FAQ

UAP Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments

What can I expect during my first appointment?

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to CBI. During your Orientation Sail, you will receive your membership card, and we will process your membership application if it was not received ahead of time; we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to your first appointment to complete this administrative paperwork. Next, your instructor will give you an orientation to CBI, and will work with you to determine your goals and needs for sailing. Don’t worry, it’s not all paperwork, we will get you out sailing the first time!

What will I learn?

Our UAP curriculum follows CBI’s format used in the Adult and Junior Programs. You may find that our lessons prepare you for a membership in these programs.

Can I bring guests and furry friends?

For Guided Recreational Sails, space allows for you plus five (5) guests on our Sonar sailboat.

For Sailing Lessons, guests are also welcome to share the experience with you. We can fit you plus five (5) guests on our Sonar sailboat. On a Keel Mercury and RS Venture, we can fit you and one (1) guest.

You can specify the number of guest seats that you would like to book when you make the reservation.

Dogs are welcome during all lessons and recreational boat rides. They must wear life jackets. We have a limited number of dog life jackets available at the boathouse.

Does it cost money to bring guests?

No, guests will receive complimentary guest cards that they should bring with them each time they visit CBI. If a guest card is lost or forgotten, a replacement card must be obtained at the Front Office free of charge.

Does CBI cancel UAP lessons and recreational boat rides during inclement weather?

For safety reasons, all UAP appointments will be held on-shore when wind velocities meet or exceed the red flag criteria as determined by the dockmaster on duty.

When extreme winds are forecast, CBI will attempt, to the best of our ability, to contact members whose appointments are likely to be impacted by this restriction.

UAP appointments will be canceled when CBI closes due to thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, snowstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, or apocalypse.

Can I sail during Adult Program hours?

UAP members can sail as crew for Adult Program sailors, and we encourage members to use this option to sail outside of their appointments. However, UAP appointments are only available during UAP hours.

Can I sign my group up for a UAP membership?

UAP has numerous valuable partnerships with various hospitals, schools, day programs, and care facilities. We offer groups the opportunity to sign up for UAP together and attend our sailing classes and recreational boat rides. Our programming can be customized to fit your group. Please contact [email protected] for more information on signing up.

What does CBI offer for veterans?

CBI was fortunate to receive an Adaptive Sport Grant in both 2017 and 2018 from the Veteran’s Administration to provide sailing lessons, recreational sailing, and racing opportunities to veterans. This grant lets CBI deliver season-long programming on brand-new RS Venture Connect keelboats. All veterans are eligible for complimentary Universal Access Program memberships and to sign up for sailing appointments. In partnership with the VA and the Home Base Program, CBI hosts a series of open houses throughout the season for veterans and their families and friends.

Can I race with someone who is not a member of the Adult Program?

No. If you have a friend who has racing experience and would like to participate in informal racing with you, encourage them to join the Adult Program. They are more than welcome to accompany you during a UAP appointment as well.

Accessibility

What if I am an Adult Program member who has a temporary need for special assistance?

Adult Program members with a temporary need for special assistance can suspend their membership and sign up for a UAP membership. During the duration of the UAP membership, the member will not have skipper privileges within the Adult Program.

What kind of special equipment do you have?

Hoyer lift.
Adaptive seats.
- With harnesses and belts.
Adaptive skipper’s chair.
Modified Keel Mercuries.
Supplemental seating.
Modified steering devices.

What sailing opportunities are available to me as a UAP member?

Personalized, individual one-on-one sailing lessons.
Recreational boat rides.
Racing.
Adult Program shore classes (Rigging, Shore School, Orientation, Learn to Race, Navigation Classes, Guest Speaker Series).
Crewing for Adult Program members.

What social opportunities are available to me as a UAP member?

CBI is a thriving community with opportunities to volunteer, participate in events, parties, and social sailing.

Do you offer parking?

The boathouse does not have any onsite parking, but limited parking is available at the LAZ lot next to Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and the Charles/MGH Red Line stop, a five-minute walk from CBI.

More parking info here

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