Per Massachusetts Environmental Police laws, starting April 1, 2026, anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in Massachusetts will be required to complete an approved boating safety education course. The goal is to ensure that every boater has the skills and knowledge needed to operate their vessel safely, reducing accidents and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for all. The education program will cover important topics such as:

• Navigation Rules: Understand how to safely maneuver on the water and avoid collisions.
• Emergency Procedures: Learn what to do in case of an emergency to protect yourself and your passengers.
• Environmental Protections: Gain awareness of practices that protect Massachusetts' treasured natural resources. 

• If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must complete the course by April 1, 2026, with no penalties assessed until September 1, 2026.
• If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you’ll have until April 1, 2028, to complete the course. 

The course is offered online and costs less than $50 - you can enroll here https://www.boat-ed.com/massachusetts/

You can take the course for free in person at one of these scheduled events https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boating-safety-course-schedule

Photo by Skip Russell

Massapoag 76th Regatta big boats Day 1 - After breakfast, the morning brought spotty wind so PRO Roger Sharp kept us on shore rather than floating on the water. Mark Riefenhauser was out sailing and helping the RC judge the situation and that was appreciated! We stayed on shore through lunch. We finally got wind later in the dsy and the RC managed 2 great races, one with a 45° wind shift that they quickly adjusted for. Following that was Donna Rousseau and team treating us to an incredible array of appetizers and cocktails. And then, we had our steak, chicken, lobster and pasta dinner and make your own sundaes desserts. 

Day 2 - 4 more races today! Thanks to all who came and all who helped. All in all, a really fun event!

Photos by Skip Russell and others are here. Results are here.

Jay McNeff and crew ran 2 light air races for the MYC Junior regatta today. There wrre 9 boats racing RS Zests, Sunfish, Laser, 420 and a Flying Scot. They followed that with a cookout and awards back at the club. Congratulations to Nicholas Noren for his repeat win this year! In the expert category, Zander Lai and Henry Do tied for first place.

Massapoag teams went to Saratoga this weekend for their Flying Scot regatta. We had 2 long light air races on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. The Eckarts came in 1st and the Kampfs came in 2nd. Always a fun time at Saratoga.