moderate
2–3 hours per session
Participants should have basic physical fitness with good balance and endurance for handling the boat and spending time on the water.
The Fall Youth Sailing Club in Wareham, Massachusetts offers free afterschool sailing lessons for kids aged 11-17, combining skill-building and coastal adventure on the picturesque Buzzards Bay. Discover why this club is a top choice for young sailors in the fall season.
Free Afterschool Club - Ages 11-17
Get out on the water this Fall at Onset Bay Center! This afterschool program runs on Thursdays, 3-5pm. This is a drop in program; Come for one day or every session! Spend your fall afternoons out on the bay, learning the basics of sailing on our RS Quest and RS Zest sailboats. This program is FREE and open to all children ages 11-17! No prior experience needed, all levels welcome!
To register: Select the date(s) you plan to attend, and complete the form. Registration for this program includes registration for the entire session.
What to expect: Each week, participants will spend Wednesday afternoons engaged in sailing on the water and sail theory in the center. Honing skills alongside peers and an experienced instructor, participants will learn sailing basics and watersport safety. Snacks provided each day!
What to bring: Comfortable clothing to move around, considering the weather, that is able to get wet, as participants may practice capsizes. Closed toed shoes that can get wet. Warm and waterproof layers to be outside each day, consider wind and temperature. Extra set of clothes and shoes to change at the end of the program. NO cotton or denim clothing- wool, fleece, or other synthetic fabrics are best. Rain boots, and rain pants are a must on wet days. We will out on the water, on the beach, and in the center for our programs, and will very likely get wet, so please plan accordingly!
Fall days on Buzzards Bay can be chilly and windy—wear thermal layers and waterproof jackets to stay comfortable.
Arriving 15 minutes early helps youth acclimate to their boats and receive crucial safety briefings before heading out.
Always use the provided lifevests correctly to ensure safety on the water during all sailing sessions.
Bring a water bottle and light snacks; sailing demands good hydration and energy, especially in cooler weather.
Buzzards Bay has a rich maritime history including colonial-era shipbuilding and Native Wampanoag heritage.
Local organizations focus on protecting coastal water quality and seabird habitats to preserve Buzzards Bay’s unique ecosystem.
Thermal and windproof layers keep you warm during cooler fall sailing days.
fall specific
Protects against spray and wind while on the water.
fall specific
Provides traction on wet decks to maintain footing and safety.
Keeps you hydrated throughout active sailing sessions.