Courageous Sailing Center

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Courageous Sailing Center Mission
To transform lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership.

Courageous Sailing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community sailing center that provides education and ocean access to Greater Boston community members of all ages and from all walks of life. Vision
To embrace sailing as a platform for life-long learning and growth; to be a center of sailing excellence committed to removing barriers to access for all Boston youth, the public and people with physical and intellectual challenges. History
Courageous Sailing was established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) by the late South Boston sailing enthusiast Harry McDonough. It was Harry’s dream to use sailing to build character and camaraderie among Boston children from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. For 25 years, we have continued to grow and deliver our mission to transform children’s lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership. In Harry’s words, “Every child’s perspective is improved 50-yards off-shore.”

Courageous is now a nationally recognized year-round educational center for community sailing and youth development. Courageous offers Boston-area youth free and low-cost out-of-school-time programs in sailing, environmental education, job skills development, and leadership training. In 2011 we were honored to be named one of the top 10 community sailing programs nationwide by both US Sailing and Sail Magazine. How Courageous Got Its Name
The America’s Cup 12 meter “Courageous” once lived at Pier 4 in the Navy Yard. This two-time America’s Cup winner lent its name to Courageous Sailing in the late 1980s. The boat now resides at the Museum of Yachting in Newport, Rhode Island, where it has been restored and is still being raced.

10/04/2026

J80s looking good at the finish! Psyched to have five great teams participating in the fall J80 series!

09/30/2026

Our 2026 video just dropped! It's all about something dear to our hearts and yours: connecting people to the water, today and in the future. Huge shoutout to our amazing youth and staff narrators!

'Tis the season of school field trips, adaptive sailing, after school sailing, and getting companies out on the water, a...
09/15/2026

'Tis the season of school field trips, adaptive sailing, after school sailing, and getting companies out on the water, and volunteers are always a big part of making it happen! We're looking for confident keelboat skippers to take people sailing, and on-land help for Charlestown Adaptive Sailing Day this Sunday as well!

Get the details and sign up to help with:
Youth and Adaptive Sailing: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949A8A928A5FA7-65796629-fall #/
Corporate Events: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949A8A928A5FA7-65288019-2026 #/
A Rhodes 19 on-the-water checkout, short Zoom interview, and background check are required for new volunteers.

Sailing movie alert! Today is opening night for Mighty Mary, a documentary about the first all-women America's Cup team ...
09/11/2026

Sailing movie alert! Today is opening night for Mighty Mary, a documentary about the first all-women America's Cup team narrated by and directed by . Come to opening weekend and see some badass women in action! It's at AMC Boston Common:
Friday, September 11 - 7:15pm
Saturday, September 12 - 1:00pm
Sunday, September 13 - 2:15pm

Ready to check “learn to sail” off your bucket list? 🍂 Join us this fall for lessons on Boston Harbor! Sign up now, add ...
09/11/2026

Ready to check “learn to sail” off your bucket list? 🍂 Join us this fall for lessons on Boston Harbor! Sign up now, add a membership, and you’ll be sailing with us through 2027. Let’s make unforgettable memories on the water together! ⛵️
https://courageoussailing.org/adult-community/courses/

Drop in tonight for a tour of The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean's 60-foot research sailboat and learn about their wo...
09/08/2026

Drop in tonight for a tour of The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean's 60-foot research sailboat and learn about their work on ocean microplastics! No sign-up needed, just stop by Courageous--American Promise will be on our dock.

This fall, your Courageous Sailing membership goes further than ever. Enjoy Fall 2026 FREE and keep exploring through Oc...
09/06/2026

This fall, your Courageous Sailing membership goes further than ever. Enjoy Fall 2026 FREE and keep exploring through October 31, 2027. Ready for more unforgettable moments on the water? Join us and make every fall day count!
https://courageoussailing.org/adult-community/memberships/

Whether you’re new to sailing or a seasoned pro, Courageous is where you’ll find friendship, adventure, and a place to b...
09/02/2026

Whether you’re new to sailing or a seasoned pro, Courageous is where you’ll find friendship, adventure, and a place to belong. Memberships last through October 2027, but don't wait until next year to start making memories that will last a lifetime! Ready to join the Courageous crew? Drop a comment or send us a message to learn more! https://courageoussailing.org/adult-community/memberships/

Fall on Boston Harbor is pure magic. 2 months of crisp air, golden sunsets, and peaceful sails are here! 🍂⛵️Join for 202...
08/30/2026

Fall on Boston Harbor is pure magic. 2 months of crisp air, golden sunsets, and peaceful sails are here! 🍂⛵️Join for 2027 today, and enjoy free membership through this October. Who's ready to set sail this season? https://courageoussailing.org/adult-community/memberships/

NEW THIS FALL! Meet the Fleet offers new cruising members the opportunity to join us on the Harbor to get to know our bo...
08/28/2026

NEW THIS FALL! Meet the Fleet offers new cruising members the opportunity to join us on the Harbor to get to know our boats, community, and sailing area before committing to the 2027 season. Spots are limited, so secure yours for $1000 today!
*All new members must pass a checkout sail before their first reservation, reach out to our front desk team to schedule yours today! [email protected]

Address

197 8th Street
Charlestown, MA
02129

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 7pm
Tuesday 12pm - 7pm
Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 8:30pm

Telephone

+18574521769

Website

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