Welcome to ACCESSAIL!
It is with great excitement that we welcome you back to The Duxbury Bay Maritime School for our 2024 ACCESSAIL summer and fall season. Our ACCESSAIL program offers FREE 90-minute sails throughout the spring, summer and fall for all that want to experience our beautiful bay.
Our campus and fleet features full accessibility, including a dock equipped with a Hoyer lift, and vessels with 5-Point harness seats, offering trunk support as needed. Our sails offer the perfect opportunity for ANYONE to soak up the sun, make new connections, and to learn the basics of sailing.
To ensure everyone has a fantastic experience, we kindly ask you to register your small groups on our website. This will help us manage capacity, equipment needs and provide you with the best possible sailing experience. Don’t hesitate to call us to book too!
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard. Feel free to contact Peter Graceffa, Outreach Director, at 781-934-7555 ext. 122, or peter@dbms.org.
2024 Season Updates
Meet the newest addition to our fleet, Duck Soup! She offers more access, comfort and capacity. This fleet upgrade has been made possible by the generosity of Peter and Mary Ellen Lawrence and the craftsmanship of Marshall Marine. Fall 2024 sail times will be added to the calendar soon.
Participants have the opportunity to bond with the natural environment and gain a sense of freedom while having fun. Our program has had participants with Autism, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parapalegia, Quadriplegia, and a variety of other challenges including Blindness.
Accessail also offers the challenges of competition and the chance to be liberated from the confines of a disability. Our objective is to serve as many handicapped individuals as our boats and budget allow. US Sailing Presented Accessail with its “Outstanding Program for Disabled Sailors” award.
How it Started…
ACCESSAIL Student to Aid Minimum Ratios
To keep ACCESSAIL’S safety standards at their highest level and provide the maximum comfort level to our students, ACCESSAIL insists on the following Student to Aid Ratios:
Wheelchair Participant: One Participant per One Capable Aid*
*Capable Aid definition is a person who has the capability to provide major assistance in moving the student into and out of the sailboat.
Mobile Student: Two Students/Aid
*Mobile Student definition is that person who has the capability of getting into and out of the sailboat with minimal assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Our campus is entirely ADA compliant. We have accessible restrooms and changing areas. We have two handicapped accessible parking spots suitable for Vans or small buses.
Yes! Our dock is equipped with a hoyer lift and optional seats equipped with 5 point harnesses. To request a 5 point harness and seat for any participant, please see the email you received after booking.
To keep ACCESSAIL’S safety standards at their highest level and provide the maximum comfort level to our students, ACCESSAIL insists on the following Student to Aid Ratios. See ACCESSAIL “Student to Aid Minimum Ratios” details below for ratio details!
Click the button above to choose a date and time to sail. After booking, be sure to check your email for a form, this form will allow you to include any specific accommodations you may need!
No, safety is our number one priority. Wind over 20 knots, lightning, and other unpredictable conditions may cause us to cancel. A DBMS staff member will contact you via telephone with as much notice as possible in the event of a cancellation.
No, each boat will be sailed by two trained staff members. Aids, Parents and Friends are welcome to join us on board if spaces allow. Reserve a seat to be sure there is space! Remember, each boat accommodates 6 guests.