Summer Fun at Quannapowitt Yacht Club!

If you've ever walked around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, then you have undoubtedly enjoyed watching the sailboats gliding along the water or racing each other around a marker. Why not join the Quannapowitt Yacht Club (QYC) and discover the great sport of sailing without the cost or expense of owning a boat. Founded in 1895, QYC is the oldest inland yacht club in the country and a true hidden gem on the North Shore.

QYC has a modern club house, plenty of space on the rigging docks, a large safe anchorage, club sailboats and dinghies for you to use. In addition, Lake Quannapowitt is the perfect size lake on which to learn, while providing challenging wind shifts for the more seasoned sailor and offering a big enough venue for regional regattas. Whether you are an experienced sailor or are a newcomer to the sport, QYC offers a friendly and supportive environment. After a sail, enjoy a refreshing cool lake breeze under the oak covered deck with other families and friends. Take advantage of the grill and clubhouse kitchen facilities and make the most of the waterfront view from one of multiple decks and eating areas.

QYC offers lessons for all ages, so the entire family can experience the joys of sailing together. While you do not need to be a member of QYC to take advantage of the youth or adult sailing lessons, there are many benefits to becoming a member, including: reduced fees for lessons; a place to moor your boat; year round social activities; and an exciting place to sail all season long in a convenient location.

QYC will host the first of three open house events on Sunday April 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Additional open houses will be hosted on Wednesday May 24 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday June 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Members will be on hand to answer questions about the Youth Sailing Program, Adult Sailing Lessons, the schedule of racing and social events for the season, and becoming a member of QYC. Guests can also take a tour of the facilities, have some fun learning how to tie different sailing knots and receive information about this historic yacht club.

QYC's Youth Sailing Program is a registered camp with the Town of Wakefield’s Board of Health. The sailing program enrolls students starting at 8 years of age and entering third grade to high school. This is a fun way to learn to sail with kids from different communities while forming lifelong friendships. The club even offers a “Try It” weeks for younger beginners – first time campers aged 8-11 may sign up for just the first week of any regular sailing session. The second week can then be added, if desired. Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with four sessions available: Session: I 6/26-7/7; Session II: 7/10-7/21; Session III: 7/24-8/4; Session IV: 8/7-8/18. The non-member Sailing Program fees are $635.00 per 2 week session, with Session I prorated for the July 4th holiday. For further information about the Youth Sailing Program, please email email qycysp@gmail.com or call the Youth Sailing phone number at 781-281-9772. Note: QYC members get a reduced rate.

Advanced racing programs are also offered, as well as the opportunity to participate in several regattas in Massachusetts. The Racing Program is a 4 week program that takes place during sessions I and II or sessions III and IV, with a non-member cost of $1300. (Note the first session also prorated for the July 4th holiday.)

Registration is open now with priority given to returning sailors who enrolled in the 2016 program. Registration forms should be completed online. Upon receipt of your registration, a confirmation letter and invoice will be emailed to you, along with instructions on completing required forms. Payment may be made online – instructions will be sent with the invoice.

For more information about QYC, call (339) 203-9201, email info@sailqyc.com, or visit www.sailqyc.com.