June
2004 - If you’ve ever traveled Route 9 or been to Vinny T’s,
you’ve passed Lake Park and Regatta Point Park, perhaps without
even realizing it. You may have noticed a boat race or maybe a motorboat
or sailboat filled with people soaking up the sun. Separated by 1.3 miles of water, the two parks offer fun for everyone this summer. With the crew season over, Lake Quinsigamond’s premiere national racing course is now ready to host its second wave of visitors, curious citizens looking for an adventure or an outdoor activity to help pass the hot and lazy summer months.
Both parks offer the public a variety of “land” activities like picnicking and walking; but if a summer on the water is what gets you excited, Regatta Point is the place for you. Located on the Worcester side of Lake Quinsigamond, Regatta Point Community Sailing (RPCS) is a non-profit organization whose motto, “Sailing for All,” is an invitation to people of all ages and abilities to come enjoy the sport of sailing. RPCS offers sailing and boating
safety instruction to the general public at, or below, cost. “It is expensive to rent a sailboat,” said John Mullaney of the RPCS. “They are delicate, fragile and expensive, but we are able to teach users how to take care of the boats, which allows us to make them available to rent at a lower rate.”
The RPCS has 25 boats available for use, ranging from the White 14 boat, the primary training boat, to the Flying Scot, a 19-foot p e r f o r m a n c e sloop fit for up to eight sailors. Mullaney said that the RPCS sees customers of all types at the lake. “We have a group of kids from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, and groups of adults who come from all over. The talent level ranges from little to no experience,” he said.
Mullaney says that many people who visit RPCS have friends who own boats and who have encouraged them to learn more. “Lots of people come in to learn something new or they see the lake and they want to enjoy it in some way,” he said. Mullaney, who has been sailing for over 40 years, started because he wanted to see if he could do it. “Sailing is very empowering because you are able to harness nature, the wind, for your own enjoyment and pleasure,” he said. “It is also environmentally friendly, because there is no gas or oil. You are outside and active and it is a sport almost anyone can do.”
“Everyone who comes here loves it. They all enjoy our program and the way we run it,” said Mullaney. RPCS offers sailing lessons for adults and children, a small rowing program and sailboat races exclusively for adults, a junior traveling sailboat racing team and a summer camp sailing program for kids. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boats are also available for rent at the RPCS. Mullaney says that the RPCS reaches out to the community as best it can, inviting at-risk children or children with limited financial resources to participate in the sailing programs. “We apply for grants to help these types of people enjoy the sport,” he said. “We follow the idea that if you want to do it, we’ll find a way to help you.”
The eight one-week summer sailing camp sessions for kids ages 8 and up start June 27. Children can come learn teamwork and the art of sailing. Scholarships applications are available. For more information on the camp or on any of the programs the RPSC offers, contact John Mullaney at 508-757- 2140 or visit http://www.regattapoint. org/fleet.html.