YACHT CLUB OF THE YEAR
We are thrilled to announce that Constitution Yacht Club has been named the Massachusetts Bay Sailing Association (MBSA) Yacht Club of the Year for 2025 — and we couldn't be prouder.
The award was presented at the MBSA Annual Banquet in November 2025, recognizing CYC's outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing over the past year. From competitive racing programs, to creative solutions to challenges our sport faces, to community events and a welcoming atmosphere for sailors of all experience levels, this honor reflects the dedication and passion of every single member who makes CYC what it is.
This recognition belongs to all of you — the racers who show up week after week, the volunteers who keep things running behind the scenes, the new members who brought fresh energy to the club, and the longtime members who have given so much to this community over the years. It takes a full crew to sail a boat, and it takes a full club to earn an award like this.
We are grateful to the MBSA for this recognition and proud to represent the best of what sailing in Massachusetts has to offer. Here's to another incredible year on the water.
Constitution Yacht Club
Rules Refresher & Social!
When: Wednesday, March 25th @ 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Where: Rope Walk, 131 5th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 (New Venue)
Ahoy Sailors!
Join us for a social event and basic Racing Rules of Sailing refresher focusing on the start, mark roundings and finishes. The presenter is John Pratt of the Appeals Committee at US Sailing. This will be an interactive presentation mainly focused on the most common situations.
Take advantage of the social meet and greet between successful one-design and Big Boat/Handicap skippers/owners looking to network for crew and crew who are looking for a boat to race on for both weekdays and weekend racing for the upcoming season.
Open to all - racers, potential racers, friends, sailors, sporadic racers, club members, Jr members, high school, college, out of college, boat owners, crew, new to sailing, new to the area, fun people, etc.
Boating License by April 1st?!
Massachusetts has a new boating law, and it affects everyone on the water. Governor Maura Healey signed the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act into law on January 8, 2025, requiring all boat operators in the Commonwealth to obtain a boater safety certificate. With the deadline approaching, now is the time to make sure you're in compliance.
The act is named in honor of David Hanson, a young man who tragically lost his life in a boating accident in 2010, and Paul Milone, the late Weymouth Harbormaster who dedicated his career to boating safety and was a major advocate for this legislation. Their families championed the bill for years, and its passage is a meaningful step forward for everyone who loves Massachusetts waters.
What does the law require?
Boat operators must pass a boater safety education program and examination to obtain a safety certificate, which must be present on the vessel during operation.
What are the deadlines?
Anyone born after January 1, 1989, must obtain their certificate by April 1, 2026, with no penalties assessed until September 1, 2026. Anyone born on or before January 1, 1989, has until April 1, 2028.
Are there any exemptions?
Exemptions apply to merchant mariners, active members of the Armed Forces qualified to operate motorboats, and students at maritime schools. Boaters who already hold a valid safety certificate — including NASBLA-approved certificates from other states — will not need to retake the exam.
Where can you get a license?
The USCG Auxiliary is offering 2 one day Boating Safety courses in May:
May 10 at Chelsea Yacht Club from 8:30am to 4:30 pm.
May 17 at Winthrop Elks from 8:30am to 4:30 pm.
The cost is $50 for 1 student, a second student sharing the text book is only $25 more. This course is also good for youths over 12 wanting to operate a motor boat or over 16 wanting to operate a PWC.
Please contact Harvey directly at the number or email below to register for the course. Payment is by cash or check.
Harvey Leibovitz Flotilla 51, Winthrop. MA (617) 407-9030 hlebo12@verizon.net
At CYC, we're proud to be part of a community that takes safety seriously. If you haven't already completed your certification, we encourage you to do so before the deadline. Several approved courses are available online and in person throughout Massachusetts.
Fair winds and safe sailing, The Constitution Yacht Club