Sailing

High School

420 High School Sailing

Requirements: Open to all High School Aged Sailors; Competent Swimmer; Closed toed shoes and lifejackets are required for all sailors. *Generally the water stays fairly warm in the fall for several weeks, but sailors are recommended to wear foul weather gear as the temperature gets colder.*

Middle School

Opti Learn to Race

Middle School Opti LTR is an after school class that is geared towards getting your sailor a few more days out on the water this fall! The fall is a beautiful time and the kids will have the opportunity to experience the bay from Optis, Quests or the Hobie Cat!

420 Sailing

Ages: 7th and 8th Grade
This program is open to 7th and 8th grade students with previous experience sailing 420’s. Participants must have demonstrated experience or the permission of the Program Director. The class will run alongside, and in combination with the High School team two days per week. This is your chance to sit in a chalk talk with the High School team and sail with an older skipper or crew!

Quest Adventures

Ages: 9 – 12
Quest Adventures is an after school class that is geared towards getting your sailor confident cruising around the bay using navigational buoys, riding the tide and harnessing the wind. This is a great transition course between Opti’s and 420’s.

High School

Duxbury High School 420 Sailing

$650/Season – DBMS user fee for the DHS Sailing Team.
This is an additional fee to the user fee required by the High School.
5 DAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY
Requirements: Competent Swimmer; Closed toed shoes and lifejackets are required for all sailors. *Generally the water stays fairly warm in the fall for several weeks, but sailors are recommended to wear foul weather gear as the temperature gets colder.*

Middle School

Opti Learn to Race

2 DAYS/WEEK, Ages: 8-12
Dates: May 9-June 9 (10 days, Tue/Fri) $350
This is an after school class that takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30-6. This class is geared towards getting your sailor a jump start on the summer sailing season! The spring is a beautiful time and the kids will have the opportunity to refresh their skills and get a head start on the competition. Class needs a minimum of 4 sailors to run.
*Generally the water is chilly in the spring, and sailors are required to wear spray gear (rain pants and jacket.) Closed toed shoes and lifejackets are required for all sailors.*

420 Learn to Race

2 DAYS/WEEK, Ages: 12-16
Dates: May 9-June 9 (10 days, Tue/Fri) $350
This is an after school class that takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30-6. This class is geared towards getting your sailor a jump start on the summer sailing season! The spring is a beautiful time and the kids will have the opportunity to refresh their skills and get a head start on the competition. Class needs a minimum of 4 sailors to run.
*Generally the water is chilly in the spring, and sailors are required to wear spray gear (rain pants and jacket.) Closed toed shoes and lifejackets are required for all sailors.*

1 Week Sailing

Tiller Tamers

Age 6 4 hrs/Day, 4 days $350 
The one-week Tiller Tamers class will help your young one to build their first bits of confidence on and around the water. In this 4 day class, sailors will learn to rig and steer a Pram, take launch rides around the harbor and have fun with ocean themed arts and crafts. This class is designed to help get your 6 year old comfortable on the water, and ready for a Pram class the following summer. This class can be taken multiple times to build upon previous knowledge, comfort levels and skills.

1 Week Sailing

Quest Adventures

4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 
Quest Adventures is the perfect introduction for those intrigued by sailing but hesitant about going without an instructor in the boat. Sail the reliable RS Quest, accommodating 5-7 participants and an instructor for added reassurance. Develop fundamental seamanship skills as a crew while cruising Duxbury Bay during this one-week program. A safe and enjoyable start to the exciting world of sailing.

2 Week Sailing

Pram Beginner

Ages 7-9 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 
Pram Beginner is a two-week sailing course where the emphasis is on building comfort on the water. Participants will sail these learn-to-sail boats laying the groundwork for the basics of boating safety, nomenclature, rigging, sail control and steering. Sailors will sail begin with a partner, gradually transitioning to sailing solo as they gain confidence. It’s a focused and supportive approach to nurturing young sailors on their journey. Students who complete this course typically progress to Pram Experienced.

Pram Experienced

Ages 7-9 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 

Pram Experienced, designed for sailors who have successfully completed Pram Beginner, is a two-week program tailored to those now comfortable and confident sailing solo. Participants will further enhance their confidence and sailing proficiency, mastering essential skills such as proper docking techniques, rigging, seamanship, and navigating a triangular course. The course serves as a crucial stepping stone before progressing to Opti Beginner. 

1 Week Sailing

Quest Adventures

4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 

Quest Adventures is tailored for both new and returning sailors seeking a one-week experience. Sailors, grouped 3-5 per boat, will navigate the bay aboard our RS Quest under the watchful guidance of a skilled instructor in a coach boat.  Serving as either a starting point, or an excellent transitional course between Optis and 420s, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the bay, visit Powder Point Bridge, Captains Flats, and Clark’s Island. Ideal for those eager to embark on a sailing adventure.

2 Week Sailing

Opti Beginner

Ages 10-12 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 

Opti Beginner is a two-week introductory sailing class specially crafted for kids aged 10-12. Throughout the course, our focus is on fostering confidence and competence on the water. Sailors will delve into basic sailing techniques, rigging, and, most importantly, building the skills necessary to confidently navigate the general conditions of the bay. The emphasis is on ensuring participants develop a strong foundation in control and direction. By the end of the program, sailors will not only grasp essential sailing fundamentals but also possess the confidence to navigate and maintain a steady course in various bay conditions. It’s a fantastic starting point for young sailors, offering a robust foundation for their sailing journey. The course serves as a crucial stepping stone before progressing to Opti Experienced. 

Opti Experienced

Ages 10-12 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675

Opti Experienced is a two-week program designed for sailors who have successfully completed Opti Beginner and are ready to advance their skills. Participants will explore sail trim adjustments, points of sail, and tactical decision-making on the water. As sailors progress through Opti Experienced, they will gain the expertise needed to confidently handle a variety of conditions and challenges, including a dedicated race day. This program sets the stage for a fulfilling and skill-enhancing experience, preparing sailors for the next stages of their sailing journey. The course serves as a crucial stepping stone before progressing to Opti Learn to Race. 

1 Week Sailing

Hobie Catamaran

4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 

This class caters to the young adult who is looking for social engagement on a fast performance catamaran. This is a great way to get out on the bay, go fast, go swimming and make lifelong friends. 

2 Week Sailing

420 Beginner/Intermediate

Ages 13-17 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 

This course is for new and experienced sailors who are learning to sail the 420.  Moving up from Opti, trying sailing for the first time, or sailed a 420 one season?  This is the class for you!  The 420 is a dynamic two-person boat, engaging in collaborative sailing experiences as both Skipper and Crew. This cooperative approach enhances individual skill development in points of sail, sail trim, body positioning, and tiller extension use, while underscoring the importance of teamwork and communication on the water. Sailors in 420 Beginner are expected to gain fundamental skills such as docking, knot tying, rigging, and navigating a triangular course as both Skipper and Crew. This course should be repeated until participants are recommended for 420 Experienced Traps and Spins.

420 Experienced/Traps and Spins

Ages 13-17 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 

420 Experienced/Traps and Spins is the next exciting progression for sailors seeking advanced skills in sailing. In this course, participants will delve into the intricacies of using the spinnaker sail and the trapeze on the 420. Participants explore the world of 420s, dynamic two-person boats, engaging in collaborative sailing experiences as both Skipper and Crew. As they set sail, sailors will embark on long runs, gaining confidence in various wind conditions and showcasing strong boat handling skills. This program is crafted for those ready to elevate their sailing experience by mastering additional techniques that add an extra dimension of excitement and challenge on the water.This course serves as a crucial stepping stone before progressing to 420 Learn to Race.

Opti Learn to Race

4 hours/day, 5 Days/wk, 8 Weeks, $2,750

“Opti Learn to Race” is a summer-long program designed for sailors ready to transition to competitive racing. Guided by a dedicated coach, participants will focus on race strategy, start-line maneuvers, mark roundings, and effective boat handling. The program includes exciting opportunities to participate in local regattas and weekly Thursday race days, offering hands-on experience in the thrilling world of sailing competitions. Join us for a season of skill development, camaraderie, and the excitement of learning to race on the water. This course serves as an optional stepping stone before progressing to 420 Beginner. 

***NEW THIS SUMMER: Opti Advanced Race Campaign. Participation in this 4-week program will be by invitation from the Sailing Director. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

420 Learn to Race Team

Ages 13-17, $2,750
The 420 Race Team will travel to various regattas throughout the New England area with their dedicated Coach. This is a summer long program and sailors are expected to participate throughout the entire summer and compete in as many regattas as possible. sailors receive on the water coaching at practice and events, along with regatta support. DBMS provides the racing 420s and handles the logistics for the boats. In order to be eligible, sailors must be recommended for the 420 Race Team, have competed in 420 regattas previously and have a deep love for the sport of sailing.
Sailors are encouraged to sign up with a partner they would like to race with throughout the whole summer.
Please contact Kyle@DBMS.org should you need further information before registering.

***NEW THIS SUMMER: 420 Advanced Race Campaign. Participation in this 4-week program will be by invitation from the Sailing Director. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

Intro to Sailing

Ages 7-15, $75
The Intro to Sailing Clinic offers an inclusive environment for students aged 7 to 15 who are new to sailing. No prior experience is required, as we provide all the necessary boats for participants. Led by our knowledgeable instructors, this clinic focuses on introducing students to the basics of sailing, including terminology, boat handling, and safety protocols. Through hands-on activities and on-water instruction, participants will gain confidence and develop a solid foundation in sailing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to explore a new hobby, the Intro to Sailing Clinic is the perfect starting point for your sailing journey.

Opti Race

Ages 8-12, $75
The Opti Clinic caters to aspiring sailors aged 8 to 12, providing them with an opportunity to learn and engage in green fleet racing. As part of the clinic, we supply all the necessary boats, removing the requirement for participants to bring their own equipment. Designed for those who have some previous experience in racing, our experienced instructors will assist students in developing their skills, improving technique, and mastering the fundamentals of competitive sailing. Join us at the Opti Clinic for an exciting and educational sailing experience.

420 Race

Ages 13-18, $75
The 420 Race Clinic is designed for young sailors between the ages of 13 and 18 who have prior racing experience. At this clinic, participants will have access to our fleet of boats, eliminating the need for personal equipment. With a focus on competitive sailing, our experienced instructors will guide sailors in refining their racing skills and tactics. Whether you’re looking to enhance your performance or gain a competitive edge, the 420 Race Clinic offers a challenging and rewarding environment for young sailors to excel.

DBMS Full Moon Race Series

Date: June 22-23, 2024

Clink the link below to register for the DBMS Full Moon Race Series!

Event page: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/pEw6hohenp

Food and beverages included in regatta fee on day 2.

Boat classes in regatta: Melges 15, International Lightning

For boat charters (regatta rentals):

Melges 15: https://usonedesign.com/melges-15-charter/

Lightning: Rob Dresser  (781) 635-7021

Private Lessons

Ages 6-17
Interested in taking a private lesson? We offer private lessons in all of the boats in our fleet!

Please click here to book your private lesson!

Marshal 15 Rentals

Ages: 19+ Prerequisites: DBMS qualification test Requirements: Competent Swimmer
DBMS is proud to offer Marshal 15 rentals to experienced sailors. Renters must have had a ‘checkout sail’ in the past two seasons (2022 or 2023). Sailboat rentals are based around tides and are 3 hours long. Roundtrip launch service, or self-service dingy availability, included to our Snug Harbor moorings. If new to the DBMS rental program, please reach out to Adult Sailing at asail@dbms.org to schedule a ‘checkout sail’.

ADULT SAILBOAT RENTAL: 3 OPTIONS
OPTION I – 3 HOURS $105
OPTION II – UNLIMITED HALF SEASON PACKAGE $499
(May 6 – July 17 or July 18 – October 11)
OPTION III – UNLIMITED FULL SEASON PACKAGE $999
(May 6 – October 11)

Lightning Regatta

Ages: 16+,  $50 June 18, 2023,

Join us for our first ever Lightning Regatta! We are so thrilled to get these boats out racing on Duxbury Bay.

Spring Flying Scot Racing

Ages: 19+,  $195    
Welcome to the DBMS Adult Sailing Racing program! The goal of this program is to connect sailors of all levels and engage them in light-hearted and friendly racing out on Duxbury Bay.
The DBMS Adult racing program is not a typical race program! Our program makes it easy and fun for adults to race sailboats on Duxbury Bay in a casual, teaching environment. Experienced and novice sailors are both welcomed. Our goal and hope is that the experienced sailors share their knowledge and passion with the newest sailors. We start off each session with an on land clinic in order to familiarize and re-familiarize our Sailors with the racing rules, tactics, etc.
Once the season gets underway, races take place on Saturdays and Sundays, using our fleet of Flying Scots.  Race times vary with the tide.  The typical race days are 2.5-3 hours. However, if we have tide and the wind is good, it is not uncommon for a vote to be cast in favor of getting another race in.

Details
• Teams vary each week, are worked up on race day, and will be a mix of experienced and new-to-sailing Racers
• We will rotate boats so that one skipper doesn’t use the same boat back to back
• We prioritize Saturday as Race Day. However, due to tide timings, some Sunday racing is planned in 2024.  

• If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will either make up the day or add a race to the next few sails
• If we have a larger group of people, we will anchor up a spectator boat and make personnel changes on the water

Fall Flying Scot Racing

Ages: 19+,  $195    
Welcome to the DBMS Adult Sailing Racing program! The goal of this program is to connect sailors of all levels and engage them in light-hearted and friendly racing out on Duxbury Bay.
The DBMS Adult racing program is not a typical race program! Our program makes it easy and fun for adults to race sailboats on Duxbury Bay in a casual, teaching environment. Experienced and novice sailors are both welcomed. Our goal and hope is that the experienced sailors share their knowledge and passion with the newest sailors. We start off each session with an on land clinic in order to familiarize and re-familiarize our Sailors with the racing rules, tactics, etc.
Once the season gets underway, races take place on Saturdays and Sundays, using our fleet of Flying Scots.  Race times vary with the tide.  The typical race days are 2.5-3 hours. However, if we have tide and the wind is good, it is not uncommon for a vote to be cast in favor of getting another race in.

Details
• Teams vary each week, are worked up on race day, and will be a mix of experienced and new-to-sailing Racers
• We will rotate boats so that one skipper doesn’t use the same boat back to back
• We prioritize Saturday as Race Day.  However, due to tide timings, some Sunday racing is planned for 2024.
• If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will either make up the day or add a race to the next few sails
• If we have a larger group of people, we will anchor up a spectator boat and make personnel changes on the water

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a fun way for novice and experienced sailors to learn and improve their sailing skills one on one with an instructor.

Learn to Sail: Little or no sailing experience, but want to learn, then consider the Six-pack of private lessons: 6 Lessons – 1.5 hours in length and are a combination of time spent on land and water

Refresher: Haven’t sailed in a while, but want to get back on the Bay? Need a refresher session, or three? 1.5 hour lesson sessions, on either a Marshall 15 or a Flying Scot, are available from the beginning of May until mid-October.
Cost varies depending on the package selected:
1 lesson slot = $90
3 lesson package = $250
6 lesson package = $495

Once you have registered, please review the calendar below. Once you’ve found your preferred time slots, please email us at asail@dbms.org and we will update the lesson calendar and send an email confirming the dates/times. Click here for the six lesson package outline.

Need more information, please reach out to Bill at Adult Sailing with any questions: asail@dbms.org

Private Lesson slots are up for the season! Scroll through to May for availability.

The Pram is a durable, self-bailing dinghy that is a perfect training boat for beginner sailors. It offers a platform very similar to an Optimist for kids to get excited about sailing.

The Optimist Class sailboat has been the standard for youth and junior sailing programs for decades. The class was launched in 1947, and has a long history as the training boat on which the world’s best sailors learn the basics. At the 2020 Olympics at least 75% of the boat skipper medalists were former Optimist world or continental championship sailors.

The Club 420 is a two person dinghy which forms the base of many local, high school and collegiate programs in North America. Simple for beginning sailors and yet challenging enough for collegiate champions. The Club 420 offers more learning opportunities than any other double-handed boat.

The RS Quest provides a very stable environment for both youth and adults taking up sailing, as well as those wishing to move on to a more intermediate level, such as spinnaker handling. The RS Quest does all this very well in various wind conditions without becoming too much to handle. Instead, it keeps sailors engaged and does not overwhelm them while they are still gaining the confidence they need in the initial stages of experience afloat.

The Hobie Getaway is the “social boat”. It is fun, fast, and simple for 1-6 crew. It can be sailed by children up through senior citi- zens. A single adult can sail it at top performance – and a crew of four can cruise in comfort.

A 19-foot centerboard sloop used for both family day sailing and racing. The Flying Scot is one of the oldest and largest one-design sailboat classes in the world. The late Sandy Douglass designed and built the boat and raced it for many years and the Flying Scot was inducted in the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1998.

Originally designed and sailed as a rugged yet accommodating work boat. Strong winds, tides and treacherous shoals demanded a design which would stand up to these conditions. The Sandpiper quickly established herself as an accommodating family boat and as a one design race boat.

The Marshall 22 is a rugged, sea-kindly boat with classic looks that will turn heads in any harbor. Her two foot draft will let you access anchorages and coves that are off limits to most cruising sailboats. The M-22 is roomy enough for a family of four and simple enough for a couple to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from home.