High-Performance Sailing Course

If you’ve already mastered the basics of sailing and want to take your sailing skills to a “top 1%” level, then the intermediate and high-performance course is for you. It’s ideal to develop better sailing skills, be safer even in extreme conditions, and maximize your enjoyment of the sport. In this course, you’ll also develop all the skills needed for competitive sailing, if that’s something you’d like to do in the future.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Master tactical sailing by gauging wind strength and recognizing wind shifts.
  • Master sail trim techniques for various conditions.
  • Position your body properly for optimal balance and control in diverse sailing conditions. 
  • Apply advanced maneuvers such as roll tacks, roll gybes, and S-turn gybes, granting you more efficiency and control while maneuvering.
  • Apply crucial safety measures such as signaling for distress, coping with harsh weather conditions, and avoiding capsizing in strong winds, among others.
  • Perform pre-sail and post-sail inspections on different parts of the boat, and apply basic boat maintenance skills.
  • Forecast wind and weather changes using natural indicators, and adapt your sailing strategy accordingly.

Regatta Point Racing Program

If you’re an avid competitor and want to test your sailing skills in actual competition, the Racing Program is for you. In the racing program, you can:

  • Join a community of motivated people who pursue excellence in the sport. Post-race gatherings at local bars are really common!
  • Accelerate your sailing skills through actual racing experience—one of the fastest ways to become an expert sailor. 
  • Learn under the wing of experienced, USCG-licensed race coaches, who teach you advanced techniques such as sail trim, advanced steering, and spinnaker handling. 
  • Advance through a series of racing fleets as your skill improves.
  • Reap all the mental benefits that come from competitive racing: quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and heightened spatial awareness.
  • Test your skills by sailing in different sailing roles and weather conditions.
Register Now!

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.