The Mainsail Clinic is a special offering that lets students practice the skills important to them in order to pass the Yellow test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Yellow test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class will design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
Season NOR's
Tiller Club Home Page
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
SONAR
Prerequisite: Ideal 18 Yellow Rating & advanced class fee
Duration: 4 hours
Class Size: 8
This class builds on the advanced skills from Ideal 18 class and teaches students how to rig, moor, sail, and care for our Sonars, our largest and most popular boat. Students will also review technical skills like radio operations, sailing in a channel, and man-overboard rescues. To sail these boats students will learn to rig, reef, and sail in a variety of conditions. Students will have time on the helm, so you can safely navigate the mooring field, moor each boat, and perform a man-overboard rescue. The class will be conducted in Sonars
Sign up in advance is required through our Online Member Portal
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Mainsail I builds basic sailing skills with both on-the-water instruction and simulator demonstration. Students will spend the first half of the class reviewing Shore School content, and then get a chance to practice their skills on the water under the direction of an instructor. Skills such as tacking, gybing, steering and sail trim will get special emphasis in this class, so that students are prepared for their Mainsail II Class, and their Yellow Test.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 1 is our first class that goes into the advanced knowledge required to sail in heavy wind. You’ll learn how to effectively use a jib sail, perform man overboard rescues, and maneuver in the demanding conditions required for the Mercury red test. The Jib class is the heart of our Mercury sailing curriculum, and is designed to create competent sailors who are prepared for red test conditions. After learning how the jib sail works and how to rig it, you and another crew member will get on the water to try out your new knowledge. Your instructor will cover how to rig and trim the jib, how to coordinate your weight placement in the boat, and the procedure for man-overboard rescues. The instructor will join you on the water and coach you from a powerboat, so that each move you make is that of a solid and capable sailor. The Jib 1 class is typically taken several times before completing the test. Each time you take the class you will learn more from your classmates and instructors, and get extra practice for the demands of the test.
Who: Whether you were a college all-American or just learned the racing rules through CBI’s Learn To Race class series, you’re welcome to sail with us. A 420 or Laser rating is required to skipper. Crew may have any rating, but must match up with a skipper.
When: Monday evenings starting after 17:00. Sailors head out to race as soon as a few boats are rigged and a course is set. Racing ends 30 minutes before sunset.
Where: CBI main dock, rain or shine. If arriving late, meet us on the racecourse.
Members organize several short races most Fridays after work. Racing is informal, so boats can join at any point in the evening. A social atmosphere blending camaraderie, fun, sailing, and competition; meet new people and broaden your sailing horizons.
Who: All skill levels welcome; whether you’re a national champ or are just learning you’re encouraged to sail with us.
When: Rig anytime and head out to race as soon as a few boats are ready and a course is set — usually about 17:30. Racing ends at sunset, so come out even if you free up a bit later.
Where: Meet on the water. Look for a cluster of Mercuries, the nearby committee boat flying flags & sounding horns, and big red tetrahedrons.
What: You can race mainsail, sloop or spinnaker, solo or with friends, keel or centerboard, as long as it’s a Mercury.
See our blog below for updates, rules & racing tips, watermelon announcements, and hilarity. Sign up for email updates so you don’t miss a post; typically weekly or less:
Join us for a spooktacular evening on the dock, where the spirits will be high and the drinks will flow! On Friday, October 30th from 6 PM to 10 PM, we’re brewing up a night of hauntingly good fun.
What to Expect:
- Creepy Cocktails & More: Enjoy cider, beer, wine, and spooky seasonal cocktails to keep the chills at bay.
- Eerie Entertainment: Enjoy spine-tingling tunes and ghoulish games that will keep you howling with delight.
- Costume Contest: Dress to impress (or distress) in your best Halloween attire for a chance to win fang-tastic prizes!
Cover charge is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Buy tickets today: https://2026CBIHalloween.eventbrite.com
The Mainsail Clinic is a special offering that lets students practice the skills important to them in order to pass the Yellow test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Yellow test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class will design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Mainsail I builds basic sailing skills with both on-the-water instruction and simulator demonstration. Students will spend the first half of the class reviewing Shore School content, and then get a chance to practice their skills on the water under the direction of an instructor. Skills such as tacking, gybing, steering and sail trim will get special emphasis in this class, so that students are prepared for their Mainsail II Class, and their Yellow Test.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 1 is our first class that goes into the advanced knowledge required to sail in heavy wind. You’ll learn how to effectively use a jib sail, perform man overboard rescues, and maneuver in the demanding conditions required for the Mercury red test. The Jib class is the heart of our Mercury sailing curriculum, and is designed to create competent sailors who are prepared for red test conditions. After learning how the jib sail works and how to rig it, you and another crew member will get on the water to try out your new knowledge. Your instructor will cover how to rig and trim the jib, how to coordinate your weight placement in the boat, and the procedure for man-overboard rescues. The instructor will join you on the water and coach you from a powerboat, so that each move you make is that of a solid and capable sailor. The Jib 1 class is typically taken several times before completing the test. Each time you take the class you will learn more from your classmates and instructors, and get extra practice for the demands of the test.
Jib Clinic is an opportunity for supervised practice towards your Red Test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Red test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class may design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
Season NOR's
Tiller Club Home Page
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 2 teaches the finer points of advanced boathandling and crew coordination. In this class, you will learn to sail without a rudder! Rudderless sailing, while not required for the red test, gives a sailor a deeper understanding of the forces at work when a boat is under sail. This class is focused specifically on sailing a boat using only the sails and your own weight; no rudder required. You’ll learn how sail trim and heel affect how a boat moves, so that you can make your turns better, tacks smoother, and gybes safer. Any sailor who has taken Jib 1, and wants to greatly increase their sailing knowledge, should take this class.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
When you’re ready for the next step in sailing, this is where to go. Take this course to learn the tips and tricks that will prepare you for more challenging conditions, and get you ready for the Mercury yellow test.
Mainsail II builds basic skills into sailing competency, in order to prepare you for the Mercury yellow test. It will cover the finer points of tacking and gybing, sail trim, and best practices for keeping your boat flat in heavier wind. You’ll be accompanied by a trained instructor in a powerboat, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice on a real test course out on the water.
Who: Whether you were a college all-American or just learned the racing rules through CBI’s Learn To Race class series, you’re welcome to sail with us. A 420 or Laser rating is required to skipper. Crew may have any rating, but must match up with a skipper.
When: Monday evenings starting after 17:00. Sailors head out to race as soon as a few boats are rigged and a course is set. Racing ends 30 minutes before sunset.
Where: CBI main dock, rain or shine. If arriving late, meet us on the racecourse.
Members organize several short races most Fridays after work. Racing is informal, so boats can join at any point in the evening. A social atmosphere blending camaraderie, fun, sailing, and competition; meet new people and broaden your sailing horizons.
Who: All skill levels welcome; whether you’re a national champ or are just learning you’re encouraged to sail with us.
When: Rig anytime and head out to race as soon as a few boats are ready and a course is set — usually about 17:30. Racing ends at sunset, so come out even if you free up a bit later.
Where: Meet on the water. Look for a cluster of Mercuries, the nearby committee boat flying flags & sounding horns, and big red tetrahedrons.
What: You can race mainsail, sloop or spinnaker, solo or with friends, keel or centerboard, as long as it’s a Mercury.
See our blog below for updates, rules & racing tips, watermelon announcements, and hilarity. Sign up for email updates so you don’t miss a post; typically weekly or less:
Jib Clinic is an opportunity for supervised practice towards your Red Test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Red test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class may design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 2 teaches the finer points of advanced boathandling and crew coordination. In this class, you will learn to sail without a rudder! Rudderless sailing, while not required for the red test, gives a sailor a deeper understanding of the forces at work when a boat is under sail. This class is focused specifically on sailing a boat using only the sails and your own weight; no rudder required. You’ll learn how sail trim and heel affect how a boat moves, so that you can make your turns better, tacks smoother, and gybes safer. Any sailor who has taken Jib 1, and wants to greatly increase their sailing knowledge, should take this class.
Want to take your sailing to the next level? This class is designed to teach the usage and safety of using a spinnaker. The class will cover rigging, hoisting, trimming, gybing, and lowering a spinnaker. Students will learn in Keel Mercuries.
Sign up in advance is required through the Online Member Portal
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
When you’re ready for the next step in sailing, this is where to go. Take this course to learn the tips and tricks that will prepare you for more challenging conditions, and get you ready for the Mercury yellow test.
Mainsail II builds basic skills into sailing competency, in order to prepare you for the Mercury yellow test. It will cover the finer points of tacking and gybing, sail trim, and best practices for keeping your boat flat in heavier wind. You’ll be accompanied by a trained instructor in a powerboat, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice on a real test course out on the water.
The Mainsail Clinic is a special offering that lets students practice the skills important to them in order to pass the Yellow test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Yellow test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class will design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Mainsail I builds basic sailing skills with both on-the-water instruction and simulator demonstration. Students will spend the first half of the class reviewing Shore School content, and then get a chance to practice their skills on the water under the direction of an instructor. Skills such as tacking, gybing, steering and sail trim will get special emphasis in this class, so that students are prepared for their Mainsail II Class, and their Yellow Test.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 1 is our first class that goes into the advanced knowledge required to sail in heavy wind. You’ll learn how to effectively use a jib sail, perform man overboard rescues, and maneuver in the demanding conditions required for the Mercury red test. The Jib class is the heart of our Mercury sailing curriculum, and is designed to create competent sailors who are prepared for red test conditions. After learning how the jib sail works and how to rig it, you and another crew member will get on the water to try out your new knowledge. Your instructor will cover how to rig and trim the jib, how to coordinate your weight placement in the boat, and the procedure for man-overboard rescues. The instructor will join you on the water and coach you from a powerboat, so that each move you make is that of a solid and capable sailor. The Jib 1 class is typically taken several times before completing the test. Each time you take the class you will learn more from your classmates and instructors, and get extra practice for the demands of the test.
Who: Whether you were a college all-American or just learned the racing rules through CBI’s Learn To Race class series, you’re welcome to sail with us. A 420 or Laser rating is required to skipper. Crew may have any rating, but must match up with a skipper.
When: Monday evenings starting after 17:00. Sailors head out to race as soon as a few boats are rigged and a course is set. Racing ends 30 minutes before sunset.
Where: CBI main dock, rain or shine. If arriving late, meet us on the racecourse.
Members organize several short races most Fridays after work. Racing is informal, so boats can join at any point in the evening. A social atmosphere blending camaraderie, fun, sailing, and competition; meet new people and broaden your sailing horizons.
Who: All skill levels welcome; whether you’re a national champ or are just learning you’re encouraged to sail with us.
When: Rig anytime and head out to race as soon as a few boats are ready and a course is set — usually about 17:30. Racing ends at sunset, so come out even if you free up a bit later.
Where: Meet on the water. Look for a cluster of Mercuries, the nearby committee boat flying flags & sounding horns, and big red tetrahedrons.
What: You can race mainsail, sloop or spinnaker, solo or with friends, keel or centerboard, as long as it’s a Mercury.
See our blog below for updates, rules & racing tips, watermelon announcements, and hilarity. Sign up for email updates so you don’t miss a post; typically weekly or less:
The Mainsail Clinic is a special offering that lets students practice the skills important to them in order to pass the Yellow test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Yellow test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class will design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
SONAR
Prerequisite: Ideal 18 Yellow Rating & advanced class fee
Duration: 4 hours
Class Size: 8
This class builds on the advanced skills from Ideal 18 class and teaches students how to rig, moor, sail, and care for our Sonars, our largest and most popular boat. Students will also review technical skills like radio operations, sailing in a channel, and man-overboard rescues. To sail these boats students will learn to rig, reef, and sail in a variety of conditions. Students will have time on the helm, so you can safely navigate the mooring field, moor each boat, and perform a man-overboard rescue. The class will be conducted in Sonars
Sign up in advance is required through our Online Member Portal
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Mainsail I builds basic sailing skills with both on-the-water instruction and simulator demonstration. Students will spend the first half of the class reviewing Shore School content, and then get a chance to practice their skills on the water under the direction of an instructor. Skills such as tacking, gybing, steering and sail trim will get special emphasis in this class, so that students are prepared for their Mainsail II Class, and their Yellow Test.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 1 is our first class that goes into the advanced knowledge required to sail in heavy wind. You’ll learn how to effectively use a jib sail, perform man overboard rescues, and maneuver in the demanding conditions required for the Mercury red test. The Jib class is the heart of our Mercury sailing curriculum, and is designed to create competent sailors who are prepared for red test conditions. After learning how the jib sail works and how to rig it, you and another crew member will get on the water to try out your new knowledge. Your instructor will cover how to rig and trim the jib, how to coordinate your weight placement in the boat, and the procedure for man-overboard rescues. The instructor will join you on the water and coach you from a powerboat, so that each move you make is that of a solid and capable sailor. The Jib 1 class is typically taken several times before completing the test. Each time you take the class you will learn more from your classmates and instructors, and get extra practice for the demands of the test.
Jib Clinic is an opportunity for supervised practice towards your Red Test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Red test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class may design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 2 teaches the finer points of advanced boathandling and crew coordination. In this class, you will learn to sail without a rudder! Rudderless sailing, while not required for the red test, gives a sailor a deeper understanding of the forces at work when a boat is under sail. This class is focused specifically on sailing a boat using only the sails and your own weight; no rudder required. You’ll learn how sail trim and heel affect how a boat moves, so that you can make your turns better, tacks smoother, and gybes safer. Any sailor who has taken Jib 1, and wants to greatly increase their sailing knowledge, should take this class.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
When you’re ready for the next step in sailing, this is where to go. Take this course to learn the tips and tricks that will prepare you for more challenging conditions, and get you ready for the Mercury yellow test.
Mainsail II builds basic skills into sailing competency, in order to prepare you for the Mercury yellow test. It will cover the finer points of tacking and gybing, sail trim, and best practices for keeping your boat flat in heavier wind. You’ll be accompanied by a trained instructor in a powerboat, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice on a real test course out on the water.
Who: Whether you were a college all-American or just learned the racing rules through CBI’s Learn To Race class series, you’re welcome to sail with us. A 420 or Laser rating is required to skipper. Crew may have any rating, but must match up with a skipper.
When: Monday evenings starting after 17:00. Sailors head out to race as soon as a few boats are rigged and a course is set. Racing ends 30 minutes before sunset.
Where: CBI main dock, rain or shine. If arriving late, meet us on the racecourse.
The 2026 annual meeting of the corporation will be held on Monday October 19th in the Wolfson Room at Community Boating beginning promptly at 6:30pm and running until approximately 9:00pm. At 5:45pm the Board President will facilitate a Q&A with the 2026 board candidates.
More information here: https://www.community-boating.org/annual-meeting-of-the-corporation-2026/
Members organize several short races most Fridays after work. Racing is informal, so boats can join at any point in the evening. A social atmosphere blending camaraderie, fun, sailing, and competition; meet new people and broaden your sailing horizons.
Who: All skill levels welcome; whether you’re a national champ or are just learning you’re encouraged to sail with us.
When: Rig anytime and head out to race as soon as a few boats are ready and a course is set — usually about 17:30. Racing ends at sunset, so come out even if you free up a bit later.
Where: Meet on the water. Look for a cluster of Mercuries, the nearby committee boat flying flags & sounding horns, and big red tetrahedrons.
What: You can race mainsail, sloop or spinnaker, solo or with friends, keel or centerboard, as long as it’s a Mercury.
See our blog below for updates, rules & racing tips, watermelon announcements, and hilarity. Sign up for email updates so you don’t miss a post; typically weekly or less:
Jib Clinic is an opportunity for supervised practice towards your Red Test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Red test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class may design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
IDEAL 18
Prerequisite: Mercury Red Rating & advanced class fee
Duration: 3 hours
Class Size: 6
This class teaches advanced sailors how to rig, moor, sail, and care for our Ideal 18s which offer better performance than a Mercury, and are our most popular boats on busy days. Students will also gain technical skills like radio operations, sailing in a channel, and man-overboard rescues. To sail these boats students will learn to rig, reef, and sail in a variety of conditions. Students will have time on the helm, so you can safely navigate the mooring field, moor each boat, and perform a man-overboard rescue. The class will be conducted in Ideal 18s
Sign up in advance is required through our Online Member Portal
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Jib 2 teaches the finer points of advanced boathandling and crew coordination. In this class, you will learn to sail without a rudder! Rudderless sailing, while not required for the red test, gives a sailor a deeper understanding of the forces at work when a boat is under sail. This class is focused specifically on sailing a boat using only the sails and your own weight; no rudder required. You’ll learn how sail trim and heel affect how a boat moves, so that you can make your turns better, tacks smoother, and gybes safer. Any sailor who has taken Jib 1, and wants to greatly increase their sailing knowledge, should take this class.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
With demonstrations and boat simulators, Shore School explains all the theory you’ll need to start sailing. An experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of reading wind, trimming sails, steering a boat, and more. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get out and back to the dock safely, and you’ll even get a chance to practice these skills in our simulator located on the dock. and When you have completed this class, you’ll be prepared to take the Mercury green test!
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Shore School class viewable here.
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
When you’re ready for the next step in sailing, this is where to go. Take this course to learn the tips and tricks that will prepare you for more challenging conditions, and get you ready for the Mercury yellow test.
Mainsail II builds basic skills into sailing competency, in order to prepare you for the Mercury yellow test. It will cover the finer points of tacking and gybing, sail trim, and best practices for keeping your boat flat in heavier wind. You’ll be accompanied by a trained instructor in a powerboat, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice on a real test course out on the water.
The Mainsail Clinic is a special offering that lets students practice the skills important to them in order to pass the Yellow test. It is highly recommended that this class be taken after your first Yellow test attempt, if you didn’t pass. Instructors for this class will design custom drills and learning experiences based on what the class indicates as it’s greatest needs.
Season NOR's
Tiller Club Home Page
This class will teach you your port from starboard, mainsheet from mainsail, and just about everything else you need to know about our boats. A trained instructor will cover parts of the boat, sailing terminology, dock procedures, and how to set a boat up and how to break it down so that you can be well on your way to sailing on the Charles. This class is conducted in the classroom, and in our parked boats at the dock, and you’re encouraged to take notes.
Available for sign up 2 weeks in advance, through your member portal.
Online Rigging class viewable here.
Mainsail I builds basic sailing skills with both on-the-water instruction and simulator demonstration. Students will spend the first half of the class reviewing Shore School content, and then get a chance to practice their skills on the water under the direction of an instructor. Skills such as tacking, gybing, steering and sail trim will get special emphasis in this class, so that students are prepared for their Mainsail II Class, and their Yellow Test.
For every sailor who walks through our door, start here! This class will get you familiar with how everything works at CBI. The orientation class is the gateway to everything that CBI has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or brand new to boats. Done entirely on the dock, your orientation will include a guided tour of CBI’s boats and facilities, an overview of our classes and programs, as well as plenty of time to ask the questions that matter to you as a sailor.
Jib 1 is our first class that goes into the advanced knowledge required to sail in heavy wind. You’ll learn how to effectively use a jib sail, perform man overboard rescues, and maneuver in the demanding conditions required for the Mercury red test. The Jib class is the heart of our Mercury sailing curriculum, and is designed to create competent sailors who are prepared for red test conditions. After learning how the jib sail works and how to rig it, you and another crew member will get on the water to try out your new knowledge. Your instructor will cover how to rig and trim the jib, how to coordinate your weight placement in the boat, and the procedure for man-overboard rescues. The instructor will join you on the water and coach you from a powerboat, so that each move you make is that of a solid and capable sailor. The Jib 1 class is typically taken several times before completing the test. Each time you take the class you will learn more from your classmates and instructors, and get extra practice for the demands of the test.
Who: Whether you were a college all-American or just learned the racing rules through CBI’s Learn To Race class series, you’re welcome to sail with us. A 420 or Laser rating is required to skipper. Crew may have any rating, but must match up with a skipper.
When: Monday evenings starting after 17:00. Sailors head out to race as soon as a few boats are rigged and a course is set. Racing ends 30 minutes before sunset.
Where: CBI main dock, rain or shine. If arriving late, meet us on the racecourse.
Members organize several short races most Fridays after work. Racing is informal, so boats can join at any point in the evening. A social atmosphere blending camaraderie, fun, sailing, and competition; meet new people and broaden your sailing horizons.
Who: All skill levels welcome; whether you’re a national champ or are just learning you’re encouraged to sail with us.
When: Rig anytime and head out to race as soon as a few boats are ready and a course is set — usually about 17:30. Racing ends at sunset, so come out even if you free up a bit later.
Where: Meet on the water. Look for a cluster of Mercuries, the nearby committee boat flying flags & sounding horns, and big red tetrahedrons.
What: You can race mainsail, sloop or spinnaker, solo or with friends, keel or centerboard, as long as it’s a Mercury.
See our blog below for updates, rules & racing tips, watermelon announcements, and hilarity. Sign up for email updates so you don’t miss a post; typically weekly or less:
Please join us for our annual Halloween Night Regatta on Friday October 30th.
Our Keel Mercuries and Sonars will be used for this event. Decorating and costuming of boats is encouraged and boats should be returned to their pre hallows’ eve condition upon completion of the evening’s trick-or-treating. No single-handing; minimum 2 sailors per boat (only corporeal sailors count towards these limits). Boats will be assigned by the Race Committee in a devilish manor. Reefing will be allowed, and may be required by CBI to prevent ghoulish outcomes.
Click here for the NOR & more details.
Schedule:
5:30pm - Skipper’s meeting (come rigged and in costume)
6:00pm - First Warning Signal (haunting begins)
7:30pm - No race begins after this time (the witching hour)
Skipper Requirements:
Keel Mercuries: Must have Mercury Yellow
Sonars: Must have Sonar or Keelboat Red
Registration: Sign up through your member portal
Registration opens Friday, October 16th. Only skippers need to register.
Race Fees (per boat): $10 Keel Mercuries || $20 Sonars
