Boating and Sailing Information
This is 2023 UPDATED information!
The Recreation Department WILL BE HOLDING BOATING AND SAILING LESSONS once again this summer! Lessons for participants will begin on Monday, July 17, 2023.
Registration is available on QuincyRec.com
About the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility
The William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility is located in scenic Merrymount Park. The boating facility is located on Black’s Creek, a pristine saltwater lagoon ideally suited for boating and sailingThis facility is named for William F. Ryan, the city’s first full time director of recreation, serving from 1955-1975. For over 50 years the instructors at the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility have taught the city’s children ages 8-16 the fundamentals of boating. We have a very experienced and friendly staff that enthusiastically teaches youngsters the fundamentals of rowing, canoeing and sailing.
Directions to the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility
You can reach the facility by going through the main entrance of Merrymount Park located on Merrymount Parkway which begins at Adams Field. Proceed up the hill and go through the Pageant Field parking lot. There you will find two granite columns that are separated by a dirt road. Follow this dirt road down the hill and eventually into the facility parking lot.
Novice Boating
The novice boating class is dedicated to all first year participants and designed to foster them with basic boating knowledge and skills.This class will include learning essential sailing knots, parts of the boats, how to correctly paddle, and safe boating techniques. The participants will get to explore all of our different boating programs including rowing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. In order to enroll in this program the participants must pass a prerequisite swim test held at Lincoln Hancock pool. In order to pass the swim test the participants must be able to swim three lengths of the pool, float for one minute, tread water for one minute and complete a surface dive.
Intermediate Boating
The Intermediate Boating class is for participants that have completed the novice boating class and are ready to enhance their boating skills. Participants will learn the art of sailing including rigging of the sails, navigating the boat, docking the sailboat and how to tell the direction of the wind. The participants will also develop their kayaking and canoeing skills by exploring the creeks that branch out of the lagoon.
Advanced Sailing
The Advanced Sailing class is for participants who can effectively display their sailing skills. In this class students begin to learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing and can be promoted to sailing individually.
Adult Membership
You’ve seen the kids do it, now it’s your turn! The facility also has an adult program where Quincy residents are able to enjoy this popular activity. Adults will be able to kayak on their own through our beautiful creeks and lagoon. Quincy residents may also sail through our lagoon and have the opportunity to take sailing lessons with our staff on in the afternoon.
We not only offer sailing lessons to the youth of Quincy, but also to adults. Our Adult membership includes two lessons, which are an hour and a half long. These lessons are made by appointment and provide knowledge of basic sailing. After taking these lessons adults will be able to sail and dock a sailboat. Upon completion of these lessons adults are welcome to come down and take out a sailboat on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons inquire at the Boathouse for days and times.
Family Boating
We offer family boating where families with experienced participants may come down to the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility and use the rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats.
Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday's from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Special Events!
Quincy Bay Race Week- This is a sailing event organized by the local yacht clubs that Quincy Recreation participates in every year. A select group of sailors from our advanced class participate in races out in Quincy Bay. This is a fun and great opportunity for students to display their knowledge of racing and sailing proudly to their family and the boating community.
Nautical Day- On the last day of the boating season we have a Family Fun Day at the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility. This is a great end to the boating season. We have many activities and all the boats ready to allow your children to show you what they learned over the summer.
How to Register
2023 Boating and Sailing Registration is online at QuincyRec.com. Registration will continue as long as openings exist.
Membership Prices
Youth - $50
Family - $110
Adult - $50
Day-Pass Kayak and Canoe - $20*
*Fee may be applied to a season membership on the day of the pass only.