2-week long sessions (9am-4pm M-F), July & August
Science of Sailing
A typical day on the program
In Science of Sailing, students learn the skills needed to sail a 23 foot Sonar Keelboat. They will work in a crew of 5-6 students per instructor & spend about 6 hours per day sailing.
The program includes all of the practical skills and the theory students need to become safe sailors, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Skills students will learn include:
- Rigging the boat
- Points of sail and sail trim
- Tacking and gybing
- VHF radio use
- Knots
- Navigation
More Than Sailing
At a Glance
Level 3
curriculum
1:6
instructor to student ratio
1
island trip every week
Island Trips
At the end of each week, students sail to one of the Boston Harbor Islands for a day at the beach. These trips are a fun way to recap all of the skills learned throughout the week such as charting a course, navigating through the channel and anchoring.
Testimonials
Hear from our happy sailors.
This summer was truly special for my kids (11 and 6) at Piers Park. They loved every moment and learned so much in such a short amount of time. I've never seen them so enthusiastic about an activity before. I'm so grateful that opportunities like this exist for kids in East Boston.
I am forever grateful of the great opportunity Piers Park Sailing has provided my children for the past several years as Harbor Explorers. Their commitment to teach children all aspects of sailing is remarkable. The staff goes above and beyond their call of duty. All staff members are genuinely friendly and caring. Thank you for providing my children with another wonderful year of learning.
Our kid loves the programs at Piers Park. Camp was so much fun and so educational and so well run that our kid signed up for the fall programs and wants to go back next summer. Piers Park Sailing Center is a beautiful culture. The kids that work here are empowered. The directors are graduates and are very caring. Great strategic vision. We are very lucky to have found this place.
Sign up for Science of Sailing
We'd love to welcome new recruits to the program. Enrolment is open, and we encourage you to apply early as spaces are limited. Funding support may be available to help make Science of Sailing more accessible.
FAQs
Our youth sailing and exploration programs are open to local children and teens of various ages and ability levels. Programs range from introductory experiences to more advanced learning opportunities.
No! Many of our youth begin with little to no sailing experience. Our instructors guide them step-by-step so they can learn at their own pace.
Enrollment happens on our online portal or in person. Dates, forms, and instructions are updated seasonally, so check back regularly.
We have a sliding scale (maximum $450/week) based on family income. East Boston resident families save $150 thanks to Massport and East Boston Foundation. Students with physical disabilities get free tuition thanks to Peabody Foundation. Summer extended day (8:30am-5:30pm) available for $50 per week.
We recommend weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
January 15: Returning students, Boston resident students, students with disabilities. February 1: Logan-impacted resident students (Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop). February 15: Open enrollment to all MA resident students.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions, big or small, contact our team and someone will get back to you as soon as possible
Contact us
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