Community Boating – Accessible Boating In Boston, MA

Community Boating, Inc. is the nation’s oldest, continuously running public sailing center, incorporated in 1946. The mission of Community Boating is to enable “Sailing for All”. We offer sailing and other water sports to people of all ages, abilities, and means in the greater Boston area. We promote an accessible and welcoming environment that encourages learning, volunteerism, and community spirit.

For over 70 years, Community Boating has served as the public sailing playground in Boston, offering “sailing for all” in our Junior as well as Adult Programs. In 2007, we were fortunate to work with the DCR Universal Access Program, the EOEA’s (Executive Office of Environmental Affairs) Office of Public Private Partnerships and Genzyme Corporation to create the Universal Access Program at CBI, providing sailing for individuals with special needs or those who may need special attention or assistance.

In the Universal Access Program, persons with disabilities and their guests have the use of specialized, accessible sailboats and transfer equipment, dedicated staff assistance to get in and out of the boats, and sailing instruction, all for an affordable membership fee of $50 (a reduced fee of $1 is available to anyone in need). Members reserve 75-minute sailing lessons or guided recreational sails that are customized to meet individual needs. Members who elect to sign up for sailing lessons track their progress as they accomplish goals on the way to achieving ratings on our various vessels. We also offer group sailing classes and competitive racing opportunities in conjunction with our Adult and Junior programs.

Veterans Partnerships
CBI was fortunate to receive an Adaptive Sport Grant in both 2017 and 2018 from the Veteran’s Administration to provide sailing lessons, recreational sailing, and racing opportunities to veterans. This grant lets CBI deliver season-long programming on brand-new RS Venture Connect keelboats. All veterans are eligible for complimentary Universal Access Program memberships and to sign up for sailing appointments. In partnership with the VA and the Home Base Program, CBI hosts a series of open houses throughout the season for veterans and their families and friends.