The Massachusetts Bay League is the largest and oldest local group of high school sailing teams in the country. The League was first established in 1977 as the Greater Boston League with 7 charter member schools and renamed in 1980 with the addition of two more schools. As high school sailing has become more popular, we have grown to include more schools. Today, we serve over 400 kids from more than 25 schools. Our activites are described in our brochure, our strategic plan, and an article that was recently published by the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA). Approximately half of our member teams sail primarily at Community Boating, Inc., on the Charles River in Boston, while the remaining teams sail at various venues in eastern Massachusetts.

For the teams sailing at Community Boating, Inc., the growing number and the continuing development of our student sailors has increased the demand on the fleet of boats available to us. In particular demand are 420s, a high-performance double-handed racing dinghy widely used in high school sailing. While there is a plentiful supply of Cape Cod Mercurys, a sturdy but slower boat, until recently there were only 13 420s to share among 15 teams. Moreover, these 420s are showing their age (1989 and 1993) and heavy use - we share them with the summer youth program and the women's racing program at Community Boating.

In January 2003, the League launched a multi-year effort to raise funds to purchase new 420s and to expand the fleet to 24. This is the first time that the League has undertaken such an ambitious effort in its 25-plus year history. To purchase 24 brand new boats, it will likely cost at least $130,000. Even of we decide to get 24 well-maintained used, but much younger, boats, it will likely cost $70,000.

During the winter of 2006-07, we were able to reach a formal agreement with Community Boating, Inc., to share the cost of purchasing newer 420s, to enlarge the fleet to 24 boats, and to replace these boats on a continuing basis every few years. Under this new partnership, we have obtained 12 2003 420s to replace 6 of the oldest 420s. It is anticipated that we will replace the remaining older boats with newer boats sometime in the next 2 years.

Each of our teams at Community Boating contribute to this effort annually. These contributions made it possible to get the first 12 boats. To get the next 12 boats, we need help from both individuals and organizations.

There are many ways that you can help:

• Donate directly to our 420 Fund using JustGive —— More Info
• Shop on the Internet using iGive.com —— More Info
• Shop at Amazon.com from the League's web site —— More Info
• Shop on the Internet using Giveline.com —— More Info
• Search the Internet using GoodSearch.com —— More Info
• Sponsor a clinic
• Sponsor a regatta
• Spread the word with our Pitch In Flyer

Please consider supporting the League so that we can continue to provide high school sailing as part of the high school experience. Since we are a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, all such donations are fully tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss this with your sailing coach or any of the League’s officers.