Summer Sailing school

Beginner Sailing

Our Beginner Sailing course is the first step in Bourne Community Boating’s core sailing curriculum and provides a strong foundation for future sailing development.

Led by one or two certified instructors, students are introduced to essential sailing skills in a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment. Sailors learn knot tying, parts of the boat, rowing, rigging and derigging, launching and landing, basic sailing techniques, and boat maneuvering while building confidence and independence on the water.

Students primarily sail stable 8-foot single-handed pram sailboats, with opportunities to experience additional boats as their skills progress. The program emphasizes safety, confidence building, teamwork, and respect for the marine environment, making it an ideal introduction for first-time sailors.

This course runs as a two-week session, though students are strongly encouraged to enroll for four weeks to reinforce skills, build confidence, and fully excel before advancing to the next level.

This program is designed for students aged 8 and older (having completed second grade by June), and no previous sailing experience is required.

Advanced Beginner Sailing

The Advanced Beginner Sailing course builds upon the skills introduced in Beginner Sailing and is designed for students who are comfortable with basic boat handling and ready to further develop their confidence on the water.

Under the guidance of certified instructors, sailors refine core sailing techniques while learning more advanced skills such as sail trim, balance, and weight placement to improve boat control and performance. Students continue sailing 8-foot pram sailboats while also being introduced to larger 16-foot Bullseye sailboats, with opportunities to experience additional boats as their abilities progress.

The program focuses on strengthening foundational skills, increasing independence, and encouraging safe, confident decision-making on the water while maintaining a fun and supportive learning environment.

This course runs as a two-week session, though students are strongly encouraged to enroll for four weeks to reinforce skills, gain consistency, and fully prepare for advancement into Intermediate Sailing.

This program is ideal for sailors ages 9–11 who have completed Beginner Sailing or have equivalent introductory sailing experience.

Intermediate Sailing

Intermediate Sailing is designed for experienced sailors who are ready to move beyond foundational instruction and begin sailing confidently and independently. Building on skills developed in Advanced Beginner, students refine boat handling, sail control, and decision-making while sailing primarily in single-handed Laser sailboats. Instruction focuses on advanced maneuvering, boat balance, sail trim, and adapting to a wider range of wind and water conditions, helping sailors become capable and self-reliant on the water. At this level, sailors begin applying their skills in more performance-focused sailing while being introduced to basic racing concepts, including course awareness, boat positioning, and efficient maneuver execution. The program blends skill development with early racing experience, preparing sailors for future participation in Learn to Race. This course runs as a four-week session, allowing sailors the time needed to develop consistency, independence, and confidence while transitioning toward more advanced sailing and competitive opportunities. Intermediate Sailing is intended for students ages 11–15 who have completed Advanced Beginner Sailing (or equivalent experience) and receive instructor recommendation for advancement.

Learn to Race

BCB’s most advanced sailing course serves as the capstone of the junior sailing curriculum and introduces sailors to the world of competitive sailboat racing. Designed for students who have demonstrated strong skill and commitment in Intermediate programs, this class marks the transition from recreational sailing to performance-focused racing.

Sailors train primarily in Club 420s, developing teamwork, boat handling precision, and race strategy while preparing for opportunities to compete against local clubs and participate in regional regattas. Emphasis is placed on independent decision-making, tactical awareness, and confident boat control in a wide range of conditions.

Advanced technical topics include:

Performance sail trim
Crew coordination and weight placement
Starts and race strategy
Boat-on-boat tactics
Rudderless sailing and boat feel
Heavy-air and high-performance boat handling

This program is intended for older or highly motivated sailors who have completed earlier BCB levels and possess a strong foundation in independent sailing. Students should be comfortable rigging, launching, and sailing without direct supervision and be ready to pursue advanced techniques and competitive racing.

What class is best for my kid?

If you’re unsure which class is best for your child, we recommend enrolling them in the lower-level class. It’s easier, and more fun, for instructors to move sailors up once they demonstrate readiness rather than moving them down. Our coaching team regularly evaluates sailors to ensure every student is placed where they can learn, succeed, and enjoy their experience on the water. If you’re still unsure, please feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help you choose the best fit!