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Lessons
The WBC offers an 8 week sailing program with lessons for beginners, intermediates, advanced and adult sailors. There will be an orientation for new Beginner students before lessons begin (consult the calendar). Lessons for all classes will begin on the Monday after school ends, and will run through mid-August.
Important Notes:
- Please consult the WBC Calendar for exact dates and events.
- For fees, please consult the dues and fees page under MyWBC.
- In order to register for sailing lessons, children must be nine years old on or before September 1.
- Boats at the WBC are privately owned (with the exception of 420s which are used in the Tactics class). It is each family's responsibility to arrange for a boat for their child's use in sailing lessons. We ask that you have your boat arrangements made and registered in the office by the Wednesday before lessons begin. Please see our Sailing FAQ page for helpful information.
- In order to participate in sailing lessons, children must complete the sailing swim test before July 5.
- The sailing swim test entails swimming two lengths of the pool fully clothed in long pants, a button down shirt, and a bathing suit. Upon completing the two laps, the sailor must disrobe while treading water, and then tread water for five minutes more. The clothes should be light weight and easily removable because they must be taken off before treading water. The test is administered by the lifeguards during adult swim. This test is important, but the kids are allowed to take it as many times as they want until they pass.
| Class | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | M, Tu, Th | 7:30 - 10:30 AM |
| Intermediate | M, Tu, F Th |
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM 12:30 - 4:00 PM |
| Tactics | M, Tu, F Th |
1:15 - 4:00 PM 12:30 - 4:00 PM |
| Adult | W | 8:30 - 11:30 AM |
- Beginner
- Teaches the fundamentals of sailing for novice and younger sailors. Sailors will be instructed in rowing, rigging of boats, basic maneuvering, and safety.
- Intermediate
- Must have passed both the Beginner level. Refines basic sailing techniques and teaches more skills building up to racing.
- Tactics
- Must have passed Intermediate level. Teaches the advanced tactics of racing using the club's 420 racing boats. This class races most days during lessons and is encouraged to compete both on and off the lake.
- Adult
- Casual lessons to teach adults the basics of sailing.
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Regattas
There are numerous WBC regattas held on the lake for all levels of junior sailors for both the N-10 and Opti fleets. Check the WBC Calendar for dates.
| Regatta | Age | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Swanson Cup | 9 to 13 | N-10 |
| Raphael Cup | 13 to 18 | N-10 |
| Dillon Cup | Any age (including adults) | N-10 |
| Opti Cup | 9 to 16 | Optimist |
| Generation Race | Junior Skipper, Adult Crew | N-10 |
For competition off the lake, there are several other clubs in the area where WBC sailors travel for regattas. Check the WBC Calendar for all the regatta dates.
| Club (click below for club website) |
Address (click below for map/directions) |
Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage Park Yacht Club | Orlando Avenue, Winthrop MA 02152 | +1 (617) 846-9801 |
| Hingham Yacht Club | 211 Downer Avenue, Hingham, MA 02043 | +1 (781) 749-9779 |
| Hull Yacht Club | 5 Fitzpatrick Way, Hull, MA 02045 | +1 (781) 925-9739 |
| Medford Boat Club | 99 Lake Shore Drive, Arlington, MA 02474 | +1 (781) 648-1087 |
| Pleon Yacht Club | 42 Foster Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 | +1 (781) 631-1076 |
| Squantum Yacht Club | 646 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA 02170 | +1 (617) 770-4811 |
| Winchester Boat Club | 65 Cambridge Street, Winchester, MA 01890 | +1 (781) 729-0584 |
| Winthrop Yacht Club | 649 Shirley Street, Winthrop, MA 02152 | +1 (617) 846-9774 |
If you have any other questions about the Junior Sailing Program please refer to the Sailing FAQ or contact the Sailing Director.
Race Committee
The WBC has a very dedicated Race Committee that officiates at all the weekend races on the lake. It is very interesting and fun work for anyone who wants to get out on the lake without sailing, and the committee is always looking for volunteers. To learn more, contact our Race Committee Director. There is also a Race Committee Handbook if you are interested in reading about the process. To sign up for Race Committee, visit our race committee schedule page.
N-10 Fleet
Check the Calendar for all the N-10 Regatta dates. The N-10 Association requires that all boats be weighed prior to competing in any official N-10 Association regattas. The N-10's must meet a minimum weight requirement in order to pass the test. Contact the N-10 Fleet Captain if you need to have you N-10 weighed for competition. Please remember that ALL boats must be registered with the N-10 Association to participate in regattas. A completed registration form and the annual dues should be collected when attaining a mooring or signing up for the sailing programs,
Optimist Fleet
Check the WBC Calendar for all the OPTI Regatta dates.
420 Fleet
- GUIDELINES FOR SAILING THE WBC's 420 BOATS
Sailing of club 420s is encouraged for all qualified members provided that the conditions are safe and that the on duty staff is informed and available to assist in the event of an on the water emergency.
To facilitate the safe usage of the club 420s, the WBC requires that sailors pass a basic sailing test before using the boats. This test can be administered by any of the club's full time instructors as well as other qualified members. Office staff will help in arranging for one of these individuals to meet with you at a convenient time. The sailing test will consist of simple rigging and sailing. The rigging test ensures that the boats are setup safely and rigged correctly. The sailing test would determine if the sailor is approved for sailing in light air or heavy air.
Once you have passed the test, your name will be placed on a list of sailors who are qualified to use the 420s. (Office check in is still required before each use of a boat but the test does not need to be repeated.) Junior members who wish to sail a club boat during non-supervised periods must be approved by the summer sailing instructors for boat use and must have a parent's approval on file with the office.
In all cases the club manager should have the final say as to who is allowed to sail the club owned boats.
Please inquire in the office for further info.
Check the WBC Calendar for all the 420 Regatta dates.
Snipe Fleet
Check the Mystic Lake Snipe Fleet Website for more information on the snipes; including their fleet racing calendar.
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