Worcester’s Inside Guide: Regatta Point Community Sailing

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

In my opinion, one of Worcester’s greatest resources is Regatta Point Community Sailing (RPCS) located on Lake Quinsigamond in the State Park. This singular non-profit organization helps both kids and adults learn the joys and skills of sailing while teaching responsible boating and environmental awareness.

Throughout their 52 year history, RCPS has been dedicated to providing access to boating for the general public, especially for youth in Central Massachusetts, RCPS is an extremely affordable membership organization. In keeping with the organization’s motto “Sailing for All”, RPCS prices its programs to ensure that the greatest number of people can participate. They utilize grant funds to keep the cost of children’s programming reasonable.

In the late 50s, the then Department of Environmental Management contacted Community Boating of Boston for help creating a community boating organization that would serve Worcester area residents. Plans were drawn up for what would later become the John F. Kennedy Boat House on Lake Quinsigamond. On July 1, 1960, Community Sailing of Worcester first opened its doors to the public. Sailing programs were offered to children 12 and up and a month later, adult programs were added. As they say, the rest was history.

Today, Regatta Point Community Sailing offers three programs for children. The summer camp begins in June and runs for 10 weeks for kids 9-16 with limited sailing experience. Junior membership is for kids from 12-18 with some sailing experience. This program is a summer long program designed for children who really enjoy sailing and want to develop technique. It also offers a chance to become a staff member. Deckhands is an after school program which runs in the spring and fall and teaches boating fundamentals.

The many benefits of exposing children to the joys of sailing and the mastering of the skills required to become adept have been documented through the years. Sailing fosters confidence and resilience that helps equip young sailors for anything they may face in life. It also offers those rare moments away from electronics and the opportunity to experience something completely new.

Since promoting that love of sailing, the techniques and how to enjoy being out on the water is the prime goal of Regatta Point Community Sailing, adults are also a vital part of the program. RPCS uses an all inclusive membership approach. One flat fee covers all group lessons, boat usage, guest privileges with proper certification, and kayaks. There are programs for beginning and experienced sailors. Adult racing clinics and a racing program are also available for those looking to challenge themselves.

For those looking for a way to be out on the lake other than by sailing, RPCS offers rentals of kayaks, canoes and paddleboats. Rates range from $15 to $20 an hour.

For concerned parents, safety at RCPS is important. Many staff members are life-guard certified. Participants must be able to swim 75 yards and tread water for 3 minutes and life jackets are provided. Trained staff members constantly supervise the sailing area and RCPS offers safety launches with radios ready to assist anyone at any time.

It is never too late to learn to appreciate the joys of being out on the water and to feel a breeze filling the sails. RPCS provides the opportunity for area residents to experience the joys of a night sail or the thrill of reaching the destination ahead of the crowd.

Opening day was April 16 and the program is ongoing through October 19. Adult membership is available for as little as $169.00 and is all-inclusive so there are no additional charges for guests, boat rentals or group lessons. There will be a charge for private lessons, trips and events. For more information, log on to http://www.regattapoint.org/. The office phone number is (508) 757-2140  and email: [email protected].

Insider Tip: Applications can now be done on line!

Susan D. Wagner is a Worcester resident and president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity. She is also Managing Partner for The Boston Ad Agency and Director of Corporate Communications for Boston Web Designers.