Table of Contents
General Membership Information
Office Hours
9:00AM to Sunset during the sailing season, May 1 through October 22, 2023.
The office may close earlier than sunset if there is inclement weather, or if all the daysailers have returned to the moorings and the Mid-Range and Cruising boats have been picked up. The office typically closes at 5pm on the 4th of July and for our annual staff event in August (date TBD).
Checkouts
All new and upgrading members are required to complete an on-the-water checkout with a BSC instructor or take the appropriate courses to enable them to sail the boats in their membership category. An online navigation exam is taken by the member from home. If a member lets their membership lapse by 4 years or if the qualifying BSC course was taken more than 4 years ago, a re-orientation checkout and navigation test will be required. Refer to specific membership sections in this document for course or checkout requirements. Please note that checkouts are complimentary for members. If the membership is cancelled after the checkout, the private lesson rate of $150-290 per hour will apply for the water portion of the checkout.
Checkouts are scheduled by appointment on weekdays with at least 48 hours’ notice. The purpose of the checkout is twofold:
- To enable a new member to become familiar with the rigging, handling, and use of systems on our boats under the guidance of an instructor
- To enable us to determine whether a new member needs instruction before skippering our boats.
If the instructor determines, as a result of the checkout, that the member is not qualified for the given membership, the member may be required to:
- Take a course at their own expense
- Downgrade the membership
- Restrict their sailing to a limited navigational range
Membership Upgrade
You may upgrade your membership at any time as follows: The unused portion of your current membership is valued on a prorated basis and is credited towards the cost of your new membership, which is then valid for a year from the day you upgrade. To upgrade you must successfully pass a checkout for that category or have taken any courses that may be required for the higher-level membership as well as the associated navigation test.
Membership Cancelation
A membership can be canceled and refunded within thirty days of the purchase date if the member has not used it. If the membership was purchased with a credit card, BSC will retain a 3% processing fee of any and all amounts paid. Cash and check payments will be refunded in full.
If a checkout or docking practice was conducted, the private lesson rate of will apply for the water portion. Private lesson rate is $160/hour for Daysailing, $180/ for Mid-Range, $200/hour for Cruising 30, $250/hour for Cruising 35, and $300/hour for Cruising 40.
The membership will be considered active and non-refundable after thirty days from purchase date, or once a boat has been reserved, whichever occurs first. Special circumstances warranting a partial refund will be considered if a written request is submitted to the General Manager.
Membership Suspension or Cancellation by BSC
The BSC may suspend or cancel your membership for non-payment of fees or failure to comply with these policies and procedures. Additional causes include, but are not limited to, leaving boats in an unacceptable condition, unreported damage, or multiple incidents resulting in damage.
Guests and Sailing Partners
You may sail with guests at any time at no charge. If you need a sailing partner you can:
- Put your name on the Crew Finder, which is available online.
- Attend the monthly Member Nights (if available) to meet other members. Check the News link for the schedule.
Boat Reservation Policy
All members can reserve boats on an ongoing basis under our rolling reservation policy. In addition, Mid-range and Cruising members can reserve cruises under our extended reservation policy. Please refer to specific membership sections in this document for details.
Rolling Reservations
- You may have up to two weekday reservations on the books at a time. New reservations may be made upon completion of each sail.
- You may have one weekend day reservation. After using a weekend day reservation, you must wait until the following Thursday before reserving another weekend day.
Last Minute Reservations
Last minute reservations can be made the day before you would like to sail without counting towards your advance reservations. To make a last-minute reservation for the next day, call the BSC office before 6:00PM. Do not attempt to book online since the reservation system does not allow reservations within 24 hours of their start time.
Reservation Start Times
Mid-range and Cruising boat reservations must start before mooring time. If you have not arrived to check in for your reservation before then it will be cancelled.
Solings and Sonars boat reservations must start at least two hours before mooring time.
Mooring time is typically 10 minutes before sunset. Go to the Today’s Conditions link on our website for time of sunset.
Reservation Cancellations
If you have reserved a boat but find you cannot make it, please let us know immediately so we can make the boat available to other members.
Weekday
Any reservation cancelled after 5pm the day before will count per the reservation rules. i.e. If you cancel between 5pm the day before and the start time of your reservation, you will have to wait until the completion of the original reservation end time to make a future weekday reservation.
Weekend
Any reservation cancelled after 9:00am on Friday (for Saturday or Sunday sails) will still count per the reservation rules. This means you would need to wait until the following Thursday to make another weekend reservation.
No Show
If you have not checked in for your boat by 30 minutes after your start time and have not contacted the office, we will cancel your reservation and make the boat available to members on the wait list. The reservation will still count per the reservation rules. No-shows will result in a $100 rescheduling fee to be paid before making any additional reservations.
Reservation Adjustments
Please reserve only the time you intend to sail. Careful planning will ensure maximum boat availability for all members.
Changing your Reservation Time
All changes to your reservation time must be made within the above listed weekday/weekend cancellations parameters. Changes to weekday reservation times must be made earlier than 5pm the day before. Changes to weekend reservation times must be made before 9am on Friday (for Saturday or Sunday sails) and can be sent by email if the office is closed.
If you need to adjust your reservation time day of, the maximum it can be shifted on either end is one hour. This is in place to account for running late due to traffic, public transportation delays, etc. Changing your reservation time day by more than one hour will result in the $100 rescheduling fee. For example, you may not call day of to change your start time from a 9am start time to a 4pm start time.
Overbooking/Excessive Cancellations
Attempting to overbook or break reservation rules may result in loss of future reservations. This includes excessive cancellations and/or repeatedly booking time and not using it (i.e. booking a whole day and returning by 2pm).
Safety
Life Jackets
It is the responsibility of the skipper to determine if there are enough life jackets on board before leaving the dock and briefing the crew on their location and use. Although the BSC encourages wearing of PFDs, the decision to require that they be worn is up to the skipper who should consider swimming ability, water temperature, and conditions. Mass law requires children under the age of 12 to wear PFDs when on deck. Please refer to specific membership sections in this document for details on each boat’s capacity.
Communications
The BSC monitors VHF channel 16 and most often uses 72 for a working channel. Members should bring a hand-held VHF or cell phone when taking the daysailers beyond the Inner Harbor.
Hatches
When sailing, all hatches should be dogged shut. In addition to keeping water out this will keep a sheet from catching the lid and causing damage. J/24 lockers should be latched shut when sailing and the companionway closed (including the drop board) in winds over 20kts or in any other conditions that threaten vessel stability.
Swimming
Swimming off boats is inherently dangerous, due to cold water, fast moving currents, difficulty in getting swimmers aboard, and other factors. It is the responsibility of the skipper to assess the safety of a given situation before allowing swimming. Precautions for retrieving swimmers from the water and for keeping them close to the boat need to be taken. The skipper and crew shall accept entire responsibility for any injury or drowning that may occur from swimming and shall hold the Boston Sailing Center harmless against any and all claims pertaining to this activity.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Members must follow the local and federal laws regarding boating under the influence (BUI) and possession of illegal drugs. Under current Massachusetts law, a person is considered to be BUI if they have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. Although marijuana use is legal in Massachusetts, even possessing cannabis on federal waterways remains illegal under federal law. This includes Boston Harbor and the New England coast.
Weather Conditions
On days when we determine that high winds or other weather conditions might make it unsafe for you to sail, we may require that you reschedule your sail for another day. In such cases, we will attempt to call you in advance of your scheduled arrival. We begin making cancellation calls at 9:00AM, so if you are coming for a 9:00AM reservation, it would be advisable to check the marine forecast on the website before leaving home or wait until 9:00AM and give us a call. In marginal weather conditions, we sometimes avoid canceling by restricting boats to the Inner Harbor.
Squalls
Squalls are a common occurrence in summer weather. They are difficult to forecast and can produce wind gusts over 40 knots which can knock down a keel boat with sails up. A sustained knock down can swamp and sink Solings, Sonars, and J24s and J27s. Larger boats can damage sails. Therefore, it is important to have both sails down and securely furled before the squall hits. Make sure the jib is lashed down to prevent it from blowing back up the forestay. On boats with roller furling make sure the sail is rolled all the way in and the furling line is secured.
Stay alert to the formation of squalls and seek shelter if one appears imminent. If you can’t return to the BSC consider docking or mooring at one of the Harbor Islands. If you are going to be underway when the squall hits, make sure you have sea room to leeward. Boats with auxiliary power should drop both sails and proceed under power. Solings and Sonars should take down the mainsail and sail jib only. Before the squall hits drop and secure the jib and wait it out “under bare poles”. The BSC will attempt to locate and assist daysailers. If possible, contact the office to give us your location.
Rules of the Road
You must be familiar with the Inland Navigation Rules and, if sailing beyond Boston Harbor, the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. Boston Harbor is a major commercial traffic area and a proper lookout must be maintained at all times. Deep draft vessels (tankers, car carriers, barges, etc.), have the right of way and may travel faster than you expect. Stay clear of the channel during their transit. In addition, avoid all commercial traffic well in advance, including tugs, ferries, tour boats, commercial fishing boats, etc. The shipping channel near the BSC mooring area is narrow and usually congested. Always check for traffic when leaving the mooring area.
At times, LNG tankers (liquid natural gas) will be entering or exiting the harbor under a Coast Guard enforced safety zone (2 miles ahead, 1 mile astern, and 500 yards on either side.) You must stay clear of this zone and follow the directions of the authorities on-scene. If you have any questions regarding where you are permitted to be, you may contact the Coast Guard on channel 16. When an LNG tanker is announced in advance, it will be noted on the BSC weather board.
Navigation
Boston’s Outer Harbor has many areas, some far from the shore, where a keelboat can run aground. The key to trouble free sailing is continuous navigation. Keep your chart out and refer to it constantly during your sail. The most common areas for grounding are marked below. Know the location of these and the many other hazardous areas in advance and avoid them.
- Rocks between Castle Island and can “5A.”
- Lower Middle Shoal
- Governors Island Flats
- Sculpin Ledge
- Quarantine Rock
- Sunken Ledge
- Nixes Mate
- Ram Head Flats
- Great Brewster Spit
Restricted Area
To the south of the BSC are several marinas and mooring areas as well as several ferry terminals. Due to the high concentration of large yachts, moored boats, and ferry traffic, we require that BSC members avoid the area highlighted yellow in the chart below unless necessary for safety reasons (such as avoiding a tanker in the channel).
Groundings
If you run aground drop your sails immediately and call the Sailing Center. We will send a powerboat out to help you. The Center also monitors VHF channel 16. Any damage caused by grounding is the responsibility of the member.
If the grounding occurs afterhours, you may need to use a commercial towing service at your own expense. In the event of an afterhours grounding, BSC should be informed as soon as it is safe to do so by leaving a message at 617-227-4198 and emailing info@bostonsailingcenter.com so that we can assess the damage and take the boat out of service before the next reservation, which may be as early as 9am the next day.
Incident Meeting
If a grounding occurs, you are required to fill out a grounding report in the office upon arrival back to the BSC and schedule a meeting with a manager to go over the incident. Your membership will be frozen until the meeting occurs and any and all invoices relating to the incident are paid in full.
Failure to Report a Grounding
Grounding a keelboat can cause structural damage. For the safety of those using the boat after you, report all groundings to the BSC so we can inspect the boat. Failure to report a grounding will result in a $1500 penalty in addition to the cost of repairs per the Damage Policy below. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the grounding, failure to report it may also lead to membership suspension. The BSC will use regular keel inspections and GPS tracking to enforce this policy.
Rescues
In the event of grounding or other operator error requiring assistance or towing by BSC personnel, the member will be billed $115 per man-hour for the rescue.
Cleaning Responsibilities
Although the boats are taken out of service on a cleaning rotation, often the boat you are returning will go out again with another member without going out of service. Keep in mind those members who will be using the boat after you and leave the boat in good condition. Please coil lines, fold sails, and store equipment. For boats on the docks, use the dock hoses to rinse the cockpit and deck. The most common issues are food and drink spills in the cockpit. If you return after dark use a flashlight to make sure the deck and interior is clean.
We will assess an $115 per hour cleaning fee for boats that require any extra cleaning outside of regular day to day upkeep. Any subsequent incidents will result in a $150 penalty in addition to the cleaning fee. The extra care you take each time you sail will benefit everyone throughout the season in terms of maximum boat availability.
Etiquette
Smoking is not permitted below deck on any of our boats. Pets are not allowed on any of the boats. Dogs that qualify as service animals according to ADA guidelines are allowed.
Boat Maintenance Issues
To report maintenance problems or any items missing from the boats please use the Maintenance Request Form in the member section of the clubhouse on our website.
If you return from your sail after hours, please make sure to report issues before 7:00am the next day, as the boat may be scheduled to go out again as early as 9:00am. This communication is critical to allow us to fix a problem as quickly as possible or to take the boat out of service if it is a safety issue.
Sail Repair
Soling sails in need of repair should be taken to the upper deck of the Riverboat and tagged with specific location of the damage. Tags are available near the sail repair pile. For all other boats, use the Maintenance Request form on the website.
Damages and Insurance
Skippers are responsible for any and all damage or injury resulting from operator error as determined by the BSC.
The member will be responsible for boat damage up to the following limits:
$1800 for Daysailers
$2850 for Mid-Range
$4500 for Cruising 30
$6000 for both the Cruising 35 & 40
Members are also responsible for any equipment lost while a boat is in their care (i.e. winch handles, anchors, boat hooks, charts, etc.) and any damage caused from improper tie-ups. The above limits do not apply to damages incurred during Soling or Frostbite Racing, while operating a vessel with gross negligence or operating a vessel illegally, for example while under the influence. These limits also do not apply if you fail to report a grounding that caused damage.
Damage that can be repaired by BSC will be billed at $125/hour for labor plus materials. If a boat needs to be hauled for repair the standard rate at the BSC boatyard is $325 or $650 for an emergency haul. If the boat needs to hauled and/or repaired at another boatyard, then their rates will apply.
BSC carries hull and liability insurance that covers the damage and liability losses that may occur arising out of member usage of the boats, for repairs or claims brought against the BSC and member operators. It will not cover any claims brought against members directly (where the BSC is not also named) and members are encouraged to review homeowners’ or umbrella insurance for personal liability coverage.
Race Events
Members wishing to use a BSC boat in a non-BSC race need to request permission from the manager in advance of the event. Request to see Non BSC Racing Events Policies for additional info.
Lost and Found
After you return from a sail, please go through the boat thoroughly to ensure that you have not left anything behind. BSC is not responsible for lost personal items. Boats are cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, but another member may use the boat before an inspection occurs. This means that your item may not be turned in immediately after your sail and may be mistakenly packed up with the next member’s belongings. Anything turned into the BSC will be held in a non-secure lost and found. Unclaimed items will be donated to a nonprofit association.
It is helpful and recommended that you put your name on items like jackets, bibs, etc. Members are welcome to come down and look for lost items in the boats if they are not turned in. BSC will not look for lost items on boats unless time allows.
Daysailing Memberships
Checkouts
New members are required to take an on the water checkout on a Soling and an online navigation test. A Learn to Sail course may also fulfill this requirement but a written navigation test is still required. If a member lets their membership lapse by 4 years or if the qualifying BSC course was taken more than 4 years ago, a re-orientation checkout and navigation test will be required. For checkout policies, please see page 2.
Shared Memberships
Shared Memberships are designed as a way for two or three friends or family members who usually sail together to save substantially on the cost of membership. This reflects the fact that two or three people who usually sail together do not use as much boat time as two or three individual members. For the purposes of boat reservations, a Shared Membership is the same as an Individual Membership. The group sharing a membership may use only one boat at a time, may have only one weekend and two weekday reservations on the books at a time, etc.
Reservation Policy
Rolling Reservation breakdown by membership type:
Daysailing 7-Day and Daysailing Mini: Two weekdays and one weekend day at a time
Daysailing Weekday and Daysailing Weekday 9-5: Two weekdays at a time
Daysailing Weekend: One weekend day at a time
Single-Handed Sailing
Members who wish to single-hand must have extensive sailing experience and demonstrate their ability to do so during a single-handed checkout. A single-handed checkout is separate from a regular checkout and should be scheduled through the office. Single handed sailing is only allowed on Solings, Sonars, and J/24s. If you plan to single-hand, you must inform the office 24 hours before your reserved time either by phone or email. Keep in mind that the MOD may restrict or cancel your reservation based on weather conditions even if sailing is not restricted for members with crew. When sailing single-handed you must stay in Boston Harbor (inside of Deer Island Light) and wear a PFD.
Boat Capacity
Solings are supplied with four adult lifejackets and Sonars are supplied with five adult lifejackets.
Mooring Time
Mooring time is when all daysailers are required to return to the BSC and be secured to a mooring. It is listed on the whiteboard along with the weather forecast and is typically 10 minutes before sunset. In addition, daysailers need to be in the inner harbor at least half an hour before mooring time. This is defined as being northwest of a line between the approach pier at Logan Airport and the Reserve Channel in South Boston
Navigation Limits
Your navigation limit will be determined by the results of your navigation test and previous experience. The maximum range allowed is Cohasset to Nahant. Most importantly, daysailers must be back by mooring time. The wind often dies just before sunset, which, when combined with an outgoing tide, can make it exceptionally difficult to get back in. If you need to be towed by the BSC you will be charged a tow fee of $85/hour. Anyone sailing after dark without running lights may be subject to a fine by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Before You Sail + Checking In
It is important that we know who is out on the water and on what boat. Upon arrival to the center, please come to the office or call 617-227-4198 to check in for your boat. The office staff will let you know If there are any changes to your boat assignment or weather concerns.
Before sailing, check tide, weather conditions, any special instructions, and mooring time on the white board at the entrance to the gangway. Soling Sailors should choose a set of sails from the box on the dock near the launch. Standard sails are in grey bags and “storm sails” are in red bags. Sonar sails are kept on board.
On Board
Before the launch leaves, check for the following equipment: chart, paddle, hand pump, and life jackets. Inspect the boat to make sure everything is in working order. We recommend that you bring a handheld VHF or cell phone if you plan on sailing beyond the Inner Harbor.
Under Sail
In heavy winds, proper sail shape is essential to safe, enjoyable sailing. By tightening the backstay, cunningham, outhaul, and jib luff, you can de-power the boat. If you still find yourself overpowered (indicated by excessive heeling, weather helm, continuous violent luffing of the mainsail, and general chaos) you must de-power further. On a Soling, drop your main and sail in under jib alone. On a Sonar, reef and if necessary, drop the jib. Rule of thumb: When in doubt, reef!
After Sailing + Checking Out
We need to know which daysailers are out at all times, therefore you must check out by calling 617-227-4198 or come into the office to let the office staff know you have returned.
Daysailing Boat Equipment List
As soon as you step onto the boat, check through this onboard equipment list especially for safety gear. If anything is missing, notify a staff member so the items can be replaced.
Soling Sails
Mainsail and Jib stored together in grey sail bags, and Spinnakers are in their own sail bags. These are all stored in the sail locker by the launch dock.
Sonar Sails
Mainsail is stored rolled (not flaked) on boom
Jib and Spinnaker sails are stored in V-berth
Storm Sails
Storm sails are available for Solings.
Sonar Mainsails can be reefed.
Safety
4 PFDs on Solings
5 PFDs on Sonars
1 Throwable PFD
Bilge Pump
Bucket
Paddle
Navigation
Boston Harbor Chart
Bring your own…
VHF Handheld Radio
Binoculars
Hand Bearing Compass
Mid-Range Memberships
Checkouts
New Mid-Range members are required to take a checkout on a J-24 and pass an online navigation test. Successful completion of an Advanced course may fulfill the requirement for the water portion of the checkout, but an online navigation test will also be required. Depending on experience, a Night Sailing or Cruising Course may be required before taking a boat for an overnight sail. If a member lets their membership lapse by 4 years or if the qualifying BSC course was taken more than 4 years ago, a re-orientation checkout and navigation test will be required. For checkout policies, please see page 2 of this document.
Shared Memberships
Shared Memberships are designed as a way for two or three friends or family members who usually sail together to save substantially on the cost of membership. This reflects the fact that two or three people who usually sail together do not use as much boat time as two or three individual members. For the purposes of boat reservations, a Shared Membership is the same as an Individual Membership. The group sharing a membership may use only one boat at a time, may have only one weekend and two weekday reservations on the books at a time, only one cruise, etc.
Reservation Policy
Rolling Reservation breakdown by membership type:
Mid-Range 7-Day and Mini: Two weekdays and one weekend day at a time
Mid-Range Weekday and Weekday 9-5: Two weekdays at a time
Mid-Range Weekend: One weekend day at a time
According to your membership type, you may use multiple rolling reservations to take a boat for two or three consecutive days (i.e. a Mid-Range 7-day member could book a Thursday/Friday/Saturday or a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday). Please keep in mind that we do not schedule a prep day. Upon booking and with at least 24-hours notice, inform the office of your intent to keep the boat for multiple days.
Extended 3-Day Cruise
One 3-Day cruise per membership year independent of the rolling reservation policy.
7-day Mid-Range members may reserve one 3-day cruise during the week or over the weekend.
Weekend Mid-Range members may reserve one 2-day weekend cruise.
Weekday Mid-Range members may reserve one 3-day cruise during the week.
No cruise options for a Mini membership.
Booking your extended cruise
- Call or email to reserve your cruise.
- You must submit an itinerary one week before your start date.
- The boat will be available at 9:00am on your first reserved day.
- While on your cruise, enter maintenance issues daily in the online maintenance log. This will allow us to order any needed parts in advance of your return. For major issues call the office.
- Plan to return from your cruise at 5:00pm on the last day.
- Please leave the boat clean for member use.
Extended Cruise Cancellation
Cruises can be cancelled and rescheduled up to 14 days prior to their start date although there may be limited availability. Cruises cancelled within 14 days will not be rescheduled.
Cruise Cancellation due to Mechanical Failure
In the unlikely event the BSC cannot provide the boat you reserved for your cruise due to mechanical or other issues, another boat may be substituted. If there is not another boat available during your original dates, the cruise will be rescheduled to another mutually agreeable time.
Single-Handed Sailing
Members who wish to single-hand must have extensive sailing experience and demonstrate their ability to do so during a single-handed checkout. A single-handed checkout is separate from a regular checkout and should be scheduled through the office. Single handed sailing is only allowed on Solings, Sonars, and J/24s. If you plan to single-hand, you must inform the office 24 hours before your reserved time either by phone or email. Keep in mind that the MOD may restrict or cancel your reservation based on weather conditions even if sailing is not restricted for members with crew. When sailing single-handed you must stay in Boston Harbor (inside of Deer Island Light) and wear a PFD.
Boat Capacity
J24’s and J27’s are supplied with six adult lifejackets.
Navigation Limits
Your instructor will discuss navigation limits with you after your checkout or course. The maximum range is Plymouth to Cape Ann. You may not go to Provincetown or through the Cape Cod Canal. For night sailing or overnight cruises, the Night Sailing course or equivalent experience is required.
Before You Sail + Checking In
It is important that we know who is out on the water and on what boat. Upon arrival to the center, please come to the office or call 617-227-4198 to check in for your boat. The office staff will let you know If there are any changes to your boat assignment or weather concerns.
On Board
Before rigging the boat make sure you can start the outboard. If you are going to be sailing after sunset, also test the running lights. If there are any issues notify a staff member. Check the onboard equipment list especially for safety gear. If anything is missing, notify a staff person so the items can be replaced. For extended cruises, chart kits are available from the office.
Check your fuel supply. The J-24s and J/27s have four stroke propane outboards. Ask the dock staff if you need more fuel.
Under Sail
For better visibility and control use the small jib rather than the genoa, in winds over 12 knots.
Landing
J-24 and J-27 sailors should drop both sails well outside the mooring area and motor slowly into a slip. Eight J-24s and two J/27s are docked to the west of the gangway. Four J-27s have slips on the east end of the dock.
The BSC docks are subjected to excessive power boat wakes. To avoid damage, use the spring lines to position the mast so it lines up with the white mark painted on the finger pier. This will stagger the rigs to prevent the masts from smashing together in waves. Secure the spring lines low on the stanchion using a round turn and two half hitches. Tie fenders to the stanchion bases or other fixed points instead of the lifelines.
Secure the tiller. Shut off the fuel line, raise the engine bracket to the highest position and then tilt the engine up just enough to clear the water. Make sure the fuel line stays clear of the bracket.
When you return from your sail, please return the boat key to the office. If the office is closed leave your key in the drop box at the top of the gangway.
Returning After Hours
If you have been cleared for night sailing, you may return the boat after the BSC is closed. The reservation system allows you to book a boat until 10:00pm. To keep a boat overnight through the following morning, contact the office at least 24 hours prior to your reservation start time. If available, you can extend the reservation until as late as 7:00am the next morning. You must have the boat put away and disembark no later than 7:00am.
Afterhours on the BSC Docks
We understand that you may want to spend time on the boat after your sail. If you return after closing, you may stay on the boat you reserved at the BSC docks. Please note that returning a boat after hours gives you access ONLY to the boat you reserved. You may not go to any other boat on the dock, even just to sit on deck. Other boats may have been prepped for a cruise and/or even have other members sleeping down below.
Please be respectful to your fellow members and our neighbors at Lewis Wharf and keep your voices low. After hour dock access is only permitted for members and guests that have reservations. You may not be on the dock after hours without a reservation.
Put away your boat according to the landing and cleaning instructions explained previously. If you have received a key, drop the key into the drop box at the top of the gangway and make sure the gangway door is shut and locked behind you. This is a one-sided locking gate, meaning you can get out but not get back in.
Mid-Range Boat Equipment List
As soon as you step onto the boat, check through this onboard equipment list especially for safety gear. If anything is missing, notify a staff member so the items can be replaced.
Sails
Mainsail
Jib
Genoa
Spinnaker
2 Jib Sheets
2 Spinnaker Sheets
1 Winch Handle
Navigation
Boston Harbor Chart
Miscellaneous
Cooler
Safety
6 PFDs
1 Throwable PFD
First Aid Kit
1 Type B-I Fire Extinguisher
Flares
Foghorn
Bilge Pump
Bucket
Docking and Anchoring
1 Fender
1 Anchor with Rode
Bring your own…
Binoculars
Flashlights
Safety Harnesses
Hand Bearing Compass
Parallel Rules
Dividers
Toilet paper
Available Upon Request for your 3-day cruise
Chart Kit
Dock Lines
Spare Fuel for Outboard
Porta-Potti
Cruising 30, 35, 40 Membership
Checkouts
New Cruising members are required to submit a sailing resume and take a check-out on one of the cruising boats, including a written navigation exam. Successful completion of a Cruising Course may fulfill the full checkout requirement for C30 and C35 members, but an online navigation test and a one-hour orientation/docking practice is still required. For C40 the Coastal Passage Making course may fulfill the checkout requirement depending on experience, but the navigation test and a one-hour orientation/docking practice is still required. If a member lets their membership lapse by 4 years or if the qualifying BSC course was taken greater than 4 years ago, a re-orientation checkout and navigation test will be required. For checkout policies, please see checkout section under General Membership in this document.
Reservation Policy
Rolling
- You may have up to two weekday reservations on the books at a time. New reservations may be made upon completion of each sail.
- You may have one weekend day reservation. After using a weekend day reservation, you must wait until the following Thursday before reserving another weekend day.
- You can use multiple rolling reservations to take a boat for two or three consecutive days (i.e. a Thursday/Friday/Saturday or a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday). Please keep in mind that we do not schedule a prep day so you may need to top up the water tanks. Upon booking, inform the office of your intent to keep the boat for multiple days.
Extended Cruise
Cruising Members may reserve one 7-day cruise within their membership’s active dates independent of the Rolling reservation policy at no additional cost. Cruising members may reserve an additional Low Season cruise in May or end of September through October for an additional fee. Members can add on this additional cruise in the low season at two price points, with the higher being the weeks that border the high season.
Low Season Cruise Rates
Cruising 30: $900 / $700
Cruising 35: $1000 / $800
Cruising 40: $1100 / $900
The cruising boats are on a schedule, which sets aside specific blocks of time for 7-day cruises (extended reservations), and corresponding blocks of time for daysailing (rolling reservations). The boats have been grouped in pairs, within a framework of start dates for cruises. Extended cruises cannot be broken into mini cruises.
We will hold the cruising blocks for extended reservations until 4 weeks prior to their start. If a block has not been booked for a cruise 4 weeks in advance, it will become available for rolling reservations as well.
Booking your Extended Cruise
Early Booking Process
If you sign up for your membership during the offseason or if you have an active membership for the upcoming season, you can participate in our cruise week selection process in February/March. We send all active members the framework of cruise weeks (as explained above) and ask them to submit three choices. We look at all of the requests and schedule a cruise week for everyone. The requests must fall before the membership expiration date, and you must not have done a cruise already on your membership to participate – a renewal may be required.
Booking during the season
If you did not participate in the early booking process or if you purchased your membership after March, you can select from any remaining cruise weeks. Email info@bostonsailingcenter.com and we will send you all the available cruise weeks to select from.
- You must submit an itinerary two weeks before the start of your cruise. The form to do so is found in the clubhouse section of the website under Cruising Itinerary.
- If you need a slip at the BSC during your week, please indicate that on your cruising itinerary form so we keep a spot open for you.
- If you requested a dinghy, it will be left on deck before the start of your cruise. See the dinghy policy below.
- The boat will be ready for you at 9:00AM on your start day. The boat will be clean with water and fuel tanks full and the holding tank empty.
- Cruises end at 5:00PM on your last reserved day.
- While on your cruise, enter maintenance issues daily in the online maintenance log. This will allow us to order any needed parts in advance of your return. For major issues call the office.
- Return the boat with the fuel tank full and holding tank empty. A $125 per hour service fee will be charged in addition to the cost of fuel for boats returned with less than a full fuel tank and/or holding tank full. Enter any issues with the boat or dinghy in the maintenance log.
High Season Cruise Week Cancellation
High Season cruises can be rescheduled up to 30 days prior to their start date, although there may be limited availability. Cruises cancelled within 30 days will not be rescheduled. Low Season Cruise Week Cancellation
Low Season cruises can be cancelled up to 14 days prior to their start date and may be rescheduled if other dates are available, or the low season cruise fee can be refunded (less a 3% processing fee if the low season fee was paid by credit card). Low season cruises cancelled within 14 days may not be rescheduled and the fee will be forfeited.
Cruise Week Cancellation due to Mechanical Failure
In the unlikely event the BSC cannot provide the boat you reserved for your cruise due to mechanical or other issues, another boat may be substituted. If there is not another boat available during your original dates, the cruise will be rescheduled to another mutually agreeable time.
Dinghies
Each cruising boat has an assigned dinghy which is stored deflated on the dinghy rack on the north docks, or on the dinghy float next to the riverboat docks. The outboard, seat, pump, and oars are stored onboard. Make sure you take the dinghy that is labeled with the name of the cruising boat you have reserved. The dock staff can provide an electric air pump if you want to inflate the dinghy before you depart.
When underway, dinghies can be stored by lashing on deck under the boom vang or inflated and towed if conditions permit. If towing, remove all items including the outboard and store them onboard. To prevent damage, do not store the dinghy in the cabin or cockpit lockers.
When you return, rinse the dinghy with fresh water, deflate it, and return to the proper storage location on the docks. Report any issues with the dinghy in the maintenance log under the name of the cruising boat.
If you have requested a dinghy for a cruise week, the staff will leave the dinghy on deck under the vang. You can either lash it there or inflate and tow it. When you return follow the procedure above.
Toilets and Holding Tanks
Members must know the proper operating procedures for marine toilets and are responsible for informing their guests. Keep in mind the limited capacity of holding tanks and don’t continue to use the toilet if full. The repair rate for clearing clogged toilets or fixing issues that occur from over filled holding tanks is $150/hour.
Single Handed Sailing
Single-handed sailing is NOT permitted on the Cruising boats.
Boat Capacity
Cruising boats are supplied with eight adult life jackets.
Navigation Limits
Your instructor will discuss navigation limits with you after your checkout or course. Cruising boats may not be sailed north of Mt. Desert, Maine or west of Block Island, Rhode Island. If you wish to cruise north of Kittery, ME or pass through the Cape Cod Canal, the Coastal Passage Making Course or equivalent experience is required.
Before you Sail
When you report to the office for your boat assignment you will be given a key to your boat. Before starting the engine to leave the dock, check engine oil level and fuel supply. Cruising boats use diesel fuel only. Ask a staff member if you need more fuel or oil. The BSC will supply fuel for day sails. Members are responsible for fuel used on overnights and cruise weeks. Check the voltage of both batteries. If either battery is low run the engine to charge them.
Landing
Cruising sailors should furl the headsail and drop the main well outside the mooring area and motor slowly into the designated slip. Use spring lines and fenders when securing the boat to the dock. Tighten the wheel brake. When you return from your sail, please return the boat key to the office. If the office is closed, leave your key in the drop box at the top of the gangway.
Returning After Hours
If you have been cleared for night sailing, you may return the boat after the BSC is closed. The reservation system allows you to book a boat until 10:00pm. To keep a boat overnight through the following morning, contact the office at least 24 hours prior to your reservation start time. If available, you can extend the reservation until as late as 7:00am the next morning. You must have the boat put away and disembark no later than 7:00am.
Afterhours on the BSC Docks
We understand that you may want to spend time on the boat after your sail. If you return after closing, you may stay on the boat you reserved at the BSC docks. Please note that returning a boat after hours gives you access ONLY to the boat you reserved. You may not go to any other boat on the dock, even just to sit on deck. Other boats may have been prepped for a cruise and/or even have other members sleeping down below.
Please be respectful to your fellow members and our neighbors at Lewis Wharf and keep voices low. After hour dock access is only permitted for members and guests that have reservations. You may not be on the dock after hours without a reservation.
Put away your boat according to the landing and cleaning instructions explained previously. If you have received a key, drop the key into the drop box at the top of the gangway and make sure the gangway door is shut and locked behind you.
Cruising Boat Equipment List
As soon as you step onto the boat, check through this onboard equipment list especially for safety gear. If anything is missing, notify a staff member so the items can be replaced.
Sails
Mainsail, Headsail, Spinnaker
2 Jib Sheets, 2 Spinnaker Sheets
2 Winch Handles
Sail Ties
Navigation Station
Dividers
Parallel Rules
Eldridge Tide Tables
Boston Harbor Chart
Waterproof Chart Kit
Deck Key
Chart Kit
Certificate of Documentation
Safety
8 PFDs
1 Throwable
First Aid Kit
2 Type B-I (or 1 B-II) Fire Extinguishers
Flares
Wood plugs
Foghorn
Radar Reflector
Miscellaneous
Stove Fuel
Propane BBQ grill
Dinghy, pump, and oars
Galley
Cutting Board
6 Bowls
6 Glasses
6 Coffee Mugs
6 Plates
6 Forks/Knives/Spoons
Kitchen Knife
Large Bowl
Pots
Frying Pan
Strainer
Can Opener
Corkscrew
Kettle
Coffee Pot/French Press
Spatula
Large Spoons
Peeler
Lighter
Cleaning Supplies
Bucket
Sponge
Brush
Deck Soap
Holding Tank Chemical
Bring your own…
Paper Towels
Dish Soap
Dish Sponge
Binoculars
Flashlights
Tools
Safety Harnesses
Hand Bearing Compass
Linens
Hangers