Welcome to Sailing at DBMS!
Here at DBMS, our sailing programs cater to kids and adults from ages 6 to 96 with varying abilities and experience levels. We have a variety of classes to keep you on the water throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Most programs meet on a tidal based schedule, rain or shine. If you have any questions about which class might be best for your child reach out to Sailing@dbms.org.
Junior Programs
Fall and Spring
High School
420 High School Sailing
3 DAYS/TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
Ages: 14-18
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/RS Quest/Hobie Catamaran
Ages: 10-13
Days: Mon/Wed 3:30-6:30 PM
Middle School Sailing is an after school class that takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-6. This class 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
Days: Tue/Thur 3:30-6:00 PM
This new 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. Class runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6. This is your chance to sit in a chalk talk with the High School team and sail with an older skipper or crew!
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 Sailing
2 DAYS/WEEK, Ages: 10-13
Dates: May 5-June 14 (12 days, Tue/Thur) $375
Middle School Sailing is an after school class that takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays 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 athletes 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.*
Summer
Registration opens on February 15th at 6:00 PM
1 Week Sailing
Age 6 4 hrs/Day, 4 days $350 – Click here to view schedule
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
4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 – Click to view schedule
Formerly Discovery Week, this is a great first step for anyone interested in sailing but who is anxious about sailing without an instructor! Participants will sail our RS Quest. These durable, stable, and versatile boats fit 3-5 participants and an instructor! Gain basic seamanship skills while working as a crew to cruise Duxbury Bay. This is a one-week program.
2 Week Sailing
Ages 7-9 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
This is the two-week, introductory sailing class for 7-9 year olds. Sailors will work on getting comfortable on the water in these learn-to-sail boats that prepare sailors for the more complicated Optimist. In Pram Beginner, sailors will learn the basics of boating safety, nomenclature, rigging, sail control and steering. Sailors will sail with a partner until they are comfortable on their own.
Ages 7-9 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
Prerequisite: Pram Beginner or Pram Experienced, or 2+ weeks of Duxbury Bay Adventures
Pram Experienced is the two-week class for sailors who have completed Pram Beginner, and feel confident and capable of being in a boat alone and sailing alone. Sailors will build upon their confidence and sailing skills. Proper docking techniques, rigging, seamanship and the ability to sail a triangular course will be mastered before advancing into Optis. Sailors should take Pram Experienced until they are age eligible for Opti Experienced.
1 Week Sailing
4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 – Click to view schedule
Is your participant new to sailing, or a returning sailor looking for a one week offering? Participants will sail our RS quest with 2-3 participants. Formerly Discovery Week, this one-week class will focus on cruising around the bay using navigational buoys and flying a spinnaker. This is a great transition course between Opti’s and 420’s. Explore the Bay and visit the Powder Point Bridge, Captains Flats and Clark’s Island.
2 Week Sailing
Ages 10-12 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
Opti Beginner is the two-week, entry level sailing class for kids aged 10-12. Sailors will learn basic sailing techniques, rigging, and build confidence on the water. Sailors in Opti Beginner must know how to properly dock a boat, tie knots, rig their boat, be a safe boater and have the ability to sail a triangular course before advancing into Opti Experienced.
Ages 10-12 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
Prerequisite: Opti Beginner or 2+ weeks of Duxbury Bay Adventures
Sailors who have taken Opti Beginner and have been recommended to move up, or Opti sailors that have other Opti experience should sign up here! Our trained staff will level the group based on skill, interest and confidence in order to give the best experience possible for your sailor. Sailors will likely repeat Opti Experienced multiple times until they are age eligible for 420 sailing, or the Opti Race Team. This is a two-week program.
1 Week Sailing
Hobie Catamaran
4 hours/day, 5 days, $400 – Click to view schedule
Formerly Discovery Week, this is the perfect one-week course if you want to blast around the bay in our fastest boat, the Hobie Getaway Catamaran. Get a taste for high performance sailing in a comfortable setting that is great to socialize in. With an instructor on board participants will get a chance to sail the boat by steering the tiller or learning to control the sails. As the wind picks up, participants will be able to hook into the trapeze wire or just sit back and enjoy the ride!
2 Week Sailing
Ages 13-17 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
420 Beginner is this year’s two-week, introductory level sailing class for ages 13-17 who have no sailing experience, just outgrew Optis, or need a refresher. 420s are two person boats and sailors will be sailing with a partner each day. In this class sailors will learn basic sailing techniques, rigging, and build confidence on the water. Before receiving a recommendation to advance into 420 Experienced sailors in 420 Beginner must know how to properly dock a boat, tie knots, rig their boat, be a safe boater and have the ability to sail a triangular course as a skipper and crew.
Ages 13-17 4 hrs/Day, 10 days $675 – Click to view schedule
Prerequisite: 420 Beginner
Sailors who have taken 420 Beginner and have been recommended to move up, or 420 sailors that have other 420 sailing experience should sign up here! In 420 Experienced, sailors will build upon their confidence, sail control, steering, as well as gain a better understanding of wind, weather and how the boat functions. Sailors will be challenged to perfect their sailing techniques, including sailing upwind and using the tiller extension at all times. Towards the end of the course, sailors will begin to learn the very basic first steps to trapeze, spinnaker and racing. This is a two-week program.
Opti Race Team
Ages 10-12, $2,750
The Opti 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 on land regatta support. DBMS provides the racing Optis and handles the logistics for the boats.
In order to be eligible sailors must be recommended for the Opti Race Team, have previously competed in Opti Regattas and have a deep love for the sport of sailing.
Please contact Kyle@DBMS.org should you need further information before registering.
420 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.
Adult Programs
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 (2021 or 2022). 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 2 – July 17 or July 18 – October 14)
OPTION III – UNLIMITED FULL SEASON PACKAGE $999
(May 2 – October 14)
Ages: 19+, $195 Click here to view the schedule
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 and Marshall 15’s. 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
• We primarily race the Flying Scots, but work in the Catboats when sailor count and conditions allow.
• 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 2023 tide timings are problematic. Therefore we have needed to schedule more than usual Sunday racing this year.
• 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
Ages: 19+, $195 Click here to view the schedule
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 and Marshall 15’s. 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
• We primarily race the Flying Scots, but work in the Catboats when sailor count and conditions allow.
• 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 2023 tide timings are problematic. Therefore we have needed to schedule more than usual Sunday racing this year.
• 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 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 = $480
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.
Meet the Fleet
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.