About The Program
The Science of Sailing is our summer sailing program for students aged 10 – 22. This is a full day program (9AM-4PM) and each session lasts two weeks. The majority of the day will be spent on the water sailing, with a lunch break in between. Students can bring their own lunch or enjoy a free, healthy lunch provided by us. The cost to attend this program ranges based on geographic location and family income.
Our Curriculum
As students master new sailing skills, they will advance through our three-level curriculum. Throughout the session, students earn beads to track their progress. These colored beads correspond to different categories: safety on the water, navigation, seamanship, marine science, sailing skills, terminology & theory, and leadership.
All of our lessons incorporate US Sailing’s “REACH” curriculum, which teaches students the science, technology, engineering & mathematics behind sailing. Topics include:
- Measuring Wind
- Buoyancy
- Sail Area & Perimeter
- Simple Machines on Sailboats
- Marine Debris
- Upwind Sailing Angles
- Wind power
- Land vs. Sea Breezes
- Wind Power
The Science of Sailing curriculum also helps to prepare students for our future leader program. Students aged 14+ are eligible to apply to our future leader program, where they will further develop their leadership skills and train to become instructors at PPSC.
Island Trips
At the end of each week, students will 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, anchoring, and more! These full day excursions give students the opportunity to explore some of our harbor’s islands, swim, or just relax on the beach with their friends. Some of our past destinations have included Lovells, Georges, Rainsford, Peddocks, and Spectacle Island.
Video Series
Welcome to Piers Park Sailing Center’s Science of Sailing Video Series! These videos pair with our three level curriculum for students in the program. They should be used to help reinforce the new skills you have learned.
Level 1
Preparing to Sail
Learn everything you need to know to prepare for a day out on the water.
Luffing
Learn how to slow or stop your boat by luffing your sails.
Cardinal Directions
Learn to identify cardinal directions – North, South, East, and West – as a navigational aid out on the water.
Boston Harbor & Right of Way
Learn the rules for navigating Boston Harbor, including rights of way.
Pre-Rigging Knowledge
Learn the basic parts of a boat and how to tie a figure-eight knot!
Rigging
Learn how to rig a boat before heading out for a sail.
Tides and Wind
Learn about tide changes and wind – and why they are important when sailing.
Sail Trim & Tacking
Learn how to properly trim your sails and how to perform a tack.
Boat Parts
Learn the basic parts of the boat.
Points of Sail
Learn how to identify points of sail when on the water.
Listening & Communication
Learn about the importance of listening to others and communicating with your crew while sailing.
Level 2
Medical Emergencies, VHF Signals, Man Overboard
Learn how to handle a medical emergency when out on the water, how to communicate over a VHF radio, and what to do if a sailor falls overboard.
Reading A Chart
Learn how to read a nautical chart.
Knots and Lines
Learn how to tie some of the most common knots on the boat – and what they are used for.
Rising Sea Levels
Learn the dangers of rising sea levels & how it can impact Boston Harbor.
Jibing and Wing-on-Wing
Learn how to safely sail downwind and the correct way to perform a jibe.
Reefing and Heave-To
Learn how to reef a sail during high wind and how to perform a Heave-To maneuver.
