Since 1971, MSA has offered top-notch sailing instruction to students of all ages. This year, MSA will introduce a revised curriculum, class structure, and progression that will improve instruction across skill levels and promote the environment of learning, passion, and community that MSA is known for.
The Summer 2025 Junior Sailing Curriculum is outlined below:
Our Classes
Learn to Sail is designed for the first-time sailor. It introduces fundamental sailing skills, promotes sailing safety, and fosters a passion for the sport! Sea Urchins is a similar program designed for the youngest. Introductory classes take place during both weekday mornings and afternoons. Sign up for the time you prefer!
Our two beginner classes are for those who've completed a year of Sea Urchins or one session of Learn to Sail. These classes will build on basic skills and teach advanced dinghy-handling skills through innovative lessons and fun games! Both classes take place weekdays from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Adventure Sailing is the perfect way to take beginner skills to the next level through adventures around the bay, on-water games, and fun activities. We encourage sailors enrolled in beginner classes to participate in this class concurrently or during subsequent sessions. It's also open to intermediate or advanced sailors who aren't interested in racing. Adventure Sailing is held weekdays from 12 to 4 PM.
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Session 1
June 23
to July 3
Session 2
July 7
to July 18
Session 3
July 21
to August 1
Session 4
August 4
to August 15
MSA's three Race Teams are competitive programs that teach and promote advanced sailing skills, racing strategy, competition rules, teamwork, and the Corinthian spirit of sailing.
Each team trains at MSA and travels to several regattas across the region. Green Fleet practices every weekday from 1 to 4 PM. The Opti and C420 Race Teams practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon from 1 to 4 PM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Registration for Green Fleet is available on per-session (2 weeks) basis. Opti and C420 Race Team registration is available only for the entire summer (8 weeks).
For more information about the teams and prerequisite experience first-time racers need, contact Tommy McCormick, Program Director: tommy@manchestersailing.org
Opti Green Fleet Team
Our Green Fleet Team for first-time racers (ages 8 - 13) will hone sailing skills and introduce the lifelong sport of sailboat racing.
On- and off-the-water instruction will introduce the rules of racing, basic race tactics, and race-oriented handling of the Optimist dinghy. Green Fleeters will have the opportunity to participate in local Cape Ann area regattas, including MSA’s own Green Fleet Regatta.
Eligible sailors will have completed several sessions of Beginner Opti or demonstrate a strong intermediate skill level.
Opti Race Team
This class promotes mastery of the sport of sailing. It will make young racers well-rounded, independent, confident, and capable of sailing in all coastal weather conditions.
Sailors who join the Opti Race Team will, depending on their race readiness, parental support, and coach guidance, participate in local and travel regattas in the Massachusetts Bay area and beyond.
Those previously on the Green Fleet Team may join. Sailors with no racing experience over age 13 are encouraged to register for the C420 Team.
C420 Race Team
MSA’s C420 Race Team is for sailors (ages 13-18) with solid sailing experience ready to train for local and regional regattas.
This class focuses on mastering sailing and racing two-person dinghies. When complete, racers will be well-rounded, independent, confident, able to work well with a partner, and capable of sailing in all coastal weather conditions.
With hard work, team spirit, and expert advice from our phenomenal coaching staff, the team will wow spectators and win trophies whenever they compete!
Sailors who join the C420 Race Team will, depending on their race readiness, parental support, and coach guidance, participate in local and travel regattas in the Massachusetts Bay area and beyond.
Sailors who have completed several Beginner C420/Laser sessions, previously raced Optis, or have a solid intermediate/advanced skill level are welcome to join the team.
Choosing a Class at MSA
Picking a class can be intimidating, but we're here to help! There's a perfect class for every sailor who comes to MSA. If you're new to MSA, check out the selection guide to the right. If you joined us last summer, refer to the recommendation provided by your instructor at the end of the session. The Program Director can provide this if you cannot access it, and you're encouraged to reach out and request it or contact us with another question or concern. We're here to help make registration easy!
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We're Here to Help.
Whether you're wondering what class to register for, need help navigating our registration platform, or are interested in learning about MSA's scholarships, newcomers and returning families are encouraged to contact our Program Director, President, or other team members, all of whom are eager to welcome you back to sailing and get you out on the water!
