Sail Away on Cape Cod

Cape Cod has long conjured images of carefree vacationers sailing the inviting, deep blue waters offshore. With a shoreline that extends for miles and miles and harbors galore, it is truly a sailor’s paradise. 

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Cape’s waters or a beginner hoping to get your feet wet, the Cape has something for anyone who dreams of hours spent among the ocean waves and sea breezes. So, where to start? 

There are numerous organizations based on the Cape for those who wish to sail, and a number of them provide lessons for beginners in the sport. Cape Sail has locations in Harwichport (for big boat instruction) and Brewster’s Upper Mill Pond (for day sailing); there are even overnight sailing opportunities for those learning the skills to strike out on their own. At Cape Cod Sailing School, certified instructors teach lessons in everything from rigging to basic navigation to learning essential knots. And Sail Cape Cod offers both adult and family sailing instruction, complete with first aid and safe boating courses.

For those not wishing to take the helm, chartering a sailboat with an experienced captain and crew is an option at many of the Cape’s sailing academies and organizations. Enjoy a ride aboard the catboat Eventide out of Hyannis Harbor with its relaxing atmosphere, stocked bar, and galley. Or head to Wellfleet for an afternoon sail around the harbor at Outer Cape Sailing, which also offers sunset sailing and overnight charters.

For the younger set, consider a sailing camp. Cape Cod Sea Camps offers both day and resident camps for kids ages 8 to 17 where campers not only learn about sailing, but also participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, canoeing, and water safety. Buzzards Sailing School in Pocasset is a community sailing school for students ages 8 to 18. 

The Namequoit Sailing Association also provides summer junior sailing programs for kids. They recently launched a campaign to raise money to replace some of the boats in use. Their motive, like that of many nonprofit sailing associations, is to keep sailing alive for generations to come.

For boat owners looking to moor their sailboats, there’s no shortage of locations to do so, from yacht clubs to harbors to private residences. You can find out about mooring permits, fees and tide tables from harbor masters. If you’re looking to participate in a regatta, look no further than the Chatham Yacht Club or Hyannis Yacht Club. Provincetown also plays host to an annual, five-day race. 

Those looking to rent a sailboat for a day or longer won’t be disappointed. From Hyannis to Chatham, there are companies devoted to renting all manner of watercraft. Those wishing to rent from a private owner can check listings on the Internet for short- and long-term rentals from boat owners on the Cape. 

And of course the Cape has no shortage of sailing equipment and supply venues, often located at or near marinas. Should you incur damage to your boat or simply need a little detailing done, BoatWorx of Cape Cod provides marine service, maintenance, and repair.

Those blissful images so many of us have of sailing off the Cape are a reality for the thousands of residents and vacationers who flock to the region each year. With all you need to fulfill your dreams of cruising its inviting waters, Cape Cod is indeed a sailor’s delight.