The southern coastal region of Massachusetts offers some of the finest sailing waters on the East Coast. Whether competing in 50-foot-plus racing yachts from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda every other June or maneuvering single-handed Optimist dinghies around inflatable buoys, sailing on the South Coast impresses many.

Once the sport of the more privileged, learning to sail is now within the reach of children and adults thanks to a group of passionate sailors determined to bring their sport to the masses. With pride and dedication, the team at the Community Boating Center in Clarks Cove, New Bedford, understands that sailing offers more than just a fun ride. It is a sport that teaches courage, endurance, team work and mental alertness…skills critical for success in life.

The beginnings of the Community Boating Center, or “CBC” as it is affectionately known, date back to the mid- ’90s when area social worker JoAnn Clarke recognized that many area children had little to do in the summer. With her interest in sailing, the concept of using the sport to help kids was born.

The growth of the CBC and its programs has been remarkable for a primarily volunteer based organization. In 1998, the program incorporated as a 501(c) (3) public charity “dedicated to enriching the lives of area youth by exposing them to a new and challenging environment built upon a foundation of trust and respect.” The coastal setting of New Bedford made it the perfect location for area youth to expand their lives from the streets and tenements to the waters of their neighborhoods. The program’s focus on safety, fun and education transforms the daily lives of many well beyond the summer.

Simply put, the Community Boating Center uses sailing to teach life skills to local kids. Kids who may not learn about trust, respect, good judgment and teamwork in their personal lives for a myriad of reasons can acquire these skills while holding a tiller and a mainsheet.

Sailing requires attention to detail, physical strength, cooperation and respect of the marine environment. There is no room for disrespect and bad choices. In combination, kids come to CBC to learn to sail while having fun and learning some powerful lessons about life.

Sarah Hitchcock of Dartmouth previously worked with the CBC programs. Her experience and skill goes beyond the boats she so handily maneuvers with the kids.  “We are mentors to the kids and positive role models so it isn’t just about sailing” Hitchcock, a former Tabor Academy and University of Hawaii sailor explains.

The sailing programs at CBC have grown immensely over the past years, indicating just how popular and beneficial the organization is. Sailing instruction designed to meet the needs of children from age five through adulthood is offered in numerous types of boats.“We sail all types of boats to match the different programs. Sonars, a 23-foot stable and roomy boat is perfect for adults. Vanguard 420s are quick and responsive and the intermediate and advanced kids love them,” Hitchcock explains.

The fleet also includes eleven Catalina Capris, a 14 foot sloop perfect for honing the skills of introductory sailing and four Laser Picos for more advanced learning.

The ever popular Optimist sailing dinghy designed for sailors weighing between 50-120 pounds.  It has become the world standard for introductory junior trainers. In an Opti, learning the skills of sail handling and boat maneuvering serves as a foundation for sailing all other boats.

In addition to instructional programs, CBC offers Monday night racing in the Club 420s and Sonar classes. Sailors can sign up for a series for $50 or on a per race basis for $20.

Filling a huge need in the area, sailing at CBC has become an intramural sport for UMass-Dartmouth students as well as offering after school sailing for kids in the seventh through twelfth grades.

“High school sailing represents the fastest growing segment of sailing in the United States,” Hitchcock says explaining that students from Nativity Prep have been coming to CBC for quite some time.

The future of the Community Boating Center is bright. An artistic rendition of the Master Plan proudly hangs on the wall of the Clarks Cove facility. Supported through program fees, grants and the spirit of volunteerism, CBC’s annual fundraiser takes place each May to kick off the sailing season. The event, known as the “Opening of the Bay” raises scholarship money for inner city kids wanting to benefit from their many programs. The well attended and exciting event is synonymous with the unofficial start of the boating season and is embraced by many area sailors and CBC supporters.

The Community Boating Center will no doubt take numerous tacks as it continues to grow and flourish into the future but the way in which it empowers kids will always be at its core.  To learn more about the programs and to support the wonderful work being done, visit www.communityboating.org . This organization proves that together we can improve the world even if it’s one little boat at a time.

Last summer, I started giving consideration to getting into kayaking. It’s something I always wanted to do but never made the time to pursue. Being a lifelong coastal Massachusetts resident, I grew up swimming, sailing and enjoying our local beaches, so I knew it would be a natural fit…I just had to get out there and try it.

I bought a used kayak, but I invested in a new paddle and most importantly, a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD) specific to kayaking. It zippers up the front, has mesh pockets and tends to sit above the waist allowing me freedom to paddle. Although I am an experienced swimmer and tend to kayak in flat coastal waters, I always wear it.

I invested in a pair of fingerless gloves, which allow me to have a firm grip on the paddle, and a small, dry bag for carrying a camera, cell phone (which I won’t answer) and a dry towel. I wanted to keep this sport simple and not overload on accessories. Since my car has a multipurpose roof rack, I load the kayak on top and tie it down. I do need help with this maneuver, as the kayak is not overly heavy, and luckily, it is not hard to find at any public boat ramp.

The basic act of kayaking is quite simple, but sometimes the trickiest maneuver is getting in or out of the kayak gracefully (or at least successfully enough to move onto the next step). As with any small boat, you begin by stepping into the middle of the open area, known as a cockpit, and lowering yourself in quickly, but with control. If you are launching from a beach, you will most likely be in about six inches or more of water, so some waterproof footwear makes sense.

Once you are in the kayak, position your legs forward with your feet on the brackets and your knees slightly bent. Most kayaks have “pegs,” which are adjustable. I find them very helpful because you are able to brace your lower body to give you stability for the upper body movement of paddling. Once in the kayak, you may need to push off the bottom with your paddle if it is shallow or get a manual push from someone nearby.

Paddling is a series of alternate strokes produced by dipping the blade of the double-ended paddle just under the surface of the water and pulling back. You can vary the depth and pull of each stroke, which allows you more control. You steer the kayak with your paddling by modifying paddle placement and direction of force on the water. Kayaks are pointed at both ends, so they glide nicely in response to your paddling. Since any water sport requires good judgment, stay in shallow water in a protected area while you learn the initial skills of kayaking. Better yet, take an introductory lesson.

In Westport, Osprey Sea Kayaking Adventures, located on Old County Road, offer instruction, rentals and sales in kayaking and related paddle sports for all ages and skill levels. According to their website, www.ospreyseakayak.com, their location offers the perfect spot for instruction and adventures on the water:

“Our shop in Westport, Massachusetts, is located at the Head of the East Branch of the Westport River. The Westport River is known for its picturesque rural landscape, easy paddling, and great birding (we have New England’s largest concentration of breeding ospreys). We’re located within minutes of pristine salt marshes, protected bays and harbors, and the open waters and waves of Buzzards Bay and The Elizabeth Islands.”

As a Dartmouth resident, I can launch my kayak at the Apponagansett boat ramp, where I can leave my car as long as I have a resident sticker, which costs $35. This is a great deal to be able to access the waters north of the Padanaram bridge, which are perfect for novice kayaking. The sunsets are beautiful and on Wednesday nights in the summer, outdoor concerts at the Apponagansett beach can be enjoyed on the water, from the comfort of your kayak.

There are numerous locations in Dartmouth that offer kayak launching and easy access to flat water. The Russells Mills Landing on 50 Horseneck Road (just past Davol’s Country Store) is open year round at no charge, and has a canoe/kayak launch for access to the Slocum River. Paskamanset Park (879 Russells Mills Road) is a newly opened park with a canoe/kayak launch, from which you can access to the Paskamansett River.

If you are looking to kayak with other people, the Lloyd Center in Dartmouth offers a great schedule of canoe and kayak trips, including equipment and tour guides. Coming up in June, they are offering a Full Moon’s Women’s Canoe trip and a Slocum River kayak tour. Events like these offer a great way to relax in the natural environment, meet new people, and get some exercise as well. Visit their website at www.lloydcenter.org for more information and registration.

Kayaking’s popularity is growing as people realize it is a fairly inexpensive recreational pursuit that can be enjoyed close to home with friends and family. Explore your region with a kayak to gain a fresh perspective on the natural beauty the South Coast area has to offer.